Beijing Culture: Calligraphy Class, Hutong Rickshaw, Panda House

5.0 (2 reviews) 5–6 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

2 reviews

5.0

Beijing Culture: Calligraphy Class, Hutong Rickshaw, Panda House — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Beijing Culture: Calligraphy Class, Hutong Rickshaw, Panda House, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover the charm of old Beijing on this Old Beijing Hutong Culture Tour with Panda House. Visit the adorable giant pandas at the famous Beijing Zoo and then step into the historic hutong neighborhoods to experience the city’s traditional lifestyle. Stroll through the lively Yandaixie Street and explore the historic area around the Bell and Drum Towers, where ancient Beijing once kept time. This tour perfectly combines wildlife, history, and local culture, offering visitors a fun and authentic way to discover the real Beijing.

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At a glance

Duration: 5–6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Written guide: German, Italian, French, Spanish
Guide: Chinese, English
Operated by: Beijing Short Tours

Ages: Children (2–11 years) · Adults (12–70 years)

What is included

Included

Included: All Tax, Fuel, Parking Fee, Tolls
Included: Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off Service
Included: Visiting residents' homes and calligraphy classes
Included: Entrance Ticket
Included: Excellent English Speaking Guide
Included: Hutong Rickshaw Service
Included: All Transportation by Comfortable Vehicle

Not included

Not included: Gratitude
Not included: Meal

Itinerary

Beijing

30 min

You will be picked up from your hotel in Beijing city center by your guide with your name paper in the morning at 8am/9am, and then drive to the first destination.
Bell and Drum Towers

one hour Admission included

Visitors to the Beijing Bell and Drum Towers will discover one of the most iconic landmarks of old Beijing. Standing proudly at the northern end of Beijing’s historic Central Axis, these magnificent towers once served as the city’s official time-keeping center during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. For more than 600 years, the powerful sound of drums at dusk and the ringing of the giant bell at dawn marked the rhythm of life in the imperial capital.

Today, visitors can climb the ancient towers for panoramic views of traditional hutongs and modern Beijing, watch lively drum performances, and experience the atmosphere of a living historic neighborhood near Shichahai. Rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture, the Bell and Drum Towers offer travelers a fascinating glimpse into the heartbeat of ancient Beijing.
Stop 3

30 min

Yandaixie Street is one of the oldest and most charming hutong streets in Beijing, with a history of more than 700 years dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. Its name means “Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street,” inspired by the street’s shape and the tobacco shops that once flourished here. Today, this lively alley is filled with traditional courtyard architecture, unique souvenir shops, local snack stalls, and cozy cafés. Walking along Yandaixie Street offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to experience the atmosphere of old Beijing while enjoying the vibrant culture around the nearby Shichahai lakes. It’s a perfect place to explore local life, taste street food, and capture memorable photos of historic Beijing.
Nanluoguxiang

one hour Admission included

Ride a traditional rickshaw through atmospheric hutong lanes and past historic courtyard residences once home to scholars, officials, and cultural figures. Formerly a bustling commercial hub of old Beijing, Nanluoguxiang is now one of the city’s most fashionable hutong districts—perfect for photos, boutique browsing, and soaking up old-Beijing charm.
GuLou XiJie ShangYeJie

30 min Admission included

Step inside a traditional family courtyard tucked within the hutong. Over tea and warm conversation, you’ll be introduced to the art of Chinese calligraphy by your hosts. You’ll even receive your own Chinese name and learn to write it with brush and ink on rice paper. When finished, you can pose proudly with your personal calligraphy artwork—a meaningful cultural souvenir of your Beijing journey.
Beijing

1 h 30 min

Meet China’s beloved national treasure: the giant panda. Inside the lush bamboo gardens of the Panda House, you’ll observe these gentle icons eating, climbing, lounging, and playing—an adorable and heart-warming encounter loved by visitors of all ages. You’ll also learn about panda conservation and their cultural symbolism in China, making this stop both meaningful and memorable.
Beijing

30 min

Drop-off at your hotel after the tour. Lovely tour ends!

Note: Please bring your belongings when you leave the vehicle.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Youbo Member Selected Hotel
Yuanchang Hotel
Yuhui Hotel
Wancheng Huafu International Hotel
Xiudong Hostel
Yijia Hotel Apartment
Wuyulong Hotel (Beijing Tiantan South Gate)
Winners Classic Hotel Beijing
Wowo Ju Family Apartment
Xiyanhe Sixth Hotel
Xin An International Hotel
Tianyou Hotel

and 3,285 more pickup points

You will be picked up by private guide and vehicle from your hotel with your name paper.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This the best way to learn the local culture and the local life, so please obtain the permission of the local residents before taking photos in residential areas. Thank you!
This is a private tour that only your people in the group.