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A group of people holding red envelopes with Chinese characters. 1
A group of people engaged in calligraphy, using brushes and ink on paper. 2
A wooden cutting board with various dumplings arranged on it. 3
A traditional Chinese building with red doors, golden decorations, and red lanterns. 4
A traditional Chinese building with red walls and a tiled roof, surrounded by snow-covered rooftops and trees. 5
By Catherine Lu's Tour

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is €36 per adult
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Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 4h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

    • Experience a local wet market and immerse yourself in Beijing life
    • Attend authentic, traditional Beijing cultural activities
    • Enjoy deep cultural, historical, and culinary immersion with Hutong culture

Activity location

    • Beijing
    • Beijing, Bei Jing Shi, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

    • 中国北京市W9XV+PX4 | Meeting Point: Exit B, Gulou Dajie Station, Line 2. Didi / Taxi drop-off location: Exit B of Gulou Dajie subway station ( 地铁2号线鼓楼大街站B口)
    • Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China

Check availability

Local Wet Market with Hutong Paper-Cutting/Calligraphy

  • Activity duration is 4 hours4h
    4h
  • English

This option includes a visit to the wet market and a Hutong cultural activity, such as paper cutting, calligraphy, or face painting. Lunch is not included. Meet at Exit B of Gulou Street Station on Subway Line 2.

Language options: English
Starting time: 09:00
Price details
€35.80 x 1 Adult€35.80
Total
Price is €35.80

Local Wet Market with Dumpling Making Class Including Lunch

  • Activity duration is 4 hours4h
    4h
  • English

This option includes the wet market with hutong dumpling making class experience. Lunch is included

Language options: English
Starting time: 09:00
Price details
€49.22 x 1 Adult€49.22
Total
Price is €49.22

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    English-speaking guide
  • Inclusions
    Cultural activity of your choice (based on selected option)
  • Inclusions
    Dumpling lunch (only if selected)
  • Exclusions
    Transport to/from the meeting point
  • Exclusions
    Additional meals or snacks not mentioned
  • Exclusions
    Personal expenses

Know before you book

    • Not allowed: Alcohol and drugs, Alcoholic drinks in the vehicle, Feeding animals, Smoking indoors
    • Not suitable for: People over 95 years
    • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
    • This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

What you can expect

  • Step into the rhythm of daily Beijing life with this immersive walking tour that blends the city’s vibrant local wet market culture with the charm of ancient Hutongs. Perfect for those looking for an authentic cultural experience in Beijing, this tour takes you through fresh food markets, narrow historical alleys, and offers hands-on classes like dumpling-making or Chinese calligraphy. From local snacks to architectural gems, this half-day activity is a rich dive into Beijing's traditions and daily routine.

    Itinerary: Local Wet Market & Hutong Exploration

    Start Point: Gulou Street Subway Station (Line 2, Exit B)

    • Meet your English-speaking tour guide at the designated subway exit for a prompt start to your journey.

    10:00 AM – XinMing Wet Market Visit (1 Hour)

    • Walk 10 minutes to reach one of Beijing’s most lively and colourful wet markets (morning only).
    • Discover how locals shop for fresh vegetables, meats, fruits, and Beijing speciality snacks.
    • Learn about local ingredients, interact with friendly vendors, and pick up simple Mandarin phrases.

    11:00 AM – Hutong Walking Tour (1 Hour)

    • Walk 15 minutes into the heart of Beijing's historic Hutongs—narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes (Siheyuan).
    • Gain insight into the cultural and historical significance of these unique areas.
    • Explore family-run shops, community life, and ancient architectural details.

    Noon – Cultural Activity in Local Courtyard (30–60 Minutes)

    Visit a local family courtyard for a traditional cultural activity (varies by day):
    • Chinese calligraphy
    • Paper cutting
    • Facial makeup art
    • Dumpling-making (includes eating your creation for lunch)

    1:00 PM – Explore Nearby Drum & Bell Towers or Houhai Lake (Optional)

    • After the official tour ends, guests can continue exploring the area independently.
    • Visit iconic landmarks like the Beijing Drum & Bell Towers or stroll around scenic Houhai Lake.

    What’s Included

    • English-speaking guide
    • Cultural activity of your choice (based on selected option)
    • Dumpling lunch (only if selected)

    What’s Not Included

    • Transport to/from the meeting point
    • Additional meals or snacks not mentioned
    • Personal expenses

    Optional Add-ons

    • Multi-language guide (Chinese, French, Spanish – based on availability)
    • Private Beijing city tour extension
    • Evening walking tour of Houhai Lake with tea tasting

    Important Information

    • No smoking indoors
    • No alcohol or drugs
    • Do not feed animals
    • Casual walking tour – wear comfortable clothing and shoes
    • Please arrive on time at Gulou Street Station (Line 2, Exit B)

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • Beijing
    • Beijing, Bei Jing Shi, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • 中国北京市W9XV+PX4 | Meeting Point: Exit B, Gulou Dajie Station, Line 2. Didi / Taxi drop-off location: Exit B of Gulou Dajie subway station ( 地铁2号线鼓楼大街站B口)
    • Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China