A Guide to Beijing Walking Tour Groups

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Getting out and about in the capital – be it over a weekend, holiday, or any other time – is the best way to get up close and personal with the city’s history all while getting in a bit of exercise.

Thankfully, Beijing is blessed with more than one group dedicated to providing guided walks on a myriad of historical and cultural topics. And not just walks, but runs, bike rides, and e-bike tours as well.

Beijing by Foot

Founder Jeremiah Jenne giving a tour at the Old Summer Palace

This tour company, founded by Dr. Jeremiah Jenne, who holds a PhD in Chinese history from the University of California, Davis, hosts walks geared around history and educating participants about the city's past. Focusing on famous sites as well as less-traveled byways, Jenne seeks to provide a deep dive into history for those curious enough to take part.

Jenne also partners with other venues around the city to host lectures and fun events aimed at teaching people about Beijing's history. Upcoming events include a Feb 3 walking tour, co-hosted with Bespoke Travel (more on them below), that focuses on Paul French's latest book, Destination Peking; "Drinking in History" at Great Leap Brewing on Feb 5; and a walking tour focusing on Houhai co-hosted with The Hutong on Feb 6. For details on each event, tap the respective poster below to scan QR code.

Beijing Postcards

 

Started as a shop selling postcards made from old photographs of the capital, Beijing Postcards now hosts a variety of walks, talks, and even runs focusing on key moments in the city's past – from the Boxer Rebellion to what happened following the abdictation of Emperor Puyi, and more. The tours and talks are led by Lars Ulrich Thom, whose enthusiasm for Beijing and its history is both contagious and inspiring.

Founder Lars Ulrich Thom speaking at the Beijing Postcards gallery near Qianmen

The next event from Beijing Postcards, on Feb 3, is a scavenger hunt in the Dashilar area focusing on Spring Festival. To find out more, and to check for future events, find Beijing Postcards on WeChat by scanning the QR code below.

Beijing Experience

Founded roughly six years ago by Spanish photographer Cesar Casellas, Beijing Experience takes the walking and bike tour concept, but instead of focusing on history, focuses more on photography – with each tour time, direction (south to north or east to west), and route designed so participants can get the best photos during the walk.

Founder Cesar Casellas's walks have more of a photography focus

Along with these tours, Casellas also has hutong bar crawls, taking up to 25 guests per trip to small bars found throughout Beijing's alleyway neighborhoods. He even has special books featuring his photographs from around the city and its surrounding areas. To find out about upcoming tours or how to purchase a photo book, contact Cesar via WeChat (cesarcasellas).

Our Beijing

 

One of Our Beijing's more popular activities is the Jianbing Workshop

This company is for those who want a little more than just walking. Want to forgo using your feet and opt for an e-bike instead? Our Beijing has you covered, with hutong and foodie tours focusing around Dongcheng and Xicheng. They also mix it up further with activites like jianzi golf, and mahjong and jianbing workshops. To find out more about upcoming activities, follow Our Beijing on WeChat (ourbeijing).

Bespoke Travel Company

 

For something a little more tailored, there's Bespoke. They quite literally provide customized tours, but they also offer experiences with experts based in the capital. Besides working with the likes of Dr. Jeremiah Jenne of Beijing by Foot, they also do special tours with Great Wall explorer William Lindesay, and even Beijing Postcards – with whom they organize a walk that ties in with the renowned Paul French book Midnight in Peking. Find out more via their website bespoketravelcompany.com or WeChat (BespokeBeijing).

Images: Vincent R. Vinci, courtesy of the tour groups

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