Tipsy Travel: Beijing Hutong Night Foodie and Bar Crawl Tour

Introduction: A Closer Look at the Tipsy Travel Beijing Hutong Night Foodie and Bar Crawl Tour

If you’re craving a more genuine taste of Beijing beyond the typical tourist spots, this Hutong night tour promises an adventure into the city’s lesser-known alleyways, where local life and flavors thrive. While some travelers may find this tour offers unique insights into Beijing’s culinary scene, recent experiences highlight both its potential and pitfalls.

What we like about this experience is how it emphasizes authentic local cuisine in hidden hutongs, features a craft beer tasting at a boutique brewery, and culminates in a visit to a traditional Chinese wine pub. It’s also nice to see that the tour is private, allowing for a more personalized experience.

However, a notable concern is the reliability of the company, as recent reviews report cancellations and no-shows—potentially ruining your evening. So, this tour might be best suited for travelers who are flexible and able to confirm arrangements beforehand. If you’re into discovering local hotspots and enjoy food and drinks in a less touristy setting, this could be a good fit—just keep a close eye on reviews and communications before booking.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Focuses on local eateries and hidden hutongs away from crowded tourist areas.
• Craft Beer & Drinks: Includes tastings from a top local brewery and unlimited drinks at the final pub.
• Flexible and Customizable: Can accommodate dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.
• Potential Reliability Issues: Recent reviews mention cancellations, so confirm your booking and stay updated.
• Duration and Cost: Lasts around 3-4 hours, with a price of $98 per person—an affordable way to explore Beijing’s alleyways.
• Private Experience: Only your group participates, which can be both a plus for intimacy and a risk if the organizer cancels.

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect on the Tipsy Travel Hutong Night Tour

The Starting Point: Yuge Hu TongYu Ge Hu Tong

The tour begins at Yuge Hu Tong, a location you’ll want to find easily via public transportation. Right from the start, the aim is to steer away from the typical tourist traps and into Beijing’s authentic hutongs, where local residents have called home for generations. Expect a lively introduction to the neighborhood’s vibe, with some historical context as you prepare for the evening ahead.

Stop 1: Doufuchi Hutong and the Craft Brewery

The first stop promises a modern twist on tradition. You’ll visit a hidden craft brewery within the historic hutongs, where centuries-old recipes meet contemporary brewing techniques. Here, the focus is on local craftsmanship, offering a chance to taste artisan beers in an intimate setting away from the crowds.

While the experience sounds intriguing, one review from a previous guest, Christopher_W, mentioned a disappointing no-show after a long taxi ride and waiting in freezing weather. This highlights the importance of confirming your booking and being aware that cancellations can happen unexpectedly. Expect to spend about an hour here, sampling drinks and soaking in a mix of old and new.

Stop 2: Bell and Drum Towers and Yunnan Cuisine

Next, you’ll head to a courtyard beneath the iconic Drum Tower, where a Yunnan restaurant serves regional dishes in a quiet, authentic setting. The menu likely features harmonious regional flavors that are both satisfying and different from Beijing’s typical cuisine.

The review doesn’t specify if this stop includes a tasting menu, but the description suggests a cozy atmosphere with delicious regional dishes. Expect to spend roughly 40 minutes here, enjoying local flavors in a place that feels removed from tourist-heavy streets.

Stop 3: Baochao Hutong and a French-Style Grocery Bistro

As you stroll through the Baochao Hutong, you’ll discover a discreet French-style grocery bistro, offering imported wines and a cozy ambiance. This stop emphasizes hidden gems in Beijing’s alleyways—an ideal spot for wine enthusiasts or those seeking a quiet refuge from the bustling city.

Guests can expect a small, intimate setting, perfect for sampling wines or enjoying a quiet snack. This stop lasts about 30 minutes and is a good chance to unwind and savor some European flavors while appreciating the hutong’s charm.

Final Stop: North Luogu Lane and the Chinese Yellow Wine Pub

The final destination takes you to North Luogu Lane (Beiluoguxiang), a quieter and more natural alleyway compared to the more commercialized Nanluoguoxiang. Here, you’ll visit a distinctive Chinese yellow wine pub, where the tour concludes.

