Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture
Beijing, China

Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture

Outty Ranking 405 hoursFrom $433
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

40/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

Not yet rated

No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.

Quick answer

Is Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture worth booking?

Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture is a 5-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $433 per person. It scores 40 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
40 / 100
Rating
Not yet rated
Duration
5 hours
From
$433 per person

Beijing: Ancient Towers & Cricket King Step 700 years back into the soul of Old Beijing. Historic Echoes: Start at the Bell & Drum Towers. See massive drums and climb up for panoramic views of the grey-tiled Hutong rooftops. Courtyard Life: Enter a private home to practice calligraphy and make dumplings. Enjoy a traditional Beijing soul food light lunch served in a quiet, local courtyard. The Cricket King: Meet a renowned Cricket Master in person. Discover this unique Lao Beijing tradition and the legends of these tiny "warriors." Rickshaw Journey: In Shichahai, board a rickshaw through winding alleys. See the real, unfiltered daily life of families living in historic courtyards. Finale: We end at Yandaixiejie, an 800-year-old street famous for artisan shops and street food. Great for gifts! Arrival: Set DiDi to YaoJi ChaoGan Gulou (姚记炒肝鼓楼店). Face the shop, take the alley to your left, walk 1 min to the Drum Tower (鼓楼) gate.

What you get

    About this experience

    Beijing: Ancient Towers & Cricket King Step 700 years back into the soul of Old Beijing. Historic Echoes: Start at the Bell & Drum Towers. See massive drums and climb up for panoramic views of the grey-tiled Hutong rooftops. Courtyard Life: Enter a private home to practice calligraphy and make dumplings. Enjoy a traditional Beijing soul food light lunch served in a quiet, local courtyard. The Cricket King: Meet a renowned Cricket Master in person. Discover this unique Lao Beijing tradition and the legends of these tiny "warriors." Rickshaw Journey: In Shichahai, board a rickshaw through winding alleys. See the real, unfiltered daily life of families living in historic courtyards. Finale: We end at Yandaixiejie, an 800-year-old street famous for artisan shops and street food. Great for gifts! Arrival: Set DiDi to YaoJi ChaoGan Gulou (姚记炒肝鼓楼店). Face the shop, take the alley to your left, walk 1 min to the Drum Tower (鼓楼) gate.

    What's included

    Included

    • 30mins Ride of Rickshaw at ShiChaHai
    • Cricket King's Master Experience's Entrance Fee
    • Dumpling Making Workshop materials
    • Drum and Bell Tower Entrance tickets
    • Professional English Tour Guide
    • Lunch (Beijing Soul Food Style Lunch with the Dumplings you make during your workshop)
    • Chinese Calligraphy Workshop kit

    Not included

    • Transportations are not included as this is a walking tour.
    • Everything thats not mentioned in the included section of this itinerary.

    What you'll see and do

    1. Bell and Drum Towers

      Step out of the modern rush and into ancient history. Our tour starts at the foot of the Bell and Drum Towers, the legendary timekeepers of old Beijing. Here, the air feels different. We’ll explore the massive timber beams and stone foundations that once synchronized the lives of millions, feeling the weight of seven centuries of history as we look out over the timeless horizon of the Hutong neighborhoods.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Bell and Drum Towers

      After our tower visit, we’ll walk over to a nearby courtyard to slow down and live like a local. You'll try your hand at Chinese calligraphy and learn to make your own dumplings from scratch! Your host will then prepare a traditional Beijing style lunch for you to enjoy together. The highlight of the afternoon is a visit to a second courtyard, where we’ll meet a legendary Cricket King. Cricket fighting and appreciation is a deeply rooted Old Beijing tradition (Lao Beijing), and you’ll get a first hand look at this unique world through the eyes of a true master.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Shichahai Scenic Resort

      After our deep dive into the world of the Cricket King, we’ll make our way to Shichahai (什刹海) the historic "Three Lakes" area that has served as a playground for princes and poets for centuries. To truly experience the city as the nobility once did, we will board a traditional rickshaw. This is the ultimate "dynastic" way to travel, whisking you through a maze of ancient alleys where history and modern life collide. You’ll see that these aren't just museum pieces real Beijingers still live, cook, and socialize in these courtyards today. It’s a rare, unfiltered look at the "real" Beijing that many travelers miss.

      40 minutes here · Admission included

    4. We will conclude our journey at Yandaixiejie (烟袋斜街), or "Tobacco Pipe Skewed Street." This 800 year old alley is one of Beijing’s oldest thoroughfares; its unique diagonal shape was originally designed to connect the Drum Tower to the bustling docks of Shichahai. During the Qing Dynasty, it became famous for its many shops selling long stemmed tobacco pipes, giving the street its iconic name. Today, the street has transformed into a vibrant hub filled with artisan shops, traditional crafts, and mouth watering local street food. It is the perfect place to pick up authentic souvenirs or grab a snack. From here, you are free to continue exploring the hidden gems of the neighborhood or soak in the energy of Beijing’s nightlife on your own!

      20 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Beijing

    Getting here is easy! Just type YaoJi ChaoGan Gulou (姚记炒肝鼓楼店) into your DiDi app. When you hop out, look at the restaurant and head into the alley on your left. It’s just a one minute walk to the Drum Tower (鼓楼) entrance gate. Look for the ticket shop,we’ll pick you up right there!

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Our tour ends at Yandaixiejie (烟袋斜街). From there, you’re free to explore the vibrant Hutong atmosphere, enjoy local snacks, and shop for unique gifts and traditional Chinese souvenirs.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    cmn, en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    China In Depth

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Rickshaw in style, Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket CultureRickshaw in Shichahai, Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket CultureMaking Dumplings, Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket CultureExperience Chinese Calligraphy, Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket CultureBell Tower, Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Price range
    $433 to $723
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 40

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)0
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)50
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.

    How much does Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture cost?

    +

    Prices start at $433 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Beijing usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture take?

    +

    Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Beijing is not rushed.

    Is Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 40 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Beijing, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture?

    +

    Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Beijing can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Beijing and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Beijing within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Beijing?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Beijing experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Temple Heaven, Lama Temple, Summer Palace & Peking Duck Bus Tour, Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Sightseeing Full-day Group Tours, Mubus: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Summer Palace Options. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Beijing?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Beijing?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture?

    +

    Included: 30mins Ride of Rickshaw at ShiChaHai; Cricket King's Master Experience's Entrance Fee; Dumpling Making Workshop materials; Drum and Bell Tower Entrance tickets; and Professional English Tour Guide. Not included: Transportations are not included as this is a walking tour; and Everything thats not mentioned in the included section of this itinerary. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture?

    +

    Getting here is easy! Just type YaoJi ChaoGan Gulou (姚记炒肝鼓楼店) into your DiDi app. When you hop out, look at the restaurant and head into the alley on your left. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Chinese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Beijing. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture.

    Pick your date