Your adventure begins here! Make your way to the exit and meet your local guide. Together, you'll leave the city's main avenues behind and step into a living, breathing slice of old Beijing—the historic hutong neighbourhood surrounding the Drum Tower.

The iconic Bell and Drum Towers set the scene for your journey. Once used to mark time for the entire city, these 700-year-old landmarks offer a powerful glimpse into imperial Beijing. After soaking in the history, follow your guide into the maze of ancient hutongs nearby—your first food stop, Yao Ji Chao Gan, awaits with its famous steaming Pork & Scallion Buns.

Wander down the lively Yandai Xiejie, one of Beijing's oldest and most characterful lanes. As you stroll past traditional shopfronts and local life, your guide will share the story of Beijing's beloved Zhajiangmian noodles and the nearby Fangzhuanchang Hutong—a tasty piece of culinary history hiding in plain sight.

Pause on the picturesque Yinding Bridge for one of the finest views in Beijing—Shichahai Lake stretching out before you, with the Drum Tower framed perfectly in the distance. It's a moment that connects the city's ancient waterways to its living hutong culture, and a favourite spot for a photo.

Tucked inside a restored courtyard in Doujiao Hutong, Great Leap Brewing is one of Beijing's most unexpected delights—a craft brewery where East meets West in the most charming way. Your guide will also trace the path of the 700-year-old Grand Canal at the nearby Yuhe River Site, revealing the deep history flowing beneath this vibrant neighbourhood.

tep through the gate of the beautifully restored Songzhu and Zhizhu Temple complex and feel the atmosphere shift. Your guide will share the remarkable story of how this serene sanctuary was saved and preserved amid the rapid changes of modern Beijing—a testament to the community's dedication to its heritage. From here, you'll head to the bustling Zhaojunsheng Market and finish your day at Zengshengkui, a beloved local halal eatery, with a perfectly flaky Beef Pie and a crispy Fried Cake—an authentic and memorable end to your Beijing food adventure.