5-Day Authentic Beijing Hutong Exploration Itinerary

Day 1: South Luogu Alley

Beijing, China on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mosto Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Mosto Cafe, offering a mix of Western and local flavors in a cozy hutong setting. Opens at 8am.
CNY50, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore South Luogu Alley Hutong

Wander through South Luogu Alley, one of the most charming and preserved hutong areas full of boutique shops, cafes, and traditional architecture.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hutong Xiaochi

Enjoy traditional Beijing snacks like jianbing (savory crepes) and dumplings at this local favorite eatery in the hutong area. Open from 11am to 3pm.
CNY40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Drum and Bell Towers

Located at the north end of South Luogu, these iconic towers offer panoramic views of the hutong maze and a glimpse into Beijing’s history. Open 9am-5pm.
CNY30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Tea break at Lao She Teahouse

Relax with traditional Chinese tea and enjoy folk performances in one of Beijing’s famous cultural teahouses nearby. Open 10am-7pm.
CNY80, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Experience authentic imperial Qing dynasty cuisine in a beautiful hutong courtyard setting. Reservation recommended. Opens 6pm.
CNY200, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Dashilar Historic District

Beijing, China on May 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Dashilar Courtyard Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with specialty coffee in a stylish courtyard nestled within the historic Dashilar district. Opens 8:30am.
CNY60, 1h0m

9:45am

Stroll through Dashilar Street and Hutongs

Explore one of Beijing’s oldest shopping streets and surrounding hutongs filled with artisan shops, street food stalls, and historic architecture.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Baodu Feng

Savor Beijing’s famous baodu (quick-fried tripe) and traditional specialties at this well-known local restaurant in the area. Open 11am-3pm.
CNY70, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Shen Ku Hutong Cultural Museum

Learn about Beijing’s hutong culture and history in this small but rich museum located inside a traditional courtyard house. Open 9am-5pm.
CNY20, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening walk along Qianmen Street

Experience a lively atmosphere with illuminated historic buildings, shops, and street performances. Great for photo opportunities and soaking in local life.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant

Enjoy the world-famous Peking duck in an elegant but traditional hutong-style setting. Be sure to book a table ahead. Opens 5pm.
CNY250, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nanluoguxiang & Shichahai

Beijing, China on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Local

Enjoy a casual Western-style breakfast with fresh juices and coffee near Nanluoguxiang. Opens 8am.
CNY55, 1h0m

9:15am

Explore Nanluoguxiang Hutong

Walk this famous hutong street known for its mix of historic architecture and trendy boutiques, cafes, and bars. Open all day.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Boat Ride on Shichahai Lake

Take a relaxing pedal or electric boat ride on the scenic Shichahai lakes surrounded by ancient hutongs and gardens. Boat rentals open 9am-6pm.
CNY60, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Huixiangyuan Restaurant

Taste authentic northern Chinese cuisine with duck dishes and homemade noodles near Shichahai. Open 11am-3pm.
CNY80, 1h15m

2:30pm

Visit Prince Gong Mansion

Explore the vast and beautifully preserved Qing dynasty mansion with lovely gardens and rich history. Open 9am-5pm.
CNY40, 1h45m

5:00pm

Stroll through Houhai Bar Street

Enjoy early evening vibes with street musicians and local bars lining the canals, perfect for a light snack or drink.
Varies, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at BeiJing ZhaJiang Mian Restaurant

End the day with Beijing’s traditional fried sauce noodles in a cozy hutong eatery. Opens until 9pm.
CNY60, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Yonghe Lama Temple Area

Beijing, China on May 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at a Local Noodle Shop

Try traditional Beijing breakfast offerings such as soybean milk and youtiao (fried dough sticks) near Yonghe Temple. Opens from 7am.
CNY25, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Yonghe Lama Temple

Experience the peaceful and ornate Tibetan Buddhist temple known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance. Open 9am-5pm.
CNY25, 1h30m

11:15am

Walk the nearby hutongs

Explore the narrow streets around Yonghe Temple to see daily life in traditional Beijing homes, markets, and small shops.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at A Dai Noodle House

Enjoy hand-pulled noodles and local Beijing dishes in a simple hutong setting. Open 11am-3pm.
CNY40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Guozijian (Imperial College) and Confucius Temple

Discover these ancient cultural sites close by, showcasing imperial Chinese education and architecture. Open 9am-5pm.
CNY30, 1h45m

5:00pm

Rest at Hutong Café

Unwind with a tea or coffee break in a quaint hutong café before dinner.
CNY50, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dong Lai Shun Hot Pot

Experience traditional Beijing-style mutton hot pot in an atmosphere reflecting old Beijing charm. Reservation suggested. Opens 6pm.
CNY180, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Historic Hutong Finale

Beijing, China on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at King’s Joy Tea House

Enjoy a calm morning tea and light breakfast in a tranquil hutong courtyard. Opens 8am.
CNY60, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Prince Gong Mansion Gardens

Revisit or explore deeper this grand Qing dynasty mansion and its serene scenic gardens. Open 9am-5pm.
CNY40, 1h30m

11:15am

Final Hutong Walk including historic residential lanes

Take a leisurely walking tour through quiet, less touristy hutong neighborhoods to absorb the authentic local life before departure.
Free, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Lion’s Head Restaurant

Dine on traditional Beijing home-style dishes, known for their flavorful lion’s head meatballs. Open 11am-2pm.
CNY70, 1h15m

2:30pm

Shopping for Souvenirs at Local Markets

Browse nearby markets for handicrafts, traditional snacks, and cultural souvenirs to take home.
Varies, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at a Hutong courtyard café

Enjoy your last moments in Beijing with coffee or tea at a charming hutong café.
CNY50, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability