Private Local Food Tour in Beijing with a Local Guide

Beijing , China

Private Local Food Tour in Beijing with a Local Guide

Active

2h - 3h

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Visiting Beijing for the first time but overwhelmed with Chinese characters? Want to bring your family and kids together to experience authentic Beijing food while considering the price?
This is your choice.
We design food for kids while maximising the experience for adults. For first time visitors, you will learn all about Beijing's food culture and the daily life of the hutong people. Everything about the payment and map apps, social media that you must use when travelling in China.
You will dine in local restaurants, hear the stories behind the family canteens and learn about the process and history of each food preparation.
Tour guide tina has been living in the city for 17 years and has served more than 1000 guests. Her professionalism and approachability have earned her numerous positive reviews from guests, especially families travelling with children. Once she even introduced the stories of the hutongs while pushing a baby pram!

Available options

Private Local Food Tour in Beijing with a Local Guide

What's included

Local beer provided for adult above 18

Water provided in every rstaurant

All food in our tour is included

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Yonghe Temple, also known as the Lama Temple, is a magnificent Tibetan Buddhist monastery situated in the northeastern part of Beijing, China. It was originally built as a residence for Emperor Yongzheng in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty and was later converted into a lamasery in 1744, becoming the national center for Lama administration. The temple is renowned for its unique blend of Han, Tibetan, and Mongolian architectural styles and is home to a 54-foot Buddha statue carved from a single piece of sandalwood. In the vicinity of Yonghe Temple, visitors can indulge in the local culinary delights of Beijing. One of the must-try dishes is Zhajiangmian, a traditional Beijing noodle dish with a thick, savory sauce that can be enjoyed in vegetarian or non-vegetarian versions. The nearby hutongs, with their charming blend of old Beijing charm and modern lifestyle, are also home to a variety of eateries where you can savor this and other traditional dishes

The Theatre House Hutong is an alley full of history in Beijing, which not only carries the memories of old Beijing, but is also a paradise for food lovers.
Beijing Cuisine, is one of the representatives of northern China's cuisines, known for its careful selection of ingredients, fine preparation and rich flavours. In Beijing's hutongs, you can taste a variety of authentic Beijing snacks, of which fried food is particularly popular.
Hutong cuisine, as the name suggests, refers to those home-style dishes with a strong Beijing flavour that are hidden deep in Beijing's hutongs. These dishes are often not the elaborate dishes found in big restaurants, but closer to home, simple yet full of flavour, making them memorable. In Beijing's hutongs, you can find a variety of traditional dishes . Hutong restaurants are often hidden in the corners of the hutongs, they may not have luxurious decorations, but they offer the taste and warmth of home.

The street has a history of over 700 years, and is the only municipal heritage street named after a street in Beijing, and the only pagoda street preserved in Beijing...
It is also the only pagoda street preserved in Beijing. Guozijian Street is known for its elegant and quiet environment and rich historical and humanistic connotations, and is regarded as a unique cultural scenic spot in Beijing. Guozijian Street is not only a witness of Beijing's history and culture, but also a place for modern cultural exchange. This style of shabu-shabu emphasises original flavours and usually uses water or clear broth with simple spices as the base of the pot to highlight the freshness of the lamb. When shabu-shabu is served, thin slices of fresh lamb are quickly cooked in a boiling hot pot and served as soon as they change colour, making the meat tender and tasty. Traditional condiments including sesame sauce, chive blossom and fermented bean curd add layers of flavour to the shabu-shabu.

What's not included

Private transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Not recommended for gluten-free

Meeting point

Lama temple subway station Exit B, line 5.

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