On this free tour of Beijing's hutongs, we'll explore the narrow alleyways that make up the Old Town of the Chinese capital. Step back in time for a traditional experience!
Beijing's Hutongs
Our free tour will begin at the designated time at Exit E of the Nan Luo Gu Xiang metro. From there, we'll begin walking to the historic Nanluoguxiang Hutong, an 800-meter-long (2,624-foot) alley dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. Here, the first hutongs and courtyard houses began to take shape.
As we walk along this alley, we'll enjoy the mix of old and modern Beijing, with its trendy bars, delicious restaurants, unique hostels, themed stores, and street vendors. We'll also see the typical gray houses, accompanied by century-old trees, a living testimony of Beijing's traditional architecture.
Next, we'll head to Mao'er Hutong, once known as Zitong Temple, a preserved corner that will show us the essence of the ancient streets of Beijing. Here, we'll discover legendary stories, such as the Empress Wanrong, who lived in one of these mansions, or Feng Guozhang, who also lived in this narrow area.
We'll then stop at a narrow canal that connects the Qianhai and Houhai lakes, in the heart of the Shichahai area, where the serenity of the terraces next to the water will be a magical landscape.
Later, we'll step inside the famous "Tobacco Pipe Lane," called this way because of the passion of the former residents of this tobacco plant. You'll be surprised how this tradition boosted the opening of specialized stores that gave this neighborhood its identity.
We'll wrap up our tour in front of the Beijing Drum and Bell Towers, ancient guardians of time in Beijing, after 2 hours.
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