Beijing Private Hutong Culture Tour and Dumpling Cooking Class

In the morning, meet your guide upon pickup from your centrally located hotel in Beijing. You're transported by private vehicle to the first stop, Lama Temple, one of the most revered Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. The original prince's palace was converted to a temple in the 18th century and blends both Han and Tibetan styles of architecture.  View the world's largest wooden Buddha statue before continuing on to the Confucius Temple, built to pay tribute to Confucius during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Venture inside the temple complex to find more than 100 ancient trees and 198 steles.  Board a rickshaw for a ride through the hutongs. While you weave through the ancient alleys, your guide points out numerous traditional-style gates and shops. On arrival at a local family's home, take part in a cooking demo and learn to make Chinese dumplings. Watch a game of cricket fighting and eat a home-style meal for lunch. After, you can climb up the Drum Tower for a panoramic view of the old Beijing-Shichahai area. Then walk to Yandaixiejie Hutong, an age-old lane dating to the Yuan Dynasty of the 13th and 14th century, ending at Houhai Lake. Conclude your private tour with transport back to your hotel.