Buy Houhai Hutong Tour: Rickshaw + Prince Gong & Soong Residences Tickets on FunEx

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$52.58

Overview

Embark on a leisurely, expert-guided private walk through Shichahai’s hidden lanes – a lesser-known gem away from crowds. Explore iconic spots with distinct charm: Huoshen Temple (a tranquil ancient shrine), Lotus Lane (lined with quaint local shops), Prince Gong’s Mansion (a grand Qing-dynasty noble estate), Soong Ching-ling’s Former Residence (a serene tribute to the revered leader), Yinding Bridge (a scenic spot for lake views) and Yandaixie Street (a historic pedestrian lane with old-world flair). Glide through hutongs by rickshaw to soak up authentic local life, as your guide shares fascinating tales that bring the area’s rich history and scenery to life.

Redemption Instructions

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Pickup Information

We pick you up from your hotel within the 4th ring road of Beijing city, please provide the hotel details when make booking. If your hotel is out of the 4th ring road of Beijing city, may have extra cost.

Language Offered

Mandarin-GUIDE

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. Your private guide will pick you up from your downtown Beijing hotel, heading to Shichahai — a tranquil waterside area far from the crowds, offering an exclusive glimpse of old Beijing’s charm. We start at Lotus Market, a historic riverside precinct with a blend of traditional architecture and local vibes. Once a bustling marketplace centered on lotus-themed trade, it now retains its old-world elegance, where you can stroll along the waterfront and feel the leisure of Shichahai’s daily life.

2. En route, we’ll stop to admire the Bell and Drum Towers from the outside. As the iconic landmarks of Beijing’s Central Axis (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), they once governed the city’s daily rhythm with bell and drum sounds. Your guide will elaborate on their historical significance as the “timekeepers” of ancient Beijing and their irreplaceable position on the city’s central axis.

3. Next is Prince Gong’s Mansion, the largest and best-preserved Qing-dynasty noble residence, hailed as “a mansion that tells half of Qing’s history”. Explore its grand courtyards, the exquisitely carved “99-and-a-half” Back Cover Building, the luxuriant Cuijin Garden, and the Nanmu Hall (a forbidden luxury in ancient times). (Note: During peak seasons, the mansion draws massive local crowds, so tickets cannot be guaranteed.)

Duration: 60 mins

4. Then we visit Soong Ching-ling’s Former Residence, the former home of China’s revered state honorary president. This serene garden estate, once a royal garden of the Ming and Qing dynasties, houses a two-story building where Soong lived and worked for 18 years. You can see her original living quarters, personal belongings, and exhibits documenting her life and contributions to the country, surrounded by centuries-old trees and peaceful lakes.

Duration: 60 mins

5. We’ll pass by Yinding Bridge, a historic white marble bridge shaped like an inverted silver ingot. It was once one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Yanjing”, as Emperor Qianlong famously admired the sunset over the Western Hills from here, creating a poetic landscape painted by generations of literati.

6. Our next stop is Yandaixie Street, a 232-meter ancient alleyway named one of China’s top historical and cultural streets. Shaped like a tobacco pipe in layout, it was once a upscale commercial area for nobles and now features boutique shops selling traditional souvenirs, antiques, and local snacks — perfect for picking up unique mementos.

Duration: 30 mins

7. Before the rickshaw ride, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through thehutongs — the narrow alleyways that form the backbone of old Beijing’s urban layout. Hutongs, flanked by traditional courtyard houses (siheyuan), are more than just passageways; they are living museums of Beijing’s culture, where locals retain time-honored lifestyles. You’ll observe residents’ daily routines, from elders chatting under old trees to families gathering in courtyards, gaining deep insights into how Beijing people have lived here for centuries.

8. The tour then continues with a 20-minute rickshaw ride through these hidden lanes, gliding past siheyuan and ancient alleyways to experience traditional transport and soak up the authentic local vibe that has barely changed over time. The entire tour lasts 4-5 hours and ends with a drop-off at the tour’s final location.

Duration: 60 mins

Inclusion

Hotel pickup (hotels within the 3rd ring road of Beijing city)

Professional guide

One way transportation fee to Shichahai Lake

Rickshaw ride for 20 minutes

Entrance fee to Prince Gong's Mansion and Songqingling Residence

Exclusion

Food and drinks

Hotel drop-off

Transportation back to your hotel

Cancellation Policy

Refundable tickets

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

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

During peak tourist seasons, tickets for Prince Gong’s Mansion require advance reservation. Due to the high demand and limited availability, we cannot guarantee entry to the mansion. In the event that we are unable to visit Prince Gong’s Mansion, we will arrange a visit to the Drum Tower (Gulou) or another nearby scenic spot as an alternative, ensuring your tour experience remains fulfilling.

Supplied by Discover Beijing Tours