No other city in the entire world has hutongs. What does that tell you? That you should go see them of course! These ancient, labyrinthine alleyways are where ‘real’ Beijing life happens, so to help you navigate some of the most interesting corners, we’ll fix you up in a walking tour with a local Chinese guide who knows the hutongs like the back of her hand.

After a visit to the ancient Drum Tower, a hidden private museum and a whizz through the hutongs on rickshaws, your guide will take you to meet a local cricket trainer. Yes, you read that correctly. This colorful local character actually trains crickets and grasshoppers to fight in local competitions. A fascinating insight into a bizarre Chinese sport you won’t forget in a hurry!