Beijing Hutong Night Tour with Yunnan Style Dinner and Chartered Boat Ride at Houhai Lake

Beijing , China

Beijing Hutong Night Tour with Yunnan Style Dinner and Chartered Boat Ride at Houhai Lake

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(5 reviews)

3h - 4h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Treat yourself to an unforgettable Beijing evening! Start with a delicious dinner at one of the city’s most renowned local Yunnan restaurants, where you’ll relish dishes brimming with the province’s signature fresh, herb-forward flavors and unique ethnic culinary touches. Next, hop aboard a private hand-cranked boat for a serene cruise on Houhai Lake, taking in the magical night scenery of the lake’s tranquil waters and surrounding traditional architecture. Cap off the night with a leisurely stroll through Houhai’s bustling bar street and cozy, lantern-draped hutongs—where historic alleyways come alive after dark. This all-inclusive experience covers dinner, a dedicated tour guide, and private car service throughout the journey.

Available options

Private Night Tour

Your English speaking guide will pick you up from your hotel at 17:00<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off (Beijing City hotels within the 4th ring road)

1 hour chartered Boat ride

Bottled water

Private tour

Professional guide and driver

Dinner at Little Yunnan Restaurant

Detailed itinerary

Your private guide and driver will pick you up directly from your downtown Beijing hotel, whisking you to a beloved local Yunnan restaurant nestled in the charming hutong lanes. This hidden gem—ranked No.6 in Beijing on TripAdvisor—blends old Beijing’s alley charm with Yunnan’s vibrant flavors: think dishes brimming with fresh wild fungi, fragrant herbs like lemongrass, and bold sour-spicy notes, all showcasing Yunnan cuisine, signature use of ecological ingredients and ethnic cooking wisdom . Savor iconic bites like steam pot chicken, crispy fried rice noodles, or tangy sour soup fish, surrounded by the hutongs’ warm lantern light and cozy neighborhood vibes.

Stop 2

After dinner, head to Lotus Lane (Shicha Lake Park) for a 1-hour private chartered boat ride. Drift gently across the moonlit lake as the boat glides past swaying lotus leaves and shorelines lined with red lanterns, while savoring complimentary local snacks and fragrant tea . Your guide will share stories of the lake’s 700-year history—from imperial retreat to modern leisure spot—adding depth to the twinkling night views of ancient architecture reflecting on the water.

Stop 3 Pass by

Continue to the Shichahai Scenic Resort, where Houhai Lake’s unique charm unfolds: a seamless mix of royal heritage and lively urban life . Wander along the lakeside, soaking in the glow of bar lights, the rustle of willow branches, and the distant hum of folk music, with your guide pointing out historic landmarks and sharing fascinating tales of the area’s past.

Stop 4

Finish your journey at Yandai Xie Street (Tobacco Alley), Beijing’s oldest slanting hutong. Here, you can browse quaint shops for authentic Beijing souvenirs—from handcrafted paper-cuts to traditional jade accessories—or sample iconic local snacks (at your own expense) like creamy milk curd, crispy sugar-coated haws, and savory sheep offal soup . Every corner blends ancient alley charm with lively market energy, wrapping up your 2-3 hour tour with unforgettable flavors and memories.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Beijing City.

What's not included

Gratuities

Alcoholic drinks or fresh juicy at Little Yunnan(available to purchase)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Age under 4 is free to join

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

About Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is a city of immense historical significance and modern dynamism. It's home to iconic landmarks, ancient palaces, and a vibrant contemporary culture that blends tradition with modernity. The city offers a unique mix of ancient history, cultural treasures, and modern advancements.

Top Attractions

The Great Wall of China

One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 kilometers. The most accessible sections near Beijing are Badaling and Mutianyu.

Historical Half day to full day ¥40-80 (depending on the section)

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts and offers a glimpse into China's imperial past.

