Beijing Night Tour: Acrobatic Show & Hutong Food

Beijing, as a major metropolis of China, comes alive at night with a plethora of cultural shows and the hustle and bustle in traditional hutong alleys. Don’t know how to maximize your night here? Simply come with us to enjoy a show of Chinese acrobatics and then a taste of typical local snacks, both of which will get you not only feasts for the senses but also insights into Chinese culture.

In the afternoon, around 16:30, your private guide will meet you at your own booked hotel and then escort you on a taxi ride to the Red Theater. Rest assured that your guide will contact you in advance to agree with you on the specific pick-up time based on your hotel location. 

Once there, get your teeth into a spectacular acrobatic show that lasts for about 1 hour. With your guide by your side, acquire expert insights that will transform your experience from simply “wow” to an immersive journey to appreciate culture and art. Wouldn’t that be more fascinating if you realized that those physical feats were actually the heritage evolved through thousands of years? Indeed, acrobatics is a form of folk art in China that dates back to the 3rd century BC, and was so popular that it had once won a way to be performed in the imperial palace. It blends classical Chinese dance, martial arts, and daring acts, emphasizing the strength in the waist and legs, which you can try to perceive during the display. You’ll witness all you’ve expected and not: high wire stunts, plate spinning, chair stacking, impossible contortionist acts... performances that make your heart stop for their balance and death-defying feats. Particularly the finale act, where seven motorcyclists ride in a small cage, will leave your jaw dropped! Without much ado, now be ready to hop on this spiritual version of the roller-coaster and yell for the athletes!

● We’ll try to arrange the seats in the center of the auditorium so that you can enjoy the entire stage from all angles. As the tickets are sold quickly, if you want a better seat, please book this tour as early as possible. Note that sometimes the repertoire may change. After the show, let’s continue on a taxi ride to the South Gong and Drum Lane, one of the oldest Hutong alleys in Beijing. From the perspective of a drone, it, along with the 16 small lanes neatly arranged on both sides of it, resembles a centipede, thus earning the nickname ‘Centipede Street’. Accompanied by your guide, stroll through the lively block while glimpsing into the profound history that has accumulated here. As early as the 13th century, this alley and its surrounding area were once the city center, and over the following 500 years, it became an even more prosperous and prestigious region, filled with royal mansions and residences of high-ranking officials. It was not until the last Chinese feudal dynasty collapsed in 1912 that the extreme prosperity of it slowly faded. Nowadays, the South Gong and Drum Lane has been revitalized into one of Beijing’s most popular destinations for both locals and tourists, featuring traditional quadrangle courtyards with grey tiles, various intangible cultural heritage workshops, trendy studios, and countless old specialty snack bars.

★ Guest’s Privilege: Treat Your Taste Buds with Authentic Local Snacks

With your guide, who is well-versed in all kinds of Beijing delicacies, you’ll have the chance to learn about the cultural origins and unique cooking methods of each snack, and taste 4 to 5 kinds of local snacks that interest you, over the bustling Hutong alley. Consider trying an ice-sugar gourd, a food shining with an inviting luster, made by coating fruits like hawthorn with boiled sugar syrup and skewering them on a bamboo stick, and feel the sweet and sour taste bloom on your tongue. The freshly cooked meat pie, with its thin skin and generous filling, shaped like an ancient doornail, will also make your mouth water. Expecting something more special? Then the Fermented Mung Bean Juice, with very distinct, pungent flavor and known as the ‘liquid treasure’ of old Beijing, will surely surprise you.

At around 20:30, your fantastic Beijing night tour comes to an end, and your guide will escort you again in a taxi to your hotel. Hope you enjoyed the night with us! If you want to delve into more of Beijing, such as the royal Forbidden City and the picturesque Mutianyu Great Wall, just inspire us with your preferences to customize your own Beijing trip.