Tour operator
Beijing Hikers
A Beijing hiking company running since 2001, leading scheduled group hikes on unrestored Great Wall sections and in the hills and villages around the city.
Lost Plate Food Tours Beijing
Small-group hutong food tours run by Lost Plate, whose China operations are managed from Beijing, with evening, breakfast and Great Wall day options.
At a glance
- Type
- Hutong food tours
- Area
- Shichahai, Xicheng, Beijing, China
- Official site
- lostplate.com
Good to know
- Evening and breakfast food tours
- Four sit-down restaurants
- Drinks included
- Small groups of up to 12
Why we recommend it
Lost Plate has run food tours in China since 2013. It began in Xi'an, where its founders were living, and now operates in cities including Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai and Xi'an, with tours elsewhere in Asia and in Portland, Oregon. Its China general manager is based in Beijing, and the company employs more than 50 local guides. In Beijing it runs an evening hutong food tour, a breakfast tour and a full-day tour combining the Great Wall with the hutongs.
The Beijing Hutong Evening Food Tour is the main event. It runs daily at 6.30pm, lasts about three and a half hours and meets at Shichahai station on Line 8. The group walks about 2.5 kilometres through hutong lanes, with five to ten minutes between stops, and sits down at four restaurants. Dishes include Beijing hotpot in a copper pot with clear broth, thin slices of mutton and beef and a sesame dipping sauce; Beijing noodles made from scratch at a small noodle house; meat buns at a Muslim diner; and spring pancakes made to order at a restaurant run by a husband and wife. The cuisines span Han, Mongol and Muslim traditions. Unlimited local beer and soft drinks are included, along with a glass of local craft beer.
Groups range from two to twelve people. Vegetarian diets can be catered for with advance notice, though every kitchen also cooks meat, but the tour cannot accommodate vegan or gluten-free diets or severe allergies. The company advises against wearing heels on the walk.
The Beijing Hutong Breakfast Tour starts at 9am, lasts about three hours and includes more than 12 dishes at six or more stops. The full-day tour starts at 7.30am and combines the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a farmhouse-style meal and a guided hutong walk.
Cancellations made 24 hours or more before the tour are fully refunded. Tours run rain or shine, with refunds offered in extreme weather, and if the air quality index exceeds 400 guests who cannot attend for health reasons can claim a refund.
The tours suit first-time visitors, couples, solo travellers and families with children over three, who pay a reduced rate. Contact Lost Plate on +86 156 9210 9030 or by email at [email protected].
Lost Plate Food Tours Beijing FAQs
Where does the evening food tour start?
At Shichahai station on Line 8, at 6.30pm daily.
How long is the evening tour?
About three and a half hours, with four sit-down restaurants.
What food is included?
Copper-pot Beijing hotpot, handmade noodles, meat buns at a Muslim diner and spring pancakes.
Are drinks included?
Yes. Unlimited local beer and soft drinks, plus a glass of craft beer.
Can vegetarians join?
Yes, with advance notice, but vegan and gluten-free diets cannot be accommodated.
How big are the groups?
Two to twelve people.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refund for cancellations 24 hours or more before the tour.
Is there a morning option?
Yes, a three-hour breakfast tour starting at 9am.