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Home/China/Northern China/Beijing/Drum Tower (Gulou)

Explore Beijing's Historic Drum Tower & Hutongs

Step back in time at Beijing's iconic Drum Tower (Gulou), a majestic landmark standing as a testament to China's imperial history. Immerse yourself in the authentic soul of Old Beijing by exploring the charming Hutongs and hidden alleys that surround this historic site. Whether you choose a guided cultural tour, a traditional rickshaw ride, or a delicious local food tour, you'll uncover the vibrant traditions and architectural wonders of the Central Axis. From the rhythmic beats of ancient drums to the serene beauty of nearby Houhai Lake, our curated experiences offer the perfect blend of history, culture, and local life. Book your unforgettable Beijing adventure today and witness the timeless magic of the Drum Tower.

4.88/5 avg ratingTours from $16.5394 unique experiences76% private tours available

At a glance

Tour Price

Tour Price

$82–$199 typical

Median price is $148, with a full spread of $17–$294

Rating

Rating

4.88★ average

Based on 971 pooled reviews with 89% positive sentiment

Tour Length

Tour Length

3–9 hours typical

Median duration is 5 hours

Tour Type

Tour Type

Mostly Private & Cultural

76% are private tours and 73% focus on cultural themes

Best Value

Best Value

Sightseeing Tours

Averages 4.93★ at $136 per tour

Booking Perks

Booking Perks

79% free cancellation

81% of options offer instant confirmation

98 Products

Beijing Night Tour: Old Hutongs & Food Discovery

Beijing Night Tour: Old Hutongs & Food Discovery

2.5 hrsFree cancellation
4.99 (254 reviews)
97.27%
2.73%
amazingGreat experiencehighly recommend
Viator
$20
Book now
View Details
Beijing Night Tour: Old Hutongs & Food Discovery
Summary

Discover Beijing's magic after dark! Wander through lantern-lit hutongs, admire ancient courtyard architecture, and soak in local culture. Along the way, sample a delightful array of authentic Beijing snacks – from crispy fried rings and sweet candied hawthorns to savory stewed liver. Then savor a u...

Inclusions
  • Guided tour headset (Over 10 people)
  • English Speaking Tour Guide
Exclusions
  • Tip
Itinerary
  • Hutong Tour
  • Bell and Drum Towers
  • Hutong Tour
  • Shichahai Scenic Resort
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

2-Hour “Ancient & Modern” Beijing Sidecar Tour (Day /Night)

2-Hour “Ancient & Modern” Beijing Sidecar Tour (Day /Night)

2 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
5 (45 reviews)
100%
0%
excellentgreat sightseeingsnew Beijing
Viator
$89
Book now
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2-Hour “Ancient & Modern” Beijing Sidecar Tour (Day /Night)
Summary

A unique way to see, feel and touch the real Beijing. We'll explore the most central area and most modern area of Beijing and into the small alleyways of the hutongs, you have the experience of being local, close to the daily life of Beijing. This sidecar trip packed with historical facts and phot...

Inclusions
  • Bottled Water
  • 2 passengers in one sidecar : 1 in the sidecar, 1 behind the driver (Switch half way possible)
  • Phone Charge Cable
  • Beijing Special Snacks
  • Raincoat
  • hot coffee/tea(for winter)&cold soda/beer(for summer)
  • Helmets
  • Professional Driver/Guide
Itinerary
  • Hutong Tour
  • Bell and Drum Towers
  • Shichahai Scenic Resort
  • Gate of Divine Prowess
  • Beijing Workers' Stadium
  • CCTV New Mansion
  • Site of Ming City Wall Park
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Infants and child undr 06 years old are not allowed on this tour
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

4 Hours Private Discover Beijing Tour by Sidecar

4 Hours Private Discover Beijing Tour by Sidecar

4 hrsPrivate tourEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
5 (33 reviews)
97.89%
2.11%
wonderfulFabulous experiencegreat tour
Viator
$129
Book now
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4 Hours Private Discover Beijing Tour by Sidecar
Summary

A unique way to see, feel and touch the real Beijing. Our Classic Tour is perfect to have a first impression about the city, We'll explore the most central area of Beijing, and some smaller and less well-known sites may show you the real local and charming city. We'll ride into the small alleyways o...

Inclusions
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • 2 passengers in one sidecar : 1 in the sidecar, 1 behind the driver (Switch half way possible)
  • Raincoat
  • Helmets
  • Professional driver/guide
  • phone charge cable
Itinerary
  • Bell and Drum Towers
  • Hutong Tour
  • Back Lakes (Hou Hai)
  • Temple of the White Dagoba (Baita Si)
  • Niujie Mosque
  • Fayuan Si - Buddhist Temple
  • Yongdingmen Gatetower
  • Site of Ming City Wall Park
  • Deshengmen Watchtower
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Infants and child under 06 years old are not allowed on this tour
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Half-Day Private Beijing Hutong Walking Tour with Dim Sum

Half-Day Private Beijing Hutong Walking Tour with Dim Sum

4 hrsPrivate tourEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
4.98 (49 reviews)
100%
0%
awesomewonderful tourgreat fun
Viator
$148
Book now
View Details
Half-Day Private Beijing Hutong Walking Tour with Dim Sum
Summary

Beijing’s hutong feel much more atmospheric with a private guide on hand to tell their stories and answer all your questions. Experience big-ticket highlights such as the Bell and Drum Towers, Yandai Xie Street, Back Lakes, and Yinding Bridge alongside lesser-known courtyards on this door-to-door to...

Inclusions
  • Entrance Fees
  • Lunch ( If the option is apply)
  • Private Tour
  • Taxi fare within 4th Ring Road
  • Excellent English Speaking Tour Guide
Exclusions
  • Liquor drinks, coffee (available to purchase)
  • Taxi fare at your own expense Outside of 4th Ring Road
  • Gratuities (Recommended)
  • Any Other expenses that not listed as included
Itinerary
  • Nanluoguxiang
  • Yu'er Hutong
  • Mao'er Hutong
  • Bell and Drum Towers
  • Wuyutai Tea Shop (Wangfujing)
  • Yandai Xie Street
  • Back Lakes (Hou Hai)
  • Yinding Bridge
  • Shichahai Scenic Resort
  • Jinding Bridge
Good to know
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Children must be accompanied by an adult, Please wear comfortable shoes, Dietary restriction and food allergy need to be noticed ahead of the booking
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour

Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour

3 hrsFree cancellationLikely to sell out
4.93 (120 reviews)
94.82%
5.18%
excellent dishesamazinggreat experience
Viator
$55
