Peking Duck & Beyond:Exploring the Best Eats in Beijing's Hutongs

Beijing , China

Peking Duck & Beyond:Exploring the Best Eats in Beijing's Hutongs

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About this experience

Embark on a culinary adventure through the historic hutongs of Beijing, where traditional flavors and a vibrant street food culture collide. Begin your journey with the iconic Peking duck, a crispy and succulent dish that will tantalize your taste buds. Pair this delectable meal with Baijiu, a potent Chinese liquor that perfectly complements the bold flavors of your dishes.

Next, immerse yourself in a sizzling hotpot filled with an array of fresh meats, vegetables, and a flavorful broth that will warm you from the inside out. The combination of beer and hotpot is a match made in culinary heaven. Along the way, sample different street foods that will delight your palate.

Conclude your culinary exploration with Yunnan Style food, where you can savor rice noodles, fried dumplings, and spicy tofu skewers paired with rice wine. When booking, you have the option to join a small group tour with a maximum of 12 participants or opt for a private tour with hotel pick-up & round-trip transfer.

Available options

Small Group Tour

A small group tour with maximum 12 people, please travel to the meeting point on your own. <br/>Pickup included

Private Tour - Meeting point

Travel on your own to Exit C of Dongsi Subway Station and meet your tour guide there <br/>Pickup included

Private Tour with Transfer

Private Tour with Round Trip Hotel Transfer. Tour guide and private car will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Food tasting (15+ different food tasting)

Transportation fee to the Hutong

Hotel pickup(For Hotels Within the 3rd ring road of Beijing)

Professional guide

Bottled water

Peking duck

Private tour just for you and your party

Detailed itinerary

Our journey begins in the heart of Beijing's cultural heritage - the Dongsi Hutongs. As we stroll through these narrow alleys, flanked by traditional courtyard houses, you'll be transported back in time. Here, our guide will not only introduce you to the long - standing history of the hutongs but also give you a sneak peek into the unique Chinese food culture.

Our first stop on this food - filled journey is the Peking Duck Restaurant. Peking duck has a long and glorious history, famed far and wide for its crispy skin and tender meat. Once we're inside, you'll have the privilege of watching a skilled chef perform a live duck - carving show right in front of you. It's truly an art to see how they present the perfectly roasted duck. Paired with the well - known local liquor, Erguotou, it forms a classic symbol of Beijing. Our guide will sharing insights on the proper way to savor Peking Duck and helping you choose other signature Beijing dishes to complement your meal.

Our next destination is the Mongolian Hot Pot Restaurant. Legend has it that it originated in the royal courts and later became a favorite among the general public. The hot pot features a copper pot with a charcoal - fired center, keeping the broth simmering steadily. The main ingredient is fresh, thinly sliced mutton, but there are also options like beef, chicken, and a wide array of fresh vegetables and mushrooms. The dipping sauce, a blend of fermented bean curd, sesame paste, and a bit of chili oil for the spicy lovers, is a crucial part of the experience. And of course, cold beer is the perfect accompaniment to this sumptuous meal.

As we make our way between these wonderful dining spots, we'll also take the time to sample some local street snacks. Such as Tanghulu, candied fruits on a stick. Jianbing, a savory pancake. And Huguo Temple snack set, which offers a taste of traditional Beijing snacks like Lvdagun, aiwowo, Jiaoquan, and more.

Our final dining stop is the Yunnan - style Restaurant, hidden away in the hutongs. The star of the show here is the cross - bridge rice noodles, with its rich and flavorful broth accompanied by various fresh ingredients.

There are also other specialties such as roasted tofu, fried lotus root cakes, pickled cabbage stir - fried with sweet dumplings, and more. To top off this amazing food - tasting journey, the sweet and mellow rice wine provides the perfect ending.

For those who have booked a private - car tour, once this wonderful food - tasting journey comes to an end, the driver will safely take you back to your hotel. This ensures a convenient and comfortable conclusion to your adventure, allowing you to relax and recall all the delicious flavors you've experienced today.

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

ZH-TW CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.4

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Children 1-4 years old are free

Important notes

• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

About Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is a city of immense historical significance and modern dynamism. It's home to iconic landmarks, ancient palaces, and a vibrant contemporary culture that blends tradition with modernity. The city offers a unique mix of ancient history, cultural treasures, and modern advancements.

