Houhai Hutong Tour: Rickshaw + Prince Gong & Soong Residences

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Lotus Lane

   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.

   Pass by without stopping

2. Bell and Drum Towers

   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.

   Pass by without stopping

3. Gong Wang Fu

   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.)

   60 minutes here · Admission included

4. Peking Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling (Song Qingling Guju)

   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.

   60 minutes here · Admission included

5. Yinding Bridge

   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.

   Pass by without stopping

6. Yandai Xie Street

   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.

   30 minutes here

7. Shichahai Scenic Resort

   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.

   Pass by without stopping

8. Back Lakes (Hou Hai)

   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.

   60 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

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

Languages

zh-TW, cmn, en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Wed, Thu

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Discover Beijing Tours

Know before you go

• 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.

Photos

Traveler reviews

7 verified traveler reviews for Houhai Hutong Tour: Rickshaw + Prince Gong & Soong Residences. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.