Private Cultural Day Tour: Nanluoguxiang, Beijing Duck Dinner and Peking Opera Show

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Nanluoguxiang, Nanluoguo Xiang, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100009 China

Meet your guide at the exit A of Nanluoguxiang subway station (Lines 6 and 8) to start this tour around Nanluoguxiang and Shichahai, the two most famous hutongs in Beijing.

The Hutongs are generally areas of narrow streets or alleys with small houses that have captured the traditional Beijing essence. Spending time here is a real look into authentic Beijing city life as many of Beijing’s residents still live in them and spend their days around the alleys. In fact, many of the hutongs have been around for centuries, and you might feel like you’re in a village instead of one of the biggest cities in the world.

First, you will visit Nanluoguxiang, a well-preserved part of ancient Beijing with traditional architecture. The main street is very popular with lovely souvenir and antiques shops, tea shops, cafes and bars. Turning left or right into any of the smaller and quieter alleys leading off Nanluoguxiang allows you to see the residences in which Beijingers still live in today.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Bell and Drum Towers, Di'anmen Wai Main Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100006 China

You will also visit the Drum and Bell Towers Square, the centerpieces of the hutongs in this area. In ancient times they were used to officially mark time, with the bell announcing the start of the day and the drum marking the end of it. Here you will have the opportunity to stop for tea at a tea house inside the drum tower.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Back Lakes (Hou Hai), Shicha Lake Scenic Resort, Xicheng District, Beijing 100009 China

Then you will visit Shichahai, an area at the center of these hutongs with three lakes called Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai. Currently, the area surrounding the lakes is an entertainment block with bars, clubs, and restaurants lining the waters. During the day, you can explore the lakes promenades, the historic buildings and the temples, some of them with beautiful gardens.

After exploring these beautiful areas of Beijing, you will enjoy an unforgettable experience tasting one of the most famous cuisines in Beijing: The Beijing roasted duck or simply Peking duck. This delicacy of the imperial era is marinated first in sugary syrup and various spices, left to dry overnight and then roasted in a closed oven. Its tender meat is usually served with the crispy skin to be dipped in plum sauce, thinly sliced spring onions, cucumbers and some times hami melon. Your guide will help you and explain the history of Beijing Duck, and how it is traditionally eaten in Beijing for the full experience.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Liyuan Theatre, No.175 Yongan Road Xicheng District, Beijing China

When you finish your dinner, it will be time to enjoy a Peking Opera show. The opera starts at the impressive Liyuan Theatre at 7:30 pm every day. We will take you there 20-30 minutes before the show so that you will have a chance to see the experienced performers putting on their make-up in the dressing room. The Liyuan Theatre has performed Peking Opera since 1990, and is one of the leading venues in the birthplace of opera. While you’re in Beijing, checking out Peking Opera is an absolute once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

When the show ends, your guide will drop you off at your hotel in Beijing city centre by public transportation.

Duration: 1 hour