Top Attractions

The Great Wall of China

One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 kilometers. The most accessible sections near Beijing are Badaling and Mutianyu.

Historical Half day to full day ¥40-80 (depending on the section)

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts and offers a glimpse into China's imperial past.

Historical 2-3 hours ¥60 (March-October), ¥40 (November-February)

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for good harvests.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥15 (Temple area), ¥35 (Temple and park)

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a retreat for emperors to escape the summer heat and is known for its beautiful landscapes and architecture.

Historical 3-4 hours ¥30 (Park and palace area), ¥60 (Boat ride included)

Hutongs

Hutongs are traditional narrow alleys and residential neighborhoods that offer a glimpse into old Beijing's way of life. Exploring hutongs provides an authentic experience of local culture and history.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, but consider paying for guided tours or Rickshaw rides

798 Art Zone

The 798 Art Zone is a contemporary art district located in a former military factory. It's home to numerous art galleries, studios, and cultural events, making it a hub for Beijing's art scene.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, but some galleries may charge admission

Must-Try Local Dishes

Peking Duck

A iconic dish of Beijing, Peking Duck is roasted to perfection and served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. The crispy skin and tender meat make it a must-try for any visitor.

Main Course Contains meat (duck), gluten (pancakes and sauce)

Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles)

A popular Beijing street food, Zhajiangmian consists of hand-pulled noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from fermented soybean paste and minced pork. It's often served with cucumber and bean sprouts.

Main Course Contains meat (pork), gluten (noodles and sauce)

Jianbing (Savory Crepes)

A popular Beijing street food, Jianbing is a savory crepe made with a batter of wheat and mung bean flour, filled with egg, scallions, and hoisin sauce. It's crispy, delicious, and perfect for a quick breakfast on the go.

Breakfast Contains eggs, gluten (batter and sauce)

Baozi (Steamed Buns)

Baozi are steamed buns filled with various ingredients, such as pork, beef, or vegetables. They are a popular street food and can be found in many markets and food stalls throughout Beijing.

Snack Can be vegetarian or contain meat, depending on the filling; contains gluten (bun)

Popular Activities

Hiking the Great Wall Rock climbing in the Huairou District Mountain biking in the outskirts of Beijing Boat rides on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace Tea ceremonies at traditional teahouses Gardens and parks at the Temple of Heaven and Beihai Park Exploring the Forbidden City and other imperial palaces Visiting temples and religious sites

Best Time to Visit

September to October, April to May

These months offer the most pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing. The city is vibrant with cultural festivals and outdoor activities.

15-25°C (59-77°F) 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin Chinese
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and by younger generations)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8 (China Standard Time)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and tourist spots

Beijing is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night and in less touristy areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when using taxis, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting the journey
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and tourist spots
• Be wary of strangers offering services or attractions at inflated prices, and only use licensed and reputable tour guides and operators

Getting there

By air

Beijing Capital International Airport • 32 km (20 miles) northeast of city center
Beijing Daxing International Airport • 46 km (29 miles) south of city center

By train

Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station

By bus

Beijing Sihui Bus Station, Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Beijing Subway is efficient, affordable, and widely used. It's the best way to navigate the city, especially during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing, Tencent Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Dongcheng Xicheng Chaoyang Haidian Shijingshan

Day trips

The Great Wall at Mutianyu

70 km (43 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a less crowded and more scenic section of the Great Wall, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's a popular day trip from Beijing for those looking to experience the Great Wall without the large crowds.

The Great Wall at Jinshanling

130 km (81 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Jinshanling is a remote and less restored section of the Great Wall, offering a more authentic and adventurous experience. It's a popular day trip for those looking to explore the Great Wall's wild and rugged beauty.

The Great Wall at Simatai

120 km (75 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Simatai is a unique and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, known for its dramatic and picturesque landscape. It's a popular day trip for those looking to experience the Great Wall's beauty and history in a more intimate setting.

Festivals

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) • January or February (varies by lunar calendar) Lantern Festival • 15th day of the first lunar month (varies by year) Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) • April 4th or 5th (varies by solar calendar)

Pro tips

Use the official Beijing Subway app for route planning and real-time updates
Carry a VPN to access restricted apps and websites, such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the city's many attractions and neighborhoods
Try local snacks and street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience