Forbidden City and Hutong Family Homemade Lunch
Beijing balances its ancient history with its 21st century lifestyles and this experience is a chance to explore both of these with a visit to the ancient Forbidden City and a chance to meet a local family and join them for lunch in their home.
Area
Beijing & Around
Type
Art & Architecture
History
Grade
Luxurious
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
Full Day
Begin your day with a visit to the sprawling Forbidden City, exploring the palaces, imperial buildings, manicured gardens, temples and libraries that offer such an evocative insight into the dynasties and their subjects. As you wander through the vast compound with your guide you’ll discover how the site was constructed, and the beliefs that directed its design. While it would take more than a week to cover the entire city, this morning’s tour is a fascinating overview of the history and ends with a climb to the top of hill to take in a sweeping view of the full site and its 9,999 buildings.
Returning to Beijing you’ll take a walking tour of the hutongs, or alleyways, that connect the houses and neighbourhoods of the old town, and will make a stop at a local bike repair workshop to chat with the owner who is incredibly knowledgeable about the hutongs and the cultural traditions to be found here. Heading out into the lanes you’ll pass snapshots of life being played out on the streets – children playing and old men engrossed in games of Mahjong – before stepping inside this world with a visit to the home of a local family. Alongside the family you’ll help prepare the lunch, and discover more about the culture and traditions of the city, before sitting down to enjoy this homemade meal.
As visitor numbers to the Forbidden City are limited we would recommend booking well in advance. Once booked the date cannot be amended. The original passport must be presented on arrival.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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This epic itinerary offers an idyllic introduction to the country’s biggest draws and provides the perfect concoction of a cultural intake and spectacular scenery while staying at some of the most exclusive and stylish hotels in the in China.
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View TourUltimate China
This classic itinerary provides a brilliant introduction to China, from the almighty Great Wall of China to the fascinating Terracotta Army. During your trip you’ll visit all the key highlight destinations including Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai with private guiding throughout to ensure you make the most out of your adventure, uncovering the culture and history.
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View TourUltimate China & Mongolia
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Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationRosewood Beijing
Modern and spacious, the Rosewood Beijing is truly an oasis of calm, not your ordinary city hotel. With its sleek design and homely atmosphere, feel instantly welcomed here in the midst of buzzing Beijing.
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View AccommodationMandarin Oriental Qianmen
Delight in authentic cultural immersion, superb service and upscale amenities, staying in a traditional courtyard house within a 600-year-old hutong in the heart of Beijing, enjoying the warm hospitality of the local Chinese community.
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View AccommodationNovotel Beijing Peace Hotel
Located in the city centre, just a short walk from Wangfujing Street, and very close to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the 389 rooms of Novotel Beijing Peace Hotel are in a prime location for getting to know the city.
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View AccommodationBrickyard Retreat at Mutianyu Great Wall
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View AccommodationBvlgari Hotel Beijing
A luxurious haven in the Chinese capital, the Bulgari fuses sleek Italian design with Chinese heritage in the heart of Beijing’s leafy embassy district, offering spacious upscale accommodation, Michelin-starred chef, flawless service and lavish spa.
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View AccommodationWaldorf Astoria Beijing
Located in the historic centre of Beijing, the Waldorf Astoria provides the perfect fusion of modern luxury and the traditional orient. With a brilliant mix of contemporary art pieces and classic architectural elements the hotel encapsulates Beijing.
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View AccommodationDhawa Jinshanling
Located at the foot of Jingshanling Great Wall, Dhawa Jinshanling is ideal base to explore the world's longest man-made structure without the relative crowd typical of Great Wall areas near Beijing.
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View AccommodationRegent Hotel Beijing
A luxurious sanctuary at the heart of bustling Beijing, the Regent Beijing seamlessly blends modern opulence with China’s historic elegance. With a myriad of facilities and a central location, it is the perfect retreat after a day exploring Beijing’s high
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View AccommodationPeninsula Beijing
With a fabulous central Beijing location close to the Forbidden City, The Peninsula Beijing is the place to stay. It has contemporary guest rooms, fantastic facilities, luxury surrounds and exemplary Peninsula service.
More Experiences in This Area
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