Memories, Missionaries and Music of the Hutongs

Memories, Missionaries
and Music of the Hutongs

This walking tour uncovers the authentic culture and fascinating inhabitants of the
hutongs, Beijing’s network of historic alleyways. The exploration takes you
to neighbourhoods where the elite of Old Peking lived and worked.

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 and the unique architecture offers an insight into past times in the capital. Many residents have called this area home for generations, including some of Beijing’s most fascinating figures.

TRAIL ITINERARY

Memories, Missionaries and Music of the Hutongs

09:00 - 12:00
-
14:00 - 17:00

One of our drivers will collect you from the hotel and take you to the meeting point where you will meet your English-speaking historian for a guided walk. This fascinating exploration provides a perfect insight into the past, present and future of Beijing’s famed network of historic alleyways and the people who have lived there.

Take a walk through the neighbourhoods around Dengshikou and Dongsi, which were once home to Peking’s elite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Your knowledgeable guide will tell you about the missionaries, ministers, scientists and diplomats who have lived here, including Hua Guofeng, the unfortunate successor to Chairman Mao. Discuss the evolution of these spaces and what the future development of Beijing means for the preservation of these historic alleyways.

In Zhihua Temple, a Ming-era Buddhist temple filled with remarkable treasures, relax while watching a performance of Ming Dynasty court music performed on traditional instruments.

The Shijia Hutong Museum used to be the home of a famous writer during the Qing Dynasty and beautifully captures the essence of this ancient district. Wander through the retro-style rooms dating back to the 1950s and listen to a fascinating audio experience for an immersion into the atmosphere of a bygone era.

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
  • 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. Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.
  • 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.
  • 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. We kindly ask for your understanding by following local regulations.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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