Beijing Hutong Breakfast Tour by Lost Plate Food Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires comfortable walking ability for about 2.2 miles with breaks.
Overview
Walk through Beijing’s historic hutongs with Lost Plate Food Tours and sample over a dozen traditional breakfast dishes. Experience authentic local culture through food and stories deeply rooted in centuries-old neighborhoods.
Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour
9:00am Daily • 3 Hours • Walking Tour
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating walking tour through Beijing's historic hutongs, sampling over 12 beloved breakfast dishes at six unique locations. Discover hidden culinary gems, from traditional zongzi to innovative jianbing, while unraveling the rich stories behind each dish and the vibrant local culture that has thrived for centuries.
The Essentials:
Sample up to 15 dishes and several drinks across 7 locations on this walking tour of Beijing’s historic hutongs. Exploring a historic hutong best seen on foot, this tour covers everything from the history of Beijing to daily life at the market.
What you'll do
- This tour starts and ends at Fuchengmen Subway Station. An email will be sent with detailed meeting location details immediately after booking.
- Discover how varied Beijing's breakfast staples are, from sweet Beijing yogurt to distinct mungbean soup - a Beijing-only pastime for generations.
- Walk through a neighborhood built over 700 years ago, and hear the unique stories behind doorway art and stone relics centuries old. You won't find any tourists here.
- Try Chinese donuts are a popular breakfast for Beijingers at a tiny shophouse that sells out daily. Another favorite here? Soybean milk.
- Visit a local market street and sample popular street foods like baozi and Halal beef soup.
- Jianbing is taking the world by storm, but we think the best is found right here in Beijing, so we'll visit one of our favorite stalls in the entire city.
- End your morning at a local coffee shop overlooking iconic hutong tiled rooftops and revel in one of the most historic areas of the capital.
About This Tour:
Beijing can feel like a fortress, and we’re not talking about its massive walls or population. In a city that feels endless, with a formidable history and sizeable language barrier, it’s tricky to get a glimpse of real life here.
For a few hours, pull back the curtain and live in the real Beijing. See the sights and smells that have been a long-time mainstay in Beijing’s hutongs, and start your morning the way millions have for generations. With at least 7 different stops, you’ll get a broad taste of the real Beijing, from super-traditional breakfasts to our trendy coffee house scene. See a local market, eat in tiny holes in the walls, and try over a dozen different breakfast items Beijingers love.
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour covers about 2.2 miles on foot with frequent short stops, so opt for sturdy, comfortable footwear.
Be ready to pace your eating
With over a dozen dishes offered, it’s wise to take small bites and space out tasting to enjoy everything fully.
Communicate dietary restrictions early
Vegetarian options are available if notified in advance; however, vegan and gluten-free diets cannot be accommodated.
Bring a water bottle
Walking and sampling food can be thirsty work, so stay hydrated along the route.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban birds commonly seen are the Beijing sparrow and street pigeons.
- Occasional stray dogs peacefully roaming local hutongs.
History
Beijing’s hutongs date back over 700 years, originally designed during the Yuan Dynasty and serving as compact neighborhoods that foster strong community ties.
Conservation
Local initiatives encourage preserving hutong architecture and traditions while managing tourism’s environmental and cultural impact.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Beijing
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supports long walking stretches on uneven cobblestone alleyways.
Light jacket or layered clothing
Adapts to variable temperatures and occasional gusts in narrow alleys.
spring|fall|winter specific
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is important throughout the walking tour.
Small daypack or bag
Useful for carrying purchases, personal items, and any extra layers.