Houhai Hutong Tour: Rickshaw + Prince Gong & Soong Residences
1/6
Houhai Hutong Tour: Rickshaw + Prince Gong & Soong Residences
Next available dates
Tue
3 Mar
Wed
4 Mar
Thu
5 Mar
Bestseller
Private Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Instant confirmation
Free cancellation
Pickup included
From
MYR 785.96
Highlights
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.
Itinerary
Lotus Lane(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeYour 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.Bell and Drum Towers(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeEn 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.Gong Wang Fu
1 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedNext 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.)Peking Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling (Song Qingling Guju)
1 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedThen 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.Yinding Bridge(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeWe’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.Yandai Xie Street
30 minsAdmission Ticket FreeOur 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.Shichahai Scenic Resort(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeBefore 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.Back Lakes (Hou Hai)
1 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedThe 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.
What's included
INCLUDED
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
NOT INCLUDED
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel drop-off
Transportation back to your hotel
Customer reviews
Additional information
Must Know
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Good To Know
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.
Location
Address
southwest corner of Qian Hai, Beijing, China
Provider
Discover Beijing Tours
From
MYR 785.96
or use 25,503 KrisFlyer miles
Why Pelago?
- Trusted by millions of travellers
- Choose from 200,000+ activities
- Earn KrisFlyer miles with every booking
- A Singapore Airlines company
Get 10% off on the app with promo code APP10
Scan to download