Hidden Treasure in the Hutongs

Hidden Treasure
in the Hutongs

Visit the extraordinary ‘museum of old objects’ tucked away in a traditional courtyard
in the ancient alleyways of the hutongs. Retro objects, old-fashioned tools
and everyday items will take you back to the Beijing of old.

WHY THIS TOUR?

The hutong alleyways are the best place to see and feel Beijing’s authentic culture. These narrow lanes also hide many hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. To gain a different perspective of the city, head to these historic passageways which have long been at the heart of the capital’s distinctive local heritage.

Situated in the older part of the metropolis, the labyrinth of narrow lanes dates back over 300 years. They are draped in history, offering an insight into the Beijing of the past. Many of the homes have been untouched for generations and the interiors tell extraordinary stories of the history of the hutongs and their inhabitants.

TRAIL ITINERARY

Hidden Treasure in the Hutongs

09:30 - 12:00

From the hotel, the guide and driver will take you deep into the hutongs to a house tucked away in a traditional courtyard. This excursion is focused on an extraordinary museum filled with all sorts of daily necessities that reflect traditional life in this area. The director of the unique ‘museum of old objects’ has spent his life collecting memorabilia, vintage items and ancient tools, each of which offers an insight into a different age.

The museum is crammed full of fascinating historical pieces along with everyday objects. There are teapots, irons, old-fashioned dial telephones, kettles dating from the Qing Dynasty and present-day items. This is truly a compact bazaar of collectibles, including elaborate three-inch golden lotus shoes and simple straw sandals dating back to an unknown era that hang on the wall. Another prominent display is two large retro cassette recorders positioned on a wooden cabinet – a symbol of reform and the opening up of the country.

This house is a real treasure trove of lost items – now found and preserved for posterity in this unpretentious museum. At the end of the tour the driver will take you back to the hotel.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

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INCLUSIONS

  • A half-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request and may be subject to supplementary charges
  • Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver.
  • All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

EXCLUSIONS

  • Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
  • Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
  • Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
  • Single supplement charges for single travelers, where applicable
  • Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
  • Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
  • Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
  • Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

GOOD TO KNOW

  • This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply
  • Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside downtown Beijing. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside the Central Business District and both Beijing’s International Airports are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
  • We regret to inform you that most of the museums in China are closed all day on Mondays and public holidays; wherever possible, we will try to offer alternative visits for touring options on this day.
  • Customers are advised that during the Lunar Festival celebrations (celebration of Chinese New Year), excursions and tours may be subject to supplementary charges and/or may see longer waiting times than normal.
  • We regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • We will always make the effort to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
  • Please note pick-up and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off.
  • Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this.
  • Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sun’s rays are still very powerful.
  • We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests.
  • The protection of the country’s flora and fauna is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities for guests that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles.
  • It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request.
  • In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.
  • This excursion is only operated in the morning.

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