Full-Day Beijing City Tour: Hutongs, Lama Temple and Panda House
Active
8h
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
In this full-day tour, you will explore the ancient capital of Beijing both old and new, see cuddly giant pandas at Panda House, walk through the maze of hutongs or narrow alleys, which are now fast disappearing, visit a large Tibetan Buddhist monastery - Lama Temple, and take pictures of Water Cube and Bird's Nest. hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
Available options
Full-Day Beijing City Tour: Hutongs, Lama Temple and Panda House
Pickup included
What's included
All entrance tickets as listed in the itinerary.
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pickup and drop-off (located within the 4th ring road in Beijing).
English-speaking tour guide service
Bottled water.
Detailed itinerary
1
Your English-speaking guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in central Beijing to start today’s trip. Your tour guide will contact you to confirm pick-up time in the evening (6-9 pm) before the tour date.
First you will see China’s national treasure – giant pandas at the Panda House in Chaoyang District, where you can see the lovely Giant Pandas.
2
Stop 2
Then head for Olympic Green and we will arrange 45 minutes to take pictures outside Water Cube and Bird's Nest. (If you are interested in the inner structure of the stadiums, ask your tour guide to assist you in buying the tickets at your own cost, and you could enter for a visit by yourself.)
3
Stop 3
1 hour tour for the mysterious Tibet style Buddhism temple. Head for Yongle Lama Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery with over 300 years of history. You can see the world’s largest wooden Buddhist statue and some Tibetan exhibitions. The Lama Temple tour finishes at about 12:00.
4
Hutongs are a maze of historic alleyways with traditional single-story courtyard houses, which are now fast disappearing. They are a remnant of the old Beijing. In this tour, you will walk through the narrow alleys, as well as visit a local family to discover the traditional lifestyle and how these unique residential houses and culture are protected. You can also ascend the Bell Tower to have a bird’s-eye view of the hutong area.The total walking distance in this tour is about 1.4 km.
If you are interested in a traditional Chinese culture experience, we are happy to offer a free experience in the hutongs of about 40 minutes: Learn Chinese Calligraphy or Learn Chinese Paper Cutting. Please tell your tour guide which one you prefer a day in advance for a day so that he/she can make a reservation for you.
What's not included
Gratuities (recommended)
Personal expenses.
Lunch
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
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Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Hotel pickup and drop-off services are available within the 4th Ring Zone of Beijing City.
Important notes
1. Hotel pickup and drop-off services are available within the 4th Ring Road of Beijing City. If your hotel is outside of the area, you may book the additional transfer with us or go to the meeting points by yourself.
2. The tour guide will contact you through hotel or leave a message for you about the exact pickup time the night before tour.
3. Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 5 minutes prior to your scheduled pick up time. Bring your valid passport when on the tour.
4. You also can contact customer service for more assistance.
• Email: niko@trippest.com
• Viber/WhatsApp/Mobile: +8618807734970
• WeChat/Line ID: trippest666
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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