BJ-HT02: Half-Day Beijing Houhai Hutong Tour by Rickshaw

In old times, rickshaws functioned like modern taxis, shuttling among the crisscross hutongs. Although their function as transportation tools has gone, they still run to serve tourists to the city, and have been a traditional and interesting way for tourists to experience the life of old Beijingers. Join us and you will have a chance to enjoy it in person. 

Originally, rickshaws are two wheeled and pulled by one person on foot. The present rickshaws are three wheeled and ridden by drivers, saving their energy. 

Rickshaws can be found in many Hutongs of the city, like Bada Hutong and Nanluoguxiang (South Gong and Drum Lane). But the most recommended place is Houhai. 

On the one hand, rickshaws there are under the unified management. On the other hand, the area is not only abundant in hutongs and courtyards, but also famous for the water scenery; so you can enjoy a more rewarding rickshaw trip.

The starting and ending points of the Houhai rickshaw tour are to the north of North Gate of Beihai Park. 

The Beihai North subway station on line 6 is within the walking distance, so subway will be the first choice for our guide to escort you there from your hotel. In case the city buses are more convenient, then he or she will choose them. The buses stopping by the adjacent Beihai North Gate bus stop include 3, 4, 13, 42, 107, 111, 118, 612, Sightseeing Line 3 and Sightseeing Inter-zone Line 3.

 This is a guided tour by eco-friendly public transport. If you need a private car,feel free to contact our travel consultants to arrange it for you. 

Usually, the routes are fixed and visitors cannot ask the driver to make a change. But do not worry, the routes are well designed according to the road conditions and attractions around. You may choose either of the two routes below. 

 Route 1: 
Qianhai West Street – Qianhai North Shore – Yinding Bridge – Houhai South Shore - Small Xiangfeng Hutong – Big Xiangfeng Hutong – Liuyin Street – Qianhai West Street
Duration: about 20 minutes

 Route 2: 
Qianhai South Shore – Qianhai East Shore – Yinding Bridge – Houhai North Shore – Ya’er Hutong – Ganlu Hutong - Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling – Houhai North Shore – Yinding Bridge – Qianhai East Shore – Qianhai South Shore
Duration: about 30-40 minutes

After the rickshaw tour, the guide will accompany you to visit a local family living in one of the traditional courtyards in the Hutongs. You will have a chance to learn their daily life and some unique folk customs at a close distance.

Next, explore the most famous attraction in Houhai area, Prince Gong’s Mansion, which was the largest prince’s mansion in the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) and is still well preserved till today. It was built by He Shen (1750 - 1799), an corrupt official during the resign of Qianlong Emperor (1711 - 1799) and known as “world’s no.1 greed”. He owned silver (ancient Chinese currency) of about 800 – 1,100 million liang (ancient currency measure unit), which equals about CNY 25,000 – 40,000 million and USD3,500 - 5,600 million. So his mansion is also delicate and luxury to every detail. Not only the architectures, but also many treasures inside are worth your attention.

At the end of this tour, our guide will send you back to your hotel or other requested location in downtown per your request. As the way you come, subway line 6 will be the prior choice, then those city buses.