Hutongs by Rickshaw & Cixi's Summer Palace (A Small-Group Tour)
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Port
Tianjin (Beijing), China
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$269
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 11 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Set out with a small group (maximum 20 privileged guests) on the approximately 3.5-hour drive to the city of Beijing.
Traveling by rickshaw, you will tour the local hutongs -- the narrow streets and alleys of the Old Town. Explore deep in the alleys around the Houhai area, where many hutongs survive today and now attract visitors hoping to discover the absolutely authentic character of Old Beijing. This labyrinth dates back to the Yuan Dynasty. Courtyard-style houses line the quaint streets -- the type of housing that used to be all over Beijing before the era of apartment buildings.
You will visit a local family in one of the courtyards to learn about Beijing culture and everyday life here.
Lunch is served at a Chinese restaurant.
Continue to the Summer Palace, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Dowager Empress Cixi commissioned the palace in 1888 and ruled as Regent on behalf of her nephew. Explore with your guide and take in the magnificent palace and grounds -- an oasis of peace in the bustling city.
The drive directly back to the ship in Tianjin takes approximately four hours.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes.