Beijing Culture: Calligraphy Class, Hutong Rickshaw, Panda House

You will be picked up from your hotel in Beijing city center by your guide with your name paper in the morning at 8am/9am, and then drive to the first destination.

Visitors to the Beijing Bell and Drum Towers will discover one of the most iconic landmarks of old Beijing. Standing proudly at the northern end of Beijing’s historic Central Axis, these magnificent towers once served as the city’s official time-keeping center during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. For more than 600 years, the powerful sound of drums at dusk and the ringing of the giant bell at dawn marked the rhythm of life in the imperial capital. Today, visitors can climb the ancient towers for panoramic views of traditional hutongs and modern Beijing, watch lively drum performances, and experience the atmosphere of a living historic neighborhood near Shichahai. Rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture, the Bell and Drum Towers offer travelers a fascinating glimpse into the heartbeat of ancient Beijing.

Yandaixie Street is one of the oldest and most charming hutong streets in Beijing, with a history of more than 700 years dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. Its name means “Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street,” inspired by the street’s shape and the tobacco shops that once flourished here. Today, this lively alley is filled with traditional courtyard architecture, unique souvenir shops, local snack stalls, and cozy cafés. Walking along Yandaixie Street offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to experience the atmosphere of old Beijing while enjoying the vibrant culture around the nearby Shichahai lakes. It’s a perfect place to explore local life, taste street food, and capture memorable photos of historic Beijing.

Ride a traditional rickshaw through atmospheric hutong lanes and past historic courtyard residences once home to scholars, officials, and cultural figures. Formerly a bustling commercial hub of old Beijing, Nanluoguxiang is now one of the city’s most fashionable hutong districts—perfect for photos, boutique browsing, and soaking up old-Beijing charm.

Step inside a traditional family courtyard tucked within the hutong. Over tea and warm conversation, you’ll be introduced to the art of Chinese calligraphy by your hosts. You’ll even receive your own Chinese name and learn to write it with brush and ink on rice paper. When finished, you can pose proudly with your personal calligraphy artwork—a meaningful cultural souvenir of your Beijing journey.

Meet China’s beloved national treasure: the giant panda. Inside the lush bamboo gardens of the Panda House, you’ll observe these gentle icons eating, climbing, lounging, and playing—an adorable and heart-warming encounter loved by visitors of all ages. You’ll also learn about panda conservation and their cultural symbolism in China, making this stop both meaningful and memorable.

Drop-off at your hotel after the tour. Lovely tour ends! Note: Please bring your belongings when you leave the vehicle.