Things to Do in Beijing

Explore the breathtaking Mutianyu section of the Great Wall on a day trip from Beijing—an unforgettable visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Meeting guide at the metro station: line 8 or Line 6 Nan luo gu xiang station exit E.

Highlights of the tour:
* Nan luo gu xiang lane
* Mao'er Hutong
* Former Residence of Qing Dynasty Empress
* Former Residence of the President of the Republic of China
* Dou jiao Hutong
* fangzhuanchang Hutong
* Houhai Lake(Shichahai lake)
* Houhai lake Bar street
* Smoking pipe street
* Xiaoshibei Hutong
* Dashibei Hutong
* Drum tower(outside visit)
* Bell tower(outside visit)

Why visit these places? Because they are more authentic and Non-touristy.

There's one of the best local dumplings restaurant for lunch after the tour.(good for Vegetarian too)

There are a lot of places you could visit after the tour(10-15 minutes walking) such as Forbidden City &  Lama temple & Confucian temple & Jingshan park & Beihai park.

During the visit, you will learn about the origin and meaning of Hutongs, the layout of Beijing City during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the rise and fall of Hutongs, the lifestyle of Beijing residents in hutongs, the mysteries behind the gates of traditional courtyards, the feng shui of courtyard layouts, and why there is such a large wealth gap in hutongs? Hutong is both a rich area and a slum. Visit the former residence of the president of the Republic of China. Visit Wanrong's former residence to learn about the story of the last emperor Puyi and empress in Chinese history, the origin of the public toilets in Hutong, the most famous Zhajiangmian in Beijing Hutongs, the famous bar street in Beijing, the favorite mythical animal in Hutongs, and the oldest way to tell the time in Beijing and so on.

A trip to Nanluogixiang lane brings you back to the Yuan Dynasty when the earliest houses along Nanluoguxiang started to be built. Nanluoguxiang lane is lined with numerousyummy restaurants, unique hostels, lively themed stores. Its vernacular courtyard houses, grey-colored, accompanied by old trees, showcase the solid books of Beijing's traditional architecture.

Continue to feel Beijing long history by walking along Mao'er Hutong. It is a very famous alley among the 25 surviving hutongs protected areas in Beijing.

There are many famous buildings and character stories in Mao'er Hutong. Stop at "Empress's Mansion" for pictures which is the former residence of the last Chinese emperor Puyi's empress Wanrong.
In addition Beiyang warlord or The Fourth President of the Republic of China Feng Guozhang also lived in this alley. ‌

Visiting a narrow channel joining Qianhai Lake and the Houhai Lake, the hub of Shichahai area with surrounding quiet bars.

Heading to "Smoking Pipe Street" most of the dwellers in this area had a fondness for smoking pipe tobacco. Because of the increasing demand for tobacco, the street saw tobacco shops opening up one by one for business.

Last stop is Drum Tower and Bell Tower(outside visit). It served as the ancient city's time-telling tower. With the development of history, the functions of the Bell and Drum Towers have continually changed.

Free tours don't have a set price, each person tips the guide at the end of the tour. Based on the cost of living in Beijing the recommended tip is 150-200 Chinese yuan per person or 17-24 Euros per person depending on your satisfaction. 

Of course free Tours don't have a fixed price You will decide how much the tip is after you value the tour.

🎆Hello curious traveler! Welcome to the FIRST, EARLIEST, and BEST-RATED free walking tours in China!!
 

🏆WHY CHOOSE US?🏆

💡Since 2017, we've conducted OVER 1200 FREE TOURS, delighting 23,000+ visitors worldwide!!

💡We understand the significance of your visit, which is why we're committed to showcasing the very best of Beijing through immersive 3.5-hour-long tours!

💡Excited for the fun? Choose your booking date, pack your curiosity, and walk with us to explore the best of Beijing! 

🎊TOUR DETAILS🎊

🤩Step into the imperial heart of China with us! In just 3.5 hours, you’ll gain a clear understanding of Beijing’s unique layout, learn how to navigate this sprawling metropolis, and plan your travels here with ease!

🚶‍Join our walking tour to discover both the old and new sides of Beijing as we unveil the stories behind its iconic cultural landmarks - from historic hutong residences and vibrant commercial hubs to time-honored brands and beloved street food stalls. Dive into the city’s ongoing urban planning challenges and embark on an unforgettable journey through tradition, triumph, and transformation! 

🔍️THE HIGHLIGHTS 🔍️

· Ancient Peking Opera Theatre
· Liulichang Antiques Cultural Street
· Hutong Courtyard Museum
· Yangmeizhu Byway
· Snack Break at a Local Hutong Market
· Dashilar Commerical Street
· the Narrowest Hutong of Beijing
· Qianmen Pedestrian Street
· The Central Axis of Beijing
· Zhengyang Gate Arrow Tower
· Tiananmen Square (View from Outside)
And More!

 🕙️ MEETING TIME:
10:00 AM Every Day
The schedule may vary on certain days. Please refer to the calendar for available booking dates.

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours until 1:30pm. 

📍MEETING POINT:
Hufangqiao Metro Station (Line 7), Exit D (South-West Exit);
After exiting, head straight to the main road, turn right, and walk 60 meters east to the green space at the intersection.

Address for Taxi:  Huguang Guild Opera Theatre / Corner of Hufang Road & Luomashi Avenue
(Chinese: 7号线地铁虎坊桥站D口【西南口】出门向东60米，虎坊路与骡马市大街路口，湖广会馆东侧小广场） 

🧭ENDING POINT:
Qianmen Metro Station (Line 2&8, South of Tiananmen Square)
(In Chinese: 前门地铁站，天安门广场南侧）

⚠️Notice: The tour ends in front of Tiananmen Square, but we will NOT enter to visit Tiananmen square. Please make your own reservation at least one day in advance if you wish to visit, as same-day reservations are not possible. 

🤑HOW MUCH THE TOUR COSTS:
The Free Tour operates on a tip-based system, meaning you get to decide the price at the end of the tour based on how much you enjoyed it (and we believe you’ll love it!). Based on data from our 23,000+ previous visitors, the average tip for this tour is around 20-25 EURO (160-200 RMB) per person.

✅️ Please bring your passport for potential checkpoints
✅️ Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early
✅️ Look for the YELLOW umbrella to find us!! 

💓We look forward to meeting you soon!!

Meet guide by the Metro line 7 or 8 Zhushikou Station Exit A. In Chinese 地铁7号线珠市口站A出口

Please carry passport with you during the night walking tour.

Find the the guide who is holding a card with name "Roy Li" on it.

Start the tour from Qianmen Street, located at the central axis of Beijing City, Qianmen Street is a famous pedestrian street for shopping and sightseeing, running from the Archery Tower of Qianmen in the north to the turning of Tiantan Park in the south. It is 840 meters (about 919 yards) in length and 21 meters (about 23 yards) in width. It is composed with buildings whose styles resemble the late Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). Stop at Zhengyangmen Gate(or Front Gate) for pictures

Xian Yu Kou Food Street.

Walking south of Qianmen Street, you will see an archway of Xian Yu Kou Food Street, which is one of the most famous food streets in Beijing. Restaurants over hundreds of years old provide you different choices of flavors across China. Move to Dashila Street, Dashilar Street should be the most ancient, famous and distinctive commercial street in Beijing. Located outside the Qianmen, it takes dozens of steps to walk from southwest of Tiananmen Square to its east end. The prosperous classes of the ancient Beijing nurtured its business.

Visit Tian'anmen Square(outside visit), please note that we will not enter the Tian'anmen square. If you want to go in the square please make your own reservation at least one day in advance. Located in the heart of Beijing City, it is the site for massive parades and rallies, the largest square of this kind in the world.

Heading to National Theatre of China (NTC), affiliated to the Ministry of Culture, is a performing art organization with rich creative resources and a brilliant history. The theatre possesses a galaxy of senior artists, such as Ouyang Yuqian, Liao Chengzhi, Wu Xue, Shu Qiang, Jin Shan, and Sun Weishi who provided a solid foundation to the theatre’s development.

Stop outside of The Great Hall of the People for pictures which is a modern structure in China. It has absorbed both Chinese and foreign architectural influences, and it also presents a distinct national style. Since its inception, the Great Hall has always been the important venue for the Party and the state affairs and diplomatic activities. It is here that many earth-shaking historical events, which have changed the development course of China, have taken place. As the country's political, economic, cultural and diplomatic center and the symbol of the People’s Republic, it symbolizes the pride and dignity of the Chinese people of all nationalities.

Please carry passport with you during the trip.

Free tours don't have a set price, instead each person tips the guide at the end of the tour. Based on the cost of living in Beijing. The recommended tip is 150-200 Chinese yuan per person or 20-30 USD per person depending on your satisfaction. You will decide how much the tip is after you value the tour.

Visit Beijing's most iconic landmarks in one day! We'll visit the Forbidden City or the Summer Palace and the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China.

 Important – Please Read Before Booking

• Booking Policy
  • For the best experience, please book at least 24 hours in advance.
  • We do not accept last-minute bookings (within 24 hours of the tour).
• Suggested Tip
  • At the end of the tour, we kindly suggest a tip of around 350 RMB (approx. 50 USD) per group (more than two participants), to help us keep offering authentic, sustainable, and meaningful local experiences.
  • While the tour is free to join, it still involves real costs — including transport allowances, the guide’s time and effort, and the authentic local experiences provided.
  • Snacks you enjoy during the tour will be at your own expense.
• Contact Information
  • Please send us your WeChat or WhatsApp number after booking.
  • This helps us communicate with you and confirm the tour details.

------------------------

Why Choose This Beijing Food Adventure?
 
This isn't just a food tour; it's a deep dive into the heart and soul of Beijing. We take you where locals truly eat, revealing the city's hidden culinary treasures that most travelers never discover.

Insider Access You Won't Find Anywhere Else 

• Authentic Experiences: We don't just serve food; we tell its story. Learn how each dish reflects Beijing's rich history and culture.
• Local Connections: Meet passionate food artisans, hear their personal stories, and understand the traditions behind every bite.
• Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations: Explore secret hutongs and local markets that aren't in any guidebook.

Taste Beijing Like a True Local Our bilingual guide doesn't just translate - they bridge cultures. You'll:
 

• Understand the meaning behind each dish
• Learn local eating etiquette
• Discover the subtle art of Beijing's culinary traditions

Perfect for Food Lovers and Culture Seekers Whether you're a:
 

• Passionate foodie wanting to explore authentic flavors
• Cultural enthusiast curious about local traditions
• Traveler seeking genuine experiences
• Photographer looking to capture unique moments

This tour promises memories that will last far longer than a typical meal.

Step beyond the postcard panoramas and unlock the hidden cosmological language of Beijing’s Temple of Heaven—a UNESCO site where emperors communed with the divine.

This 2-hour experience transforms ancient stones into a live documentary about China’s pursuit of cosmic harmony.

Why This Celestial Tour Differ:
✔️ Skip-the-line mastery – We handle ALL ticketing (including Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests access) and strategic timing bypass 95% of crowds.

✔️ Beyond Guided Tours – We don’t just "visit". We dissect the site’s secrets. Let's learn how Ming emperors used MATH to legitimize rule (hint: it involves 4 seasons & 12 months) and other historical trivia.

✔️ Cultural Photography Guide – I’ll help you capture Instagram-worthy shots that whisper stories.


IMPORTANT: 
✔️ The entrance fee to the Temple of Heaven is not included. Its cost is $5 aprox. This has to be paid at the beginning of the tour.
✔️ Please bring your passport for ticket purchase and in case of checkpoints.
✔️ We will meet you at the SOUTH GATE of Temple of Heaven.

Join us on this journey through Beijing's old cultural hub, where hidden sites and rarely-told tales bring its most turbulent history to life.

Your exploration begins at the site of a once-famous ghost market—the Baoguo Temple. Here, you'll uncover the legends of how a grand imperial temple transformed into a shadowy center of commerce and intrigue.

Next, we came to Changchunyuan city garden that used to be center of Beijing's cultural hub . There, we'll immerse ourselves in the stories of the vigorous and revolutionary minds who changed the course of China's modern history. Their legendary tales of sacrifice, blood, and tears open a powerful window into a time when the nation struggled at its lowest point.

The journey then leads to Beijing's oldest temple, Minzhong Temple. Beyond its profound religious significance, this sacred ground has witnessed everything from the first sparks of revolution to the tragic ends of forgotten heroes.

We’ll conclude our tour by walking through an ancient residential compound, where aging relics quietly house stories of lives that continue to evolve, even today.

 
Itinerary:

• Baoguo Temple 
• Changchun Temple(outside) 
• Changchunyuan City Garden 
• Niujie Food Street 
• Niujie Mosque (Outside)
• Minzhong Temple 
• Lanman Hutong 
• Xuannan Bookstore

 
- Please dress modestly: no sleeveless tops, short pants or skirt. Avoid bare shoulders.

Please be sure to read before making a booking:

• Booking Cut-off Time
  • For the best experience, please book at least 24 hours in advance.
  • We do not accept last-minute bookings (within 24 hours of the tour).
    
    
• Suggested Tip
  • At the end of the tour, we kindly suggest a tip of around 350 RMB (approx. 50 USD) per group (for two or more  participants),Which can help us keep offering authentic, sustainable, and meaningful local experiences. Of course, it's not mandatory, you have the final say 
  • While the tour is free to join, it still involves real costs — including transport allowances, the guide’s time and effort, and the authentic local experiences provided.
  • The entrance tickets will be at your own expense.
    
    
• Contact Information
  • Please send us your WeChat or WhatsApp number after booking.
  • This helps us communicate with you and confirm the tour details.

-------------------

About The Tour:

Our journey begins inside the Lama Temple, where you will experience the ancient principles of superstitious culture in one of Beijing’s most spiritual settings. 

Then, discover the ancient art of Feng Shui on a tour of the Hutongs in Beijing, learning how to harmonize the energy for good fortune.

 

During this tour experience, you will take away: 

• Over 10,000 characters of detailed commentary covering the main halls of the Lama Temple, most of the enshrined Buddha statues, and their religious cultural background.
  
  
• A step-by-step guide to experiencing traditional Chinese superstitious rituals, including offering incense, worshiping Buddha, and consecrating items.
  
  
• A guided walk through the historic Hutongs, where you'll learn about traditional architecture, local culture, and get recommendations for authentic local food.
  
  
• All of the above services are priced at anywhere from $60 to $120 USD per person on other platforms.

 

About Feng Shui Culture:

It‘s one of the most mysterious and captivating aspects of traditional Chinese culture. It seeks to alter the energy of an individual or even an entire family by carefully considering the location and layout of homes, the design and matching of clothing and accessories, or the patterns of daily customs such as diet, thereby bringing continuous good fortune. 

This experience will take you deep into the Hutong cultural district in the heart of Beijing. You will wander through several historical sites with the strongest energy aura, embarking on an authentic and pure traditional Feng Shui journey to seek good fortune for yourself and your family. 

Let's get going!

Hey there, fellow explorers! 👋 I’m Olive—a California-bred, Beijing-seasoned girl. Let’s ditch the tourist traps and dive into Beijing’s coolest Hutongs: Guozijian Street and North Luogu Lane.

🚶♀️ Why Walk With Me?

• 🎓 Nerdy Royal Vibes: We’ll start at the Imperial College (Guozijian), where China’s top scholars once crammed for exams (think: ancient Ivy League, but with more calligraphy and zero caffeine).
• 🍦 The Ultimate Tea Ice Cream Stop: We'll hit Wuyutai's legendary matcha scoop (130 years of tea expertise in every lick).
• 🍵 Trendy Cafés: We'll switch gears to a hipster coffee spot where Beijing’s creative crowd hang around.
•  🛍️ Hidden Boutique Heaven: Discover Beiluoguxiang's secret gems - from handmade Hanfu dresses to vinyl record cafes.
• 📸 Architecture Whiplash: One minute you're admiring Ming Dynasty roof tiles, next you're snapping a minimalist latte art masterpiece.

Follow the smell of sizzling jianbing (that’s Chinese crepes, aka ‘street breakfast crack’), dodge bamboo laundry poles hung with grandma’s floral pajamas, and eavesdrop on old men arguing over chess—this is hutong ASMR.

Experience Beijing's fascinating layers of history on this immersive walking tour through the city's most iconic districts.

Qianmen Pedestrian Street. Finally, walk the sacred Central Axis to the monumental Zhengyang Gate Arrow Tower, learning how Beijing's layout reflects ancient Chinese cosmology. 

Explore the vibrant commercial energy of Dashilar, Beijing's centuries-old shopping district, then emerge onto the magnificent then experiencing authentic local life at a hidden hutong snack market  Wind through the trendy cafes and boutiques of Yangmeizhu Byway .

last at the elegant Liulichang Cultural Street, where scholars once gathered for ink and antiques. 

This tour perfectly blends cultural immersion, historical insight, and local flavors - revealing how traditional and modern Beijing coexist in perfect harmony. 

The zhengyang Gate Watchtower requires advance reservation at least 3 days. Please provide me with your passport information so I can make the reservation for you. If you do nor feel comfortable with it, we can just visit it from the outside.