China1 day
Beijing by Bike: Forbidden City, Hutongs & Lama Temple — 1 Day
A full-day cycling route through imperial landmarks and residential alleyways with a local guide
This one-day bike tour moves through central Beijing on two wheels, starting at Tiananmen Square and passing through the Forbidden City's outer precincts before turning into the hutongs — the narrow residential lanes where Beijing's street life continues largely unchanged. The route includes a visit to a local family courtyard, a stop at a neighborhood food market, views of the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, and time inside the Lama Temple. An English-speaking guide leads the way, and lunch is taken with a local family.
Highlights
- Cycling through Tiananmen Square and the approach to the Forbidden City
- Walking the hutongs and exploring a traditional courtyard home
- Food market visit within the residential lanes
- Views of the Bell Tower and Drum Tower from courtyard level
- Interior visit to the Lama Temple
Day by day
1Cycling Tiananmen, the Forbidden City & Beijing's Hutong Lanesthe Forbidden City · Tiananmen Square · hutongs · local food market · family courtyard · Bell Tower and Drum Tower · Lama Temple · local family home
Your guide meets you at your hotel at 8:30am to begin the day on a bicycle. The route starts at Tiananmen Square, moves through symbolic avenues and landmarks, then reaches the Forbidden City — the imperial residence of 24 emperors from 1368 to 1911. After exiting from the North Gate, the focus shifts to the hutongs, the narrow alleys that form Beijing's older residential fabric. You'll pass through lanes to a local food market embedded within the hutong district, visit a family courtyard, and see the Bell Tower and Drum Tower from street level. The day concludes with a visit inside the Lama Temple, where you'll leave your bike to walk through the temple grounds. Lunch is taken at a local family home during the route.
Where you go
- 1Tiananmen Square
- 2hutongs
Included
- · English speaking guide service
- · Bike with helmet
- · Lunch in a local family
- · Drinking water
Not included
- Do Not Include:
- International airfare
- China Visa
- Hotel accommodation