This area’s appeal lies in its authenticity and relaxed vibe, making it a fitting end to an evening of exploring Beijing’s backstreets. The review notes this last stop is free of charge, giving you a chance to soak in the local atmosphere and perhaps try some more drinks before heading back.

Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Meeting Points and Timing

The tour kicks off at 6:00 pm at Yuge Hu Tong, making it an ideal evening activity. It ends at 21 Bei Luo Gu Xiang, a well-known street with easy access to public transit. Being in the evening, you’ll experience the hutongs in their lively, illuminated state—perfect for photography and people-watching.

Duration and Group Size

Expect the tour to last around 3 to 4 hours, with a flexible itinerary that allows for relaxed exploration. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, which can enhance intimacy and personalized attention but also makes you more vulnerable to cancellations if the provider’s plans change.

Cost and Value

At $98 per person, this tour is relatively affordable for a night of food, drinks, and local sights. However, recent reviews raise concern about reliability, so it’s wise to confirm your booking and stay in touch with the provider. The included dinner, snacks, desserts, and unlimited drinks offer good value, especially considering the emphasis on authentic food and local drinks.

Dietary Needs and Accessibility

The tour can accommodate special diets like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options—just communicate your needs when booking. This flexibility is a plus for those with food allergies or specific preferences.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Concerns

While the tour promises an authentic exploration of hutongs, real-world reviews highlight that cancellations can occur unexpectedly. One guest’s experience involved a no-show after a long taxi ride, which is frustrating and potentially ruins a planned evening. It’s vital to confirm your reservation and perhaps have a backup plan.

On the upside, the stops promise delicious food, excellent wine, and craft beer in cozy, local settings. The knowledgeable guides can enhance the experience, sharing insights into Beijing’s alleyway history and food scene. The craft brewery and French bistro exemplify how diverse and surprising Beijing’s hutongs can be.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for adventurous food lovers who enjoy discovering off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods and sampling local regional cuisine and drinks. It’s ideal for travelers who value private, customizable experiences and want to avoid the crowds.

However, those wary of uncertain logistics or recent cancellations should approach with caution. Confirm your booking well in advance, stay flexible, and consider your comfort level with last-minute changes.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Your Time?

If your goal is to experience authentic Beijing in a relaxed, informal setting, this tour offers plenty of potential—when it runs smoothly. You’ll probably love the chance to taste regional cuisines, sip craft beer, and explore quiet alleyways away from the crowds, all within a few hours.

However, reliability is a concern—the risk of cancellations means you should have a backup plan or be prepared for a possibly altered experience. For those who love exploring local neighborhoods at night, and don’t mind some uncertainty, this could be a memorable night out.

For travelers wanting a well-organized, guaranteed experience, it may be worth exploring other options or verifying recent reviews before booking. But if you’re flexible and eager for a taste of the authentic hutong life, this tour has the ingredients for a memorable Beijing evening.

FAQ

Is this a group or private tour?
It’s a private tour, so only your group participates, which can make for a more personalized experience.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes dinner, snacks, dessert, craft beers, and unlimited drinks. You’ll also get admission to various stops along the way.

Can I customize dietary preferences?
Yes, the tour can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs if you notify the provider when booking.

What time does the tour start and end?
It begins at 6:00 pm and lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, ending at around 9-10 pm at a lively street with easy transit options.

Is there a risk of cancellation?
Yes, recent reviews report cancellations or no-shows. Confirm your booking and stay in contact with the organizer.

Are alcohol drinks served?
Yes, alcohol is served to travelers 18 and above, including craft beers and Chinese yellow wine. Non-alcoholic options are available for minors.

What should I know about the reliability of this experience?
Given recent experiences of cancellations, it’s advisable to double-check your reservation and consider the risks before planning your evening around this tour.

In summary, this Beijing hutong night tour offers a wonderful chance to explore local neighborhoods, taste regional dishes, and enjoy craft drinks in an intimate setting. However, due to recent issues with cancellations, travelers should be cautious and confirm their arrangements. If reliability isn’t a deal-breaker and you’re eager to discover authentic Beijing away from the crowds, this experience could be a memorable part of your trip.