Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture
Active
5h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Beijing: Ancient Towers & Cricket King
Step 700 years back into the soul of Old Beijing.
Historic Echoes: Start at the Bell & Drum Towers. See massive drums and climb up for panoramic views of the grey-tiled Hutong rooftops.
Courtyard Life: Enter a private home to practice calligraphy and make dumplings. Enjoy a traditional Beijing soul food light lunch served in a quiet, local courtyard.
The Cricket King: Meet a renowned Cricket Master in person. Discover this unique Lao Beijing tradition and the legends of these tiny "warriors."
Rickshaw Journey: In Shichahai, board a rickshaw through winding alleys. See the real, unfiltered daily life of families living in historic courtyards.
Finale: We end at Yandaixiejie, an 800-year-old street famous for artisan shops and street food. Great for gifts!
Arrival: Set DiDi to YaoJi ChaoGan Gulou (姚记炒肝鼓楼店). Face the shop, take the alley to your left, walk 1 min to the Drum Tower (鼓楼) gate.
Available options
Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture
What's included
30mins Ride of Rickshaw at ShiChaHai
Cricket King's Master Experience's Entrance Fee
Dumpling Making Workshop materials
Drum and Bell Tower Entrance tickets
Professional English Tour Guide
Lunch (Beijing Soul Food Style Lunch with the Dumplings you make during your workshop)
Chinese Calligraphy Workshop kit
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Step out of the modern rush and into ancient history. Our tour starts at the foot of the Bell and Drum Towers, the legendary timekeepers of old Beijing. Here, the air feels different. We’ll explore the massive timber beams and stone foundations that once synchronized the lives of millions, feeling the weight of seven centuries of history as we look out over the timeless horizon of the Hutong neighborhoods.
2
Stop 2
After our tower visit, we’ll walk over to a nearby courtyard to slow down and live like a local. You'll try your hand at Chinese calligraphy and learn to make your own dumplings from scratch! Your host will then prepare a traditional Beijing style lunch for you to enjoy together.
The highlight of the afternoon is a visit to a second courtyard, where we’ll meet a legendary Cricket King. Cricket fighting and appreciation is a deeply rooted Old Beijing tradition (Lao Beijing), and you’ll get a first hand look at this unique world through the eyes of a true master.
3
Stop 3
After our deep dive into the world of the Cricket King, we’ll make our way to Shichahai (什刹海) the historic "Three Lakes" area that has served as a playground for princes and poets for centuries.
To truly experience the city as the nobility once did, we will board a traditional rickshaw. This is the ultimate "dynastic" way to travel, whisking you through a maze of ancient alleys where history and modern life collide. You’ll see that these aren't just museum pieces real Beijingers still live, cook, and socialize in these courtyards today. It’s a rare, unfiltered look at the "real" Beijing that many travelers miss.
4
We will conclude our journey at Yandaixiejie (烟袋斜街), or "Tobacco Pipe Skewed Street." This 800 year old alley is one of Beijing’s oldest thoroughfares; its unique diagonal shape was originally designed to connect the Drum Tower to the bustling docks of Shichahai. During the Qing Dynasty, it became famous for its many shops selling long stemmed tobacco pipes, giving the street its iconic name.
Today, the street has transformed into a vibrant hub filled with artisan shops, traditional crafts, and mouth watering local street food. It is the perfect place to pick up authentic souvenirs or grab a snack. From here, you are free to continue exploring the hidden gems of the neighborhood or soak in the energy of Beijing’s nightlife on your own!
What's not included
Transportations are not included as this is a walking tour.
Everything thats not mentioned in the included section of this itinerary.
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Getting here is easy! Just type YaoJi ChaoGan Gulou (姚记炒肝鼓楼店) into your DiDi app. When you hop out, look at the restaurant and head into the alley on your left. It’s just a one minute walk to the Drum Tower (鼓楼) entrance gate. Look for the ticket shop，we’ll pick you up right there!
Important notes
Electronic Ticketing System: Please note that all attractions in China now use an integrated electronic ticketing system. Your physical passport is your only valid entry ticket. No paper tickets or digital QR codes will be issued for site entry.
Mandatory Identification: You must carry your original physical passport on the day of the tour. Copies or digital photos of your passport are generally not accepted by site security.
Liability & Refunds: Entry will be strictly denied by attraction staff if you fail to present your original passport. Please understand that we cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to missing identification. In such cases, no refunds will be provided, and any costs associated with re-booking or transportation will be the responsibility of the guest.
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
$433
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
