The day
This day runs on old Beijing’s clock: start at midday, end with dinner. It begins under the incense smoke of the Lama Temple, Beijing’s most atmospheric working monastery, and moves into the grey-brick hutong lanes by rickshaw — including tea in a real courtyard home with the family who has lived there for three generations.
As the light goes golden you climb the Drum Tower for the drumming performance, stroll Houhai’s lakes as the lanterns come on, and finish with the city’s signature meal: whole roast duck, carved tableside, at a restaurant locals actually book.
Good to know
Hour by hour
An easy start after a free morning.
Tibetan Buddhist halls, juniper incense, and an 18-metre Buddha carved from a single sandalwood trunk.
A pedicab weaves you through the grey-brick lanes around the Bell and Drum Towers — barbers, chess games, caged songbirds.
Tea and conversation in a traditional siheyuan courtyard home — how old Beijing actually lives.
Climb the steep stairs for the drumming performance and a rooftop view straight down the city’s ancient central axis.
Walk the willow-lined banks as the lanterns and neon come on across the water.
The full ritual: crackling skin dipped in sugar, pancakes, scallion and sweet bean sauce. Reservation made for you.
Rolled home, very full, by 22:00.
This is a private trip — every timing above flexes to your pace, your appetite and your energy.
The fine print
Keep exploring
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