Beijing: Peking Opera Show, Dinner+Houhai Lake Night Tour

Experience the Charm of Beijing with a Peking Opera, Dinner, and Houhai Night Tour

If you’re looking to add a cultural flair to your Beijing trip, this tour offers a well-rounded evening blending tradition, cuisine, and local neighborhood vibes. While it’s not the most elaborate or lengthy experience, it packs a punch with genuine performances, tasty food, and a glimpse into the city’s historic alleyways.

What makes this tour truly appealing? First, the chance to see Peking Opera, a UNESCO-listed treasure, performed live—something that captures the essence of Chinese performing arts. Second, the dinner options—whether crispy Peking duck, hearty hot pot, or delicate dim sum—allow for a tasty introduction to Beijing’s culinary staples. Third, exploring the Houhai Hutong after dark reveals the city’s charming, quieter side, filled with narrow lanes and courtyard houses.

One potential consideration is the package options—while the Comfort Package offers a private transfer, the Economy Package involves self-arranged transportation, which might require some planning. Still, this flexibility is great for those wanting a more personalized experience or budget-conscious travelers.

This tour suits travelers eager to combine culture, food, and local life into one evening—especially those wanting to avoid typical tourist fare and seek authentic experiences. It’s a fantastic choice for first-time visitors wanting a taste of Beijing’s artistic and neighborhood charm.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Peking Opera performed live as a cultural highlight
• Flexible dining options including Peking duck, hot pot, and dim sum
• Charming Houhai Hutong exploration offers a glimpse of old Beijing
• Private transfer upgrade available for more comfort
• Includes tickets to the opera with snacks and tea served
• Meet-up in central Beijing simplifies logistics
• Tour duration varies from 1.5 to 4 hours, fitting different schedules
• Suitable for those interested in combining food, culture, and local neighborhoods

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

The Itinerary: What’s Included and Why It Matters

This experience kicks off with a hotel pickup, which can be tailored to your preferences—either via convenient private transfer or by making your own way to the meeting point. The guide will greet you with a friendly attitude, setting the tone for a relaxed, informative evening.

Once you’re together, the evening begins with dinner. As you settle in, you’ll get a chance to choose from three traditional Chinese dishes. The Peking duck is a crowd favorite—crispy skin, tender meat, and perfectly rolled with scallions and sweet sauce. If you’re more into communal eating, the hot pot option offers a bubbling vessel of broth filled with fresh vegetables, meats, and noodles—ideal for sharing. For those craving lighter bites, dim sum provides a variety of small, tasty Cantonese treats, both savory and sweet.

After dinner, it’s time to head to the theater for the main event: the Peking Opera. The tickets are included, with seating at a six-person table that promotes a cozy, communal atmosphere. Arriving early allows you to watch the performers get made up—an intricate process that reveals much about the symbolic facial designs (lianpu). These bold, vivid colors and patterns are not just decorative—they tell stories about each character’s personality and role.

The Peking Opera: What You Can Expect

The performance, beginning at 7:30 PM, is a showcase of China’s national treasure. Expect a multi-layered show that combines singing, acting, martial arts, and recitation. Performers wear elaborate costumes embroidered with detailed patterns, and their movements are both graceful and precise.

The opera features scenes from historical tales and folk legends, with performers often making exaggerated gestures and vocalizations. Audience members can observe the facial makeup closely, appreciating the artistic symbolism behind each stroke and color—red for loyalty, black for honesty, white for treachery.

Multiple reviewers mentioned the guides’ insights into the performance, noting that guides like “Mr. Li” provided background that heightened the experience. The show typically lasts around an hour, giving you enough time to enjoy the artistry without feeling overwhelmed.

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Exploring Houhai’s Hidden Charms

Post-performance, you’ll venture into the Houhai Hutong area, a lively yet tranquil neighborhood around the lakes. Here, the narrow, cobbled lanes are lined with traditional grey brick courtyard houses, wooden carvings, and red-lacquered doors—all whispering stories of old Beijing life.

Wandering through these alleyways, you might stumble upon small cafes, local bars, or just quiet spots to soak in the atmosphere. The lakeside ambience is especially charming at night, with reflections dancing on the water and lanterns casting a warm glow. Many reviews highlight how this part of the tour offers a genuine feel for Beijing’s historic neighborhoods, far from the busy tourist spots.

Transportation and Convenience

The package offers two options: the Budget-friendly Economy Package, where you’ll meet your guide and then arrange your own transportation back—using a taxi or public transit at your own expense—or the Comfort Package, which includes a private car and driver. This upgrade can significantly reduce stress, especially if you’re tired after a full day of sightseeing.

Knowing that your transportation is taken care of, especially in the evening, adds peace of mind. The guide’s assistance with hailing taxis or navigating the metro can be invaluable—especially if you’re unfamiliar with Beijing’s transit system.

Is It Worth the Price?

While prices vary depending on the package, the value lies in the combination of authentic cultural performances, delicious food, and neighborhood exploration. The tickets to the opera are included, and the dinner options—especially Peking duck—are often regarded as high-quality and satisfying.

Comparing this experience to other cultural shows in Beijing, this tour offers a more personalized, relaxed atmosphere, especially if you opt for the private transfer. The inclusion of a local guide who explains the symbolism and history adds depth that many visitors find enriching.

Final Thoughts on Value

This tour balances entertainment, education, and local flavor without feeling rushed. For travelers looking to experience Beijing beyond just the big landmarks, it offers an intimate look at traditional arts and local life. The combination of a captivating performance, tasty dinner, and evening walk around Houhai makes it a well-rounded evening activity.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for culturally curious visitors who want a broad yet authentic taste of Beijing. It’s perfect for first-timers eager to see a traditional Chinese opera and explore a historic neighborhood. Food lovers will appreciate the menu options, especially if they’re fans of Peking duck or dim sum.

It also suits travelers seeking a relaxed, guided evening without the hassle of planning every detail, especially if they prefer private transportation. Those interested in learning about Chinese symbolism and traditional art forms will find the guides’ insights particularly valuable.

If you’re after a straightforward yet rich cultural experience that combines performance art, cuisine, and local ambiance, this tour hits the right notes.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get hotel pickup (or meet at the designated location), dinner options, tickets to the Peking Opera with snacks and tea, and a guided exploration of Houhai after the show.

Can I choose my dinner?
Yes, you can select from crispy Peking duck, hot pot, or dim sum, depending on your preference.

Is transportation arranged?
Transport options include a private transfer for the Comfort Package, or self-arranged transport if you choose the Economy Package.

How long does the tour last?
The experience can range from 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on your package and pace.

What is the dress code?
Smart casual is appropriate; there’s no strict dress code, but dressing neatly will enhance your experience, especially for the opera.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is recommended, especially for the private transfer upgrade and preferred timings. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this suitable for children?
While the performance is generally suitable for older children, the cultural content and duration should be considered based on your child’s interests and patience.

Can I attend the opera without dinner?
This particular tour package does not specify a ticket-only option; check with the provider if you only want to attend the show.

What languages are available?
Guides operate in both English and Chinese, ensuring clear explanations regardless of your language preference.

Final Words

This tour offers a genuine window into Beijing’s cultural heartbeat, blending traditional opera, delicious local dishes, and a stroll through historic alleyways. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that balances entertainment with authentic neighborhood charm. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler eager for a different perspective, this evening activity promises a memorable taste of Beijing’s artistic and local spirit.

If you want to see a classic Chinese performance, enjoy a flavorful meal, and explore a lively hutong at night—all in one go—this experience is hard to beat. It’s especially valuable for those who appreciate guided insights, comfortable transportation, and a relaxed pace that lets you savor each moment.

Note: This experience is best suited for those seeking cultural enrichment combined with culinary delights and neighborhood exploration. It’s an ideal way to spend an engaging evening in Beijing, adding depth and flavor to your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: