Things to Do in Beijing

Wondering how to enter Tiananmen Square hassle-free? By booking this ticket, you'll have guaranteed access, so all you have to do is enjoy your visit.

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

If you take Didi to the meeting point please put it in Didi App: 南锣鼓巷地铁站E口. 

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. 

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.

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

🏆WHY CHOOSE US?🏆

💡Since 2017, we've conducted OVER 2400 FREE TOURS, delighting 38,000+ visitors worldwide!! 

💡With 80% of visitors booking directly through our brand website, the reviews here are just a glimpse of our excellence! 

💡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 vivid understanding of Beijing — its history, culture, city layout, architecture, local snacks, and the rhythm of real daily life. You’ll also enjoy a hands-on DIY Chinese calligraphy experience and take home your own handmade souvenir!

🚶‍Join our walking tour to explore Beijing’s blend of old and new, as we uncover the imperial stories behind the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks: from quiet hutong lanes untouched by tourism, to bustling commercial streets showcasing time-honored brands; from visiting centuries-old courtyard homes, to tasting hidden street-food gems. And yes, we’ve prepared a special surprise stop where you can create your own Chinese calligraphy artwork and bring it home for free!

🔍️THE HIGHLIGHTS 🔍️

· Ancient Peking Opera Theatre (View from Outside)

· Liulichang Antiques Cultural Street 

· Traditional Hutong Courtyard 

· Local Calligraphy Art Studio
 (✍🏼free calligraphy experience for everyone!!) 

· 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 38,000+ 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!!

Meeting tour guide at Metro line 4 Beigongmen station Exit C.

If you would like to take Didi to the meeting point please put it in the Didi App: 北宫门地铁站-C口

From downtown Beijing to summer palace will be 50 minutes to 1 hour by subway or taxi.

If you take taxi to the meeting point you can show this to the taxi driver: 地铁4号线北宫门站C口

Please bring Chinese yuan cash or Alipay / wechat pay and passport with you to buy tickets.

After 2 hours tour will be your free time. You will have another 2-3 hours free time If you would like to spend more time in summer palace.

During the visit, we will learn about the reasons for the construction of the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace was completely destroyed by fire in the 19th century. Who set fire to the Summer Palace? Learn the layout of feng shui in the Summer Palace, the origin of the longevity stone in the Summer Palace, why the lifespan of Qing emperors was so short, and how many emperors were there in China? What is the average lifespan? How many concubines did the Qing emperors have? Have a better understanding the ancient Chinese system of human sacrifice, Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty have 35 sons and 20 daughters, and why did all 20 daughters die? How many female emperors are there in China? We will learn Qing Dynasty but also the last female emperor in ancient China Ci xi, and how she became the actual ruler of the Qing Dynasty at the age of 26. She ruled the Qing Dynasty for 48 years, and during these 48 years, how the Qing Dynasty gradually fell, as well as her story with her eunuchs. The last eunuch in Chinese history passed away in 1996. To learn about the stories behind the eunuchs of the Qing Dynasty and what kind of work they did? How did the Qing Dynasty choose eunuchs, and what were the differences between eunuchs in the Ming and Qing Dynasties? What are the differences between eunuchs in ancient China and ancient Europe? Visiting the world's longest corridor, exploring the largest artificial lake in the Summer Palace (how many people dug it, how long did it take, and where did the excavated soil go), and how did the emperor get from the Forbidden City to the Summer Palace? Walk or carriage? Visiting the Wanshou Mountain in the Summer Palace, the origin of the Buddha Fragrance Pavilion in the Summer Palace, the number of religions in the Qing Dynasty, the distribution of Chinese religions, the influence of Buddhism on China, and so on, all these stories can be learned during the visit

Summer Palace (颐和园) is the largest and most complete existing royal garden, reputed as the royal garden museum. Located in Haidian district, about 15km from Beijing center, Summer Palace covers an area of 290 hectares.

The Summer Palace in northwest suburban Beijing is the largest and most complete imperial garden existing in China.

Note: Summer palace doesn't need to book ticket in advance tourists can buy ticket from ticket office on the day of the tour.

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. 

 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.

On this private tour, you'll discover the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City, three of Beijing's most important monuments.

This time, we dig deeper into the history of old Beijing’s cultural hub, where rarely told tales bring its most turbulent chapter to life.

Our exploration begins from the once-famous ghost market. Here, you'll uncover the legends of how a grand imperial temple transformed into a shadowy hub of commerce and now. 

Next, one of the city's "pocket gardens"- cultural hub of old Beijing and cradle of the very first democratic reform in China's history. And the fighting stories of the vigorous and revolutionary minds at the nation's lowest point unfold... Of course, beyond the touching stories, we won't miss the iconic food right in Beijing’s largest Muslim district.

Then to the 1380-year-old Fayuan Temple. Beyond its 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 the most ancient residential area, where old lifestyles meet with new blood.

 
Itinerary:

• Baoguo Temple 
• Changchunyuan City Garden 
• Changchun Temple(outside) 
• 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!

Explore the most secluded section of the Great Wall on this Jinshanling hiking trip, moving along its rugged pathways at your own pace.

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.