Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots

Beijing , China

Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots

Active

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Coming to Beijing for the first time ever is exciting and intimidating. You've got an appetite for everything but where to start? Let us get that answered for you. During this 2 hour private dinner tour, your foodie guide will explain different style of Chinese Cuisine as well as their typical dishes, choose the one you like and explore. Such as Sichuan, Mongolia hotpot, Peking duck, Yunnan Style Cuisine, Xinjiang and more. Learn many story behind the food, our goal is to give you a taste of local life from a local’s perspective! Come, immerse Yourself in Food, Culture & History.

Available options

Private tour with transfer

Your tour guide will meet you in the lobby of your downtown hotel. Including round trip transfer by private car.<br/>Pickup included

Private Tour No Transfer

Your tour guide will meet you in your hotel's lobby then you can taxi or subway at your own cost to the restaurant<br/>Pickup included

What's included

If you choose the tour including a private transfer, then round trip hotel transfer included

Professional guide

Private tour

Hotel pickup(If you choose the tour without transport please pay your own transportation fee)

Lunch or Dinner

Transport by private vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Coming to Beijing for the first time ever is exciting and intimidating. You've got an appetite for everything but where to start? Let us get that answered for you.

According to the cooking styles and regional flavors, Chinese cuisines can be divided into many styles. Your foodie guide will explain them to you, discuss the types of food you want to taste, then set off and explore.

We love authentic Chinese cuisine as much as you do, we share the story behind the food, including the history of each style of cuisine and their typical dishes. We also share some of the highlights of Beijing’s rich local culture. Our goal is to give you a taste of local life from a local’s perspective!

Here are some mouthwatering regional cuisine you might like:

Most of these restaurants are hidden in the Hutong area, We introduce you to the local gems serving the best regional cuisine our city has to offer.

Mongolia hot pot: The broth came vegetables, fruit, herbs and spices, more protein followed – pork, chicken, fish, seafood, tofu and eggs. Then dipping sauces of sesame, chilli, soy and garlic were added to the hot pot party.

Sichuan Hotpot: has a very spicy soup base, but the pot is often divided into half spicy, half non-spicy soup pots.

Vegetarian: serves vegetarian versions of a range of Chinese cuisines, from northern dumplings to spicy Sichuan dishes. They are well known for their fake meat dishes, including "lamb" chuan’r, Sichuan boiled "pork" slices (shuizhu roupian), and Wuxi "pork" ribs.

Dim sum: A traditional Chinese meal made up of small plates of dumplings and other snack dishes and is usually accompanied by tea.

Stop 3 Pass by

Xinjiang Cuisine: Food from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is enjoyed all over China and is unique due to its Central Asian flavor profile. Grilled Lamb Skewers and Big Plate Chicken are two can’t-miss dishes from this region.

Beijing Cuisine: One of the most symbolic dishes of Beijing Cuisine is Peking Duck which is a dish consisting of several elements: sliced pieces of roast duck with crispy skin and tender meat, thin pancakes, a savoury sauce and some julienned vegetables. These elements are assembled into a roll for consumption.

Northeast style of cuisine: includes many dishes and snacks from the Manchu people of northeast China, and it is believed that the cuisine has been influenced by neighboring countries, notably Russia, Korea, and Mongolia.

Yunnan Cuisine: Yunnan Province with its mild climate and abundant rainfall is home to a large variety of plant and animal species, the characteristics are a moderate balance of sour and spicy, tender and sweet.

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel drop off if you choose the tour with no transfer

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Subway station at line 5 Dongsi Station Exit C

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