Free tour
From Forbidden Rooftops to Noodle Alleys: Your Beijing Compass
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Guru: Elsie
Registered on 8 May 2025
Your ‘off-the-grid’ Beijing guide! 15 years of exploring hidden gems—from ancient hutong secrets to trendy craft beer bars. Fluent in English/Japanese (and learning Spanish!), with travel experience in 20+ countries. More than a guide, I’ll be your local friend. Let’s munch on Peking duck pancakes, sip espresso in a courtyard café, and swap stories about emperors and underground art!
Free reservation and cancellation
Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free
Tour description
We meet where Ming Dynasty guards once whispered—a hutong even maps forget. As morning mist clings to persimmon trees, I’ll show you how to:
• Decode courtyard symbols (door guardians reveal owners’ status!)
• Taste imperial snacks at a 1930s bakery hiding Mao-era murals
• Hear why bullet holes on temple walls sing revolutionary poetry
Choose Your Adventure:
- Follow my curated route through secret art zones + craft beer alleys
- Customize! Share your dream spots—I’ll connect them like a Beijing insider
Why 15 Years Matter:
☯️ Fluent EN/JP + survival Chinese phrases you’ll actually use
☯️ My “Peking Duck Map” tracks where locals REALLY eat
☯️ Ends at a viewpoint even emperors stole kisses—with your camera ready
Hook:
“Only 2 tours/day. Book by Friday and get:
- My ‘Midnight Noodle Den’ cheat sheet
- Free jianbing breakfast if you say ‘The Crouching Tiger’s Dumpling’!”
Final Secret:
Beijing’s soul lives in spontaneous moments. Let’s chase yours.
Highlights
What will we see on this tour?
Meeting point:
Meeting Point: Zhihua Temple’s 500yo tree (5 Lumicang Hutong).
Find Me: Short hair, black tee, white fan with red “胡同” seal.
How much does this tour cost?
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).
Who is this tour for?
Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group bookings.
Pets
Suitable for bringing pets.
What should I know?
Minimum attendees
Requires a minimum of 5 people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour requires payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Cash payment only.
From Forbidden Rooftops to Noodle Alleys: Your Beijing Compass