Historical 2-3 hours ¥60 (March-October), ¥40 (November-February)

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for good harvests.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥15 (Temple area), ¥35 (Temple and park)

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a retreat for emperors to escape the summer heat and is known for its beautiful landscapes and architecture.

Historical 3-4 hours ¥30 (Park and palace area), ¥60 (Boat ride included)

Hutongs

Hutongs are traditional narrow alleys and residential neighborhoods that offer a glimpse into old Beijing's way of life. Exploring hutongs provides an authentic experience of local culture and history.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, but consider paying for guided tours or Rickshaw rides

798 Art Zone

The 798 Art Zone is a contemporary art district located in a former military factory. It's home to numerous art galleries, studios, and cultural events, making it a hub for Beijing's art scene.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, but some galleries may charge admission

Must-Try Local Dishes

Peking Duck

A iconic dish of Beijing, Peking Duck is roasted to perfection and served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. The crispy skin and tender meat make it a must-try for any visitor.

Main Course Contains meat (duck), gluten (pancakes and sauce)

Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles)

A popular Beijing street food, Zhajiangmian consists of hand-pulled noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from fermented soybean paste and minced pork. It's often served with cucumber and bean sprouts.

Main Course Contains meat (pork), gluten (noodles and sauce)

Jianbing (Savory Crepes)

A popular Beijing street food, Jianbing is a savory crepe made with a batter of wheat and mung bean flour, filled with egg, scallions, and hoisin sauce. It's crispy, delicious, and perfect for a quick breakfast on the go.

Breakfast Contains eggs, gluten (batter and sauce)

Baozi (Steamed Buns)

Baozi are steamed buns filled with various ingredients, such as pork, beef, or vegetables. They are a popular street food and can be found in many markets and food stalls throughout Beijing.

Snack Can be vegetarian or contain meat, depending on the filling; contains gluten (bun)

Popular Activities

Hiking the Great Wall Rock climbing in the Huairou District Mountain biking in the outskirts of Beijing Boat rides on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace Tea ceremonies at traditional teahouses Gardens and parks at the Temple of Heaven and Beihai Park Exploring the Forbidden City and other imperial palaces Visiting temples and religious sites

Best Time to Visit

September to October, April to May

These months offer the most pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing. The city is vibrant with cultural festivals and outdoor activities.

15-25°C (59-77°F) 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin Chinese
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and by younger generations)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8 (China Standard Time)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and tourist spots

Beijing is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night and in less touristy areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when using taxis, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting the journey
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and tourist spots
• Be wary of strangers offering services or attractions at inflated prices, and only use licensed and reputable tour guides and operators

Getting there

By air

Beijing Capital International Airport • 32 km (20 miles) northeast of city center
Beijing Daxing International Airport • 46 km (29 miles) south of city center

By train

Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station

By bus

Beijing Sihui Bus Station, Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Beijing Subway is efficient, affordable, and widely used. It's the best way to navigate the city, especially during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing, Tencent Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Dongcheng Xicheng Chaoyang Haidian Shijingshan

Day trips

The Great Wall at Mutianyu

70 km (43 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a less crowded and more scenic section of the Great Wall, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's a popular day trip from Beijing for those looking to experience the Great Wall without the large crowds.

The Great Wall at Jinshanling

130 km (81 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Jinshanling is a remote and less restored section of the Great Wall, offering a more authentic and adventurous experience. It's a popular day trip for those looking to explore the Great Wall's wild and rugged beauty.

The Great Wall at Simatai

120 km (75 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Simatai is a unique and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, known for its dramatic and picturesque landscape. It's a popular day trip for those looking to experience the Great Wall's beauty and history in a more intimate setting.

Festivals

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) • January or February (varies by lunar calendar) Lantern Festival • 15th day of the first lunar month (varies by year) Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) • April 4th or 5th (varies by solar calendar)

Pro tips

Use the official Beijing Subway app for route planning and real-time updates
Carry a VPN to access restricted apps and websites, such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the city's many attractions and neighborhoods
Try local snacks and street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience