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Stroll Beijing's literary lane with a local. Explore Yangmeizhu Hutong's history, then craft a Rabbit God figurine or blend Chinese incense in a courtyard workshop. Perfect for culture seekers.

Highlights

• Discover one of Beijing’s oldest literary hutongs with a local friend
• Explore hidden antique shops and hear stories of folk traditions
• Take home a handmade cultural souvenir and memories of real Beijing life

Description

Escape the crowds and step into the quieter, richer world of Old Beijing — a world of winding hutongs, hidden courtyards, folk stories, and handmade traditions. This immersive experience takes you into the heart of Yangmeizhu Hutong, one of the city's most culturally vibrant neighborhoods, for an unforgettable journey that blends storytelling, craft, and connection. Discover a Literary and Artistic Street Your journey begins in Yangmeizhu Xiejie, a hutong that once hosted poets, painters, and booksellers. Unlike the polished tourist streets nearby, Yangmeizhu has retained a soft, lived-in charm. The street is lined with old walls, quiet courtyards, and vintage shops filled with calligraphy scrolls, incense tools, and antiques that speak of Beijing’s past. Your local guide will share personal stories as you explore the hutong, revealing hidden antique stalls, old printing blocks, and cultural corners beyond the guidebooks. Make Something with Your Own Hands Once you’ve taken in the mood of the street, you’ll step into a hidden craft studio tucked away in a traditional courtyard. Here, you’ll begin the hands-on part of your experience. You’ll choose one of two cultural crafts to explore: Option 1: Make a Traditional Rabbit God Figurine (“Tu’er Ye”) The Tu’er Ye, or Rabbit God, is one of Beijing’s most iconic folk deities. Once made by hand for children during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Rabbit God is a protector, a moon spirit, and a symbol of resilience. In this experience, you’ll sit down in a small, time-worn shop alongside an elderly local craftswoman — someone who has been making Rabbit Gods for decades. Surrounded by shelves of half-finished figures, clay molds, and paints, you’ll learn how each Rabbit God is shaped, dried, painted, and blessed with meaning. No two are the same — some carry drums, others scrolls, some look bold, others quiet. You’ll choose your own base, paint it with traditional pigments, and give your figurine a personality of its own. It’s not just a craft — it’s a link to a vanishing part of Beijing’s past. Option 2: Craft Traditional Chinese Incense If you’re drawn to scent and ritual, you can choose to make traditional Chinese incense, known for its calming, spiritual, and healing qualities. In ancient homes, people used incense not only for ceremony, but to tell the hour. You’ll begin by learning about natural materials like sandalwood, clove, agarwood, and dried Chinese herbs. Many of them were believed to carry not just fragrance, but spiritual power: to clear the mind, cleanse the air, and connect with the divine. With the guidance of your host, you’ll touch, crush, blend and shape your own small incense pieces — into cones, sticks, or simple bundles. The experience is tactile, peaceful, and deeply rooted in the philosophy of balance between body, spirit, and nature.

Includes

Guided cultural walk through Yangmeizhu Hutong with a local friend Introduction to the history of Beijing’s literary and folk traditions Visit to vintage-style shops or folk art spots along the hutong Choice of one hands-on cultural craft experience: Option 1: Create your own Rabbit God (Tu’er Ye) figurine with a local craftswoman Option 2: Make your own traditional Chinese incense, blended from natural ingredients Use of all required materials for the selected activity Step-by-step guidance throughout the creative process Cultural background and meaning explained for each item you create A handmade souvenir to take home (your Rabbit God or incense) Access to a digital seasonal guidebook curated by locals, with cultural tips and hidden gems in Beijing Friendly, flexible pace — like being welcomed by a local friend

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund