Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour | La Vacanza Travel

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

Duration: 45 minutes
Destination: China, Bei Jing Shi, Beijing
from
6.62

Check Availability

  • 45 minutes
  • Beijing
  • E-Voucher
  • Lowest Price
  • Not-Cancellable

Overview

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.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

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

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.

Pass By: Baochao Hutong, South of Andingmen Wesst Road North of East Gulou Street, Beijing China

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.

Pass By: Temple of Confucius and Guozijian Museum, No.13 Guozijian Street, Beijing China

The Confucius Temple was built in 1302, and officials and ordinary folk alike have paid their respects to the Great Sage here for centuries. Confucius went out of style during the Cultural Revolution and old temples like this were looted and sacked by gangs of Red Guards.

Pass By: Lama Temple (Yonghegong), No.12 Yonghegong Street, Beixinqiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100007 China

Yonghegong, which literally means “Harmony and Peace Palace” – was built in 1694, and it’s one of the largest Gelugpa or “Yellow Hat sect” Tibetan Buddhist temples outside of Tibet itself. Of course, there are Han influences in the architecture too, and in fact the original function of this building was as a residence for court eunuchs, before it was converted into a monastery in 1722.

Inclusions
  • Lifetime access to Beijing's Old Hutongs tour
  • VoiceMap Application
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Exclusions
  • Smartphone
  • Transportation
  • Food/Drink
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Departure Point

China, Bei Jing Shi, Xi Cheng Qu, 前井胡同1号 邮政编码: 100035


Departure Time


Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
5/24/2019 - 3/5/2025

Monday - Sunday : 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM


Return Details

China, 北京市东城区地安门 邮政编码: 100009

Voucher info

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Duration

45 minutes


User's Reviews

No review available.

User's Picture Gallery


Similar Packages


Other Populars

Some popular Sightseeing Tours, Activities and Holiday Packages.

China - SightSeeing Tours and Activities View All

Beijing - Top Tourist Attractions View All

- Where To Stay View All