Bite and Stroll: Brunch Tour in Old Town Beijing!

Beijing , China

Bite and Stroll: Brunch Tour in Old Town Beijing!

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(1 reviews)

3h - 4h

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

Escape the tourist crowds and join us on a culinary and cultural journey through historic Beijing, where royal families and nobles once resided. You'll taste over 7 different local snacks and sip authentic Chinese tea in a stunning 700-year-old courtyard. After dining, we'll take a scenic 25-minute bicycle ride to one of Beijing's most romantic street. We'll snap photos at the Forbidden City's Corner Tower before concluding our adventure at a contemporary Chinese tea house. Throughout the journey, you'll enjoy a relaxed pace while experiencing diverse flavors and beautiful views.

1. Savor a diverse selection of authentic local snacks beloved by Beijing foodies!

2. Begin with a walking food tour, then enjoy a 25-minute bicycle ride through Beijing's most majestic royal streets and scenic views.

3. Participate in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony in a stunning 700-year-old courtyard—a truly unique experience!

4. Visit the historic hutong where the last emperor's wife once resided.

Available options

Bite and Stroll: Brunch Tour in Old Town Beijing!

What's included

Bottled water

In-guide: English

Snacks

Both Chinese tea and coffee are included in this tour

All the food, snacks, drinks are included

Detailed itinerary

We will sample an array of local breakfast and street foods as snacks at 2 stops on Sixi South Avenue. Additionally, we will enjoy some local dessert for Chinese tea time along the way.

Situated in a Beijing courtyard, Zhengyang Shuju houses a tower built in the Yuan Dynasty, dating back 800 years ago. While the courtyard may not be expansive, it holds a wealth of untold stories waiting to be uncovered. As part of the experience, we will have the opportunity to enjoy Chinese tea in the serene yard.

After sampling one of the most popular cold noodles for summer, we will explore another culinary delight - Malatang, the highly favored street food in Northern China. At this cozy eatery, you can choose from over 30 varieties of vegetables and meats to customize your own unique flavor combinations.

One of Beijing's most beautiful Hutongs is Yidali Hutong. Yidali Hutong, once the residence of the Prince Xun in the early Qing Dynasty and later the betrothal residence of Yonghuang, Prince Qindan of Empress Dowager Chongqing, is a unique lane community. With Republic of China-style gateways and alleys, Yidali Hutong is a closed community beloved by tenants. Alley communities in Beijing often sprung up in vacant spaces of palaces and government offices; considering the high number of royal and noble families in the West City, many Hutongs were established. Noteworthy lanes within Yidali Hutong include Lequn Lane, Qinjian Lane, Fude Lane, and Cixiang Lane.

We will indulge in stuffed pancakess and eggplant boxes at a quaint eatery tucked away in a Hutong. Owned by a local Beijing family, this eatery has been serving customers for over a decade and remains a popular lunch spot in the neighborhood.

Considered one of the most picturesque avenues in Beijing, this is a must-see destination! The best way to explore this avenue is by bike. Beihai Park lies beneath the avenue, with the prominent white stupa visible in the distance on the left. On the right, you'll find Zhongnanhai, home to significant agencies.

At Jiaolou, a corner of the Forbidden City, we will make a stop for photos as it offers a fantastic photo opportunity!

What's not included

Gratuities

Bike rent costs 2 Yuan

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Need to scan a share bike via guest's own Alipay. Please downlod an Alipay app for the bike.

Minimum of 12 years old and above

If you require any food restriction or special requirement, please let us know.

All special dietary requirements can be accommodated, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and kosher options.

Meeting point

We meet our guests in front of Line 4 Subway, XISI Station, Exit D

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