Beijing Imperial City Free Walking Tour

Meeting point at the subway station: line 8 or Line 6 Nan Luo Gu Xiang Station Exit E. Highlights of the tour: • Nan Luo Gu Xiang Lane • Mao’er Hutong • Former Residence of Qing Dynasty Empress • Former Residence of the President of the Republic of China • Dou Jiao Hutong • Fang Zhuan Chang Hutong • Houhai Lake (Shichahai Lake) • Houhai Lake Bar Street • Smoking Pipe Street • Xiaoshibei Hutong • Dashibei Hutong • Drum Tower (exterior view only) • Bell Tower (exterior view only) Why should we go here? These sites offer an authentic experience away from tourist crowds. After our guided tour, enjoy some delicious hand-made Peking Dumplings served with soup broth made by locals who have been making them their whole lives! This place also offers vegetarian options. You can continue your exploration on foot within just 10–15 minute walk distance; explore The Forbidden City, Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, Jingshan Park, and Beihai Park. Throughout this journey through time, discover how Hutongs came to be, understand the urban planning that shaped old Beijing under successive ruling dynasties—Yuan, Ming, and Qing—, witness the ebb and flow of fortunes among its inhabitants over centuries, uncover secrets hidden behind ancient gatehouses guarding secluded inner courts, delve deeper into Feng Shui principles embedded in architectural designs of residential compounds, and ponder upon social stratification reflected in living conditions along different sections of narrow alleys known locally as "Hutongs." A stark contrast between affluence and poverty exists side by side - see where once lived presidents of modern China alongside impoverished families struggling daily against hardship... Also pay homage inside Qianlong Emperor's private quarters located right next door – he was not merely any ordinary ruler but rather considered enlightened despot embodying wisdom beyond his years. Lastly don't miss out visiting Queen Mother Dowager Cixi's luxurious mansion which stands testament to imperial opulence amidst modest surroundings while learning fascinating facts regarding origins of communal restrooms found typically near entrances leading towards central areas shared amongst multiple households sharing same compound walls. And finally get acquainted with perhaps world's oldest continuously operating noodle shop still serving up steaming bowls filled with savory broths since inception nearly two millennia ago… Enjoy every moment spent exploring captivating stories woven throughout each corner turned down alleyways echoing tales spanning thousands of years worth remembering.