Beijing's hutongs are narrow atmospheric alleyways lined with small houses, whose distinctive oriental grey rooftops cluster around central courtyards. Visiting the hutongs is like being transported back in time; it is here that we find Beijing's traditional core, a place to see timeless local life in action, try authentic cuisine, buy local handicrafts and artwork, pause at a tea house and learn Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting and local street games. They can be explored on foot, bicycle or by rickshaw and can also include the chance to meet a family and share lunch with them.
Some of our favourite places to visit and things to do in Beijing
What to do in Beijing
Special in-depth Beijing tour
Beijing off the beaten track
Temple of Heaven Park
Choose your perfect holiday
Find inspiration from our selection of itinerary suggestions, a great starting point for your next trip
Explore Imperial palaces, hike the Great Wall of China and enjoy Hong Kong's exotic beaches and local markets. Great cities of the world are a must for vibrant city life, anci…
Route
Beijing - Great Wall - Hong Kong
China
Yangtze Tour
15 Nights from
£4,763
Beijing & Great Wall - Xi'an & Terracotta Army - Chengdu - Yangtze Cruise - Zhangjiajie National Forest Park - Shanghai
Cruise the Yangtze River through the Three Gorges landscape, experience China's ancient wonders, observe giant pandas in Chengdu, expereince spectacular Zhangjiajie National F…
Route
Beijing & Great Wall - Xi'an & Terracotta Army - Chengdu - Yangtze Cruise - Zhangjiajie National Forest Park - Shanghai
China
Shangri-la Tour
14 Nights from
£4,562
Beijing & Great Wall - Kunming Stone Forest - Shangri'la - Tea Horse Road - Lijiang - Dali & Erhai Lake - Beijing
Enjoy Yunnan's stunning landscapes and cultural experiences as you go behind the scenes on the old Tea Horse Road
Route
Beijing & Great Wall - Kunming Stone Forest - Shangri'la - Tea Horse Road - Lijiang - Dali & Erhai Lake - Beijing
China
Dynasty Tour
14 Nights from
£3,698
Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Guilin - Hong Kong
Delve into China's Imperial past and hike the Great Wall away from the crowds. Discover Hong Kong beyond the skyscrapers and stand in awe at the iconic Terracotta Army
Beijing - Xi'an - Lhasa - Chengdu - Longji Rice Terraces - Guilin & Yangshuo - Hong Kong
Palaces of the Dalai Lama and Chinese emperors, baby pandas, the Terracotta Army and Hong Kong beyond the skyscrapers
Route
Beijing - Xi'an - Lhasa - Chengdu - Longji Rice Terraces - Guilin & Yangshuo - Hong Kong
China
Panda Family Tour
14 Nights from
£5,244
Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Shangri-La - Lijiang - Hong Kong
Your children will love China, visiting the ancient history of Beijing, Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, the pandas at Chengdu, ethnic minorities and Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan…
Route
Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Shangri-La - Lijiang - Hong Kong