Private Tour

Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

45 minutes

Mobile ticket

The hutongs are the historic heart of old Beijing. Join us on this self-guided GPS audio walk from the Drum Tower to the Tibetan Buddhist Lama Temple, through a winding labyrinth of alleyways and local color that takes you to some of Beijing's most ancient landmarks.

IMPORTANT: There is a GPS offset in China, and as a result your position on Google and Apple maps will be incorrect. This issue doesn't affect the offline map, so after you've downloaded all the audio files, but before you hit start, switch to 'airplane mode' (or turn off data) and you'll be able to track your position correctly.

The tour starts at the south side of the Drum Tower. If you're taking the subway, get out at Exit C of Shichahai Station on line 8, turn right and walk up. You can also take a taxi to "Gulou" and you'll end up at the same spot.

The audio plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

What‘s Included

VoiceMap Application

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Lifetime access to Beijing's Old Hutongs tour

Smartphone

Transportation

Food/Drink

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

What To Expect

Bell and Drum Towers

Most of old Beijing, like the Forbidden City, was built in the 1400s in the early Ming dynasty. The Drum Tower is much older, dating back to the 13th century Mongolian Yuan dynasty and the reign of Kublai Khan.

Admission Not Applicable

Baochao Hutong

The Baochao or “Precious Money” hutong is an appropriate name – things are a little busier down there, with more shops and bars, such as Modernista on the corner, an expat bar with live music, great cocktails, and swing dance every Wednesday.

Admission Not Applicable