Highlights
- Explore a 300-year-old guild hall reborn as a Digital Art Museum
- Try on Peking Opera costumes at Mei Lanfang’s former home
- Visit Beijing’s first outdoor marriage registration point at a templ
- Discover a quirky courtyard of old Beijing curiosities and tea
- Try traditional crafts at a courtyard museum with a master artisan
Description
Step into Beijing's newest cultural revival – the Dashilar Anlan district, which debuted in July 2026. This 2.5-hour walking tour takes you through a maze of hutongs west of Qianmen, where over ten historic buildings have been reborn as digital art museums, opera houses, boutique cafés, and more.
Stop 1: Xidan Hotel – A 300-Year-Old Guild Hall Reborn
Built during the Kangxi era (circa 1700) as the Guizhou Guild Hall, later the Xidan Hotel, this building is now a Digital Art Museum. Explore a century-old wooden opera stage with Pingshu storytelling and Jingyun Dagu drum songs. Browse the gift shop for Peking Opera mask cushions. MR technology coming soon.
Stop 2: Mei Lanfang's Former Home – Try Opera Costumes
Visit the former residence of Mei Lanfang, Peking Opera's most famous performer. Now the Mei Lanfang Aesthetic Arts Center, this courtyard lets you try on authentic opera costumes and take photos. Costume experience fees apply.
Stop 3: Huguo Guanyin Temple – Beijing's First Outdoor Wedding Venue
This ancient temple has been transformed into Beijing's first outdoor marriage registration point. Even if you're not getting married, its serene courtyard offers a beautiful pause for photos.
Stop 4 (Optional): Gu He Coffee – A Hidden Courtyard Hideaway
Tucked away from tourist crowds, this hidden café is run by a young local couple. Guests are treated like old friends. Sit by the window, enjoy coffee or tea, and feel the rhythm of hutong life. Coffee from 30 RMB.
Stop 5: Cai Yuan'er – A Courtyard of Curiosities
This former communal courtyard is now a quirky museum of Beijing nostalgia. See cricket cages, pigeon whistles, and ancient coin art. Enjoy traditional Jasmine tea served the old Beijing way.
Stop 6: No. 93 Courtyard Museum – Hands-On Heritage
Your final stop is a traditional courtyard home turned museum. See relics of old hutong life and try a traditional craft under the guidance of a heritage master. Create something with your own hands. Craft experience fees apply.
Why This Tour Is Different
This isn't about Beijing's imperial past – it's about its creative present. The Cultural Anlan district has brought old buildings back to life with minimal intervention, preserving the hutong fabric while adding new energy. A 300-year-old guild hall now hosts digital art. A temple is now a wedding venue. A courtyard is now a café.
This is the Beijing guidebooks don't tell you about.
Includes
Professional English-speaking local guide
Guided walking tour of the Dashilar Cultural Anlan district
Entrance to Xidan Hotel (Digital Art Museum)
Entrance to No. 93 Courtyard Museum
Excludes
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks (available for purchase at stops along the way)
Peking Opera costume experience at Mei Lanfang Center (available at additional cost)
Traditional craft experience at No. 93 Courtyard Museum (available at additional cost)
Marriage registration service at Huguo Guanyin Temple (requires prior reservation)
Personal expenses and gratuities
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
