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.
Beijing Postcards
A Beijing history company founded in 2005 that runs hutong walks and talks from its public history space in Dashilar, drawing on its collection of old maps and photographs.
At a glance
- Type
- History walking tours
- Area
- Dashilar, Xicheng, Beijing, China
- Official site
- beijing-postcards.com
Good to know
- History of the Hutong walk
- Saturday walk-and-talks
- Historic map and photo collection
- Public history space
Why we recommend it
Beijing Postcards is a history-focused company founded in 2005. It carries out archival research and oral history projects, and turns that work into themed walks, talks and exhibitions about the city. It also produces souvenirs from its collection of historic maps and photographs, such as framed map prints and jigsaws, and runs community events including a historical book club, film nights, pub quizzes and a historical run.
Its base is a public history space at 97 Yangmeizhu Street in Dashilar, near Qianmen, open daily from noon to 6pm. The space is the meeting point for most of the company's walks.
The best-known walk is History of the Hutong, which tells the story of Beijing through its lanes, covering more than 2,000 years of the city's history from street level. Public walks last about two and a half hours, typically from 10am to 12.30pm, and start from the Dashilar space. There is a reduced price for children, and booking is through an online sign-up link published with each date. The company also runs a regular Saturday walk-and-talk from the space, and offers private walks for groups.
Research projects have covered the Forbidden City, Dashilar, the Boxer Rebellion, the evolution of modern Beijing and the story behind the book Midnight in Peking, so the walks and talks draw on the company's own research.
The walks suit curious travellers, history enthusiasts, families with older children and expatriates who want to understand the city around them. They are a good way to start a trip, as the background makes the major sights easier to understand. The souvenir range goes beyond prints to cushions, tote bags and jigsaws based on old maps and photographs of the city, and map purchases can be reserved by email, so the Dashilar space is also a good place to look for a gift with a real Beijing connection. The website carries regular posts on the city's history and current events.
Dashilar is close to Qianmen Street, where Quanjude's first roast duck restaurant and the shaomai house Duyichu are found, which makes it easy to combine a morning walk with lunch. Contact the team by email at [email protected] or by phone on +86 130 1107 8680 for questions or private bookings.
Beijing Postcards FAQs
What does Beijing Postcards do?
It researches Beijing's history and runs walks, talks and exhibitions based on its collection of maps and photographs.
When was it founded?
In 2005.
Where do the walks start?
At its public history space, 97 Yangmeizhu Street, Dashilar.
How long is the History of the Hutong walk?
About two and a half hours, typically from 10am to 12.30pm.
Is there a children's price?
Yes, children pay a reduced rate.
How do you book?
Through the online sign-up link published with each walk date, or by email.
When is the space open?
Daily from noon to 6pm.
Can I book a private walk?
Yes. Contact [email protected] or +86 130 1107 8680.