If you have an eye for beauty, this is a perfect choice for you. We will take you to the most delicate and beautiful hidden gems in the hutongs. You will first visit a grand Prince Mansion originally built in 1730. It is also called “the deserted Forbidden City”because the stone lions in front of its gate are even larger than the ones in front of the Forbidden City. Then you will get to admire the nearly three-hundred-year-old ceiling paintings in a hutong house that survived the cultural revolution only because the room was used for storage at that time.
Next, you are invited to meet with the uncrowned king of Chinese ceramics and his secret private museum of ceramics. You will be able to touch the astonishingly beautiful old ceramic shards dating back to hundreds even thousands of years ago. Lastly, I will show you the best-preserved Xiulou in a Prince Mansion I grew up.
NEED TO KNOW
How much does it cost? 800 RMB per person (2 people minimum, 6 people maximum)
How long will it take? 3.5- 4.0 hours
When can I do it? Anytime, as long as you start before 1pm
Getting there: The cost does not include transportation to and from the meeting point. You can get there by taxi, take subway or get a Uber or Didi ride.
Start Point: Exit H, Chaoyangmen Station, Subway Line 2
End Point: Exit A, Beihaibei Station, Subway Line 6
Children: Half price for Children under 6. Children under 2 free
Any other costs I should know about? Nope! (All entrance tickets and transportation fees during the program are already included in the price.)
How far in advance should I book? At least 48 hours
What to bring: A relaxed attitude, and the appreciation of art.
Our favourite bit: Visit the uncrowned king of Chinese ceramics and share his enthusiasm and knowledge, learn the stories of his best collections and how to tell differences of ceramics from different dynasties.
Who is guiding the program? Yuhua will accompany you throughout the program.
What to eat? Yuhua will recommend the best local restaurants based on your individual preference, allowing you to pay for lunches as you go so that you can have whatever you feel like at the moment!