The Arts & Lifestyle Of Hutong 7 Hours, Beijing (BJALC-174)

Highlights

• Hutong Rickshaw Ride
• Learning Making Dumplings
• Learning Paper-Cut
• Learning Calligraphy
• Learning Peking Opera Facial Make-Up

Tour Description

For those visiting Beijing, a visit to a typical hutong neighborhood is all but mandatory. In the nooks and crannies of a hutong is the living, breathing soul of Beijing and its people. On this one day tour, you will get an in-depth experience in one of these traditional living communities, where the food, arts, and lifestyle are as they were in the past.

Hutong were originally created in the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century, then grew in number due to popularity in the Ming Dynasty and ever since. At the height, there were up to 3,250 hutong neighborhoods in Beijing. Today there are less than 1,000 due to modernization and different trends in how to use land for housing. All the lanes and tight alleyways have their own structure and layout, making hutongs true mazes for discovery. You will find shops, restaurants, public restrooms, and more on your exploration of Hutong. Local people sit around and gossip or play games, while others filter in and out on bicycles on the way to work or social gatherings.

Later in the day, meet with a local family where you will learn some traditional Chinese art form and customs including Chinese calligraphy, paper-cutting, facial make-up of Peking Opera and dumpling making.

Important Info

• Operates: daily
• Departure point: Hotels in  Beijing
• Return details: returns to the original departure point
• Languages: English (The price is based on an English-speaking guide. Extra fees apply if you need a guide with another language)
• The price of this tour will rise during the China National Day holiday (September 30th to October 7th) and Chinese New Year holiday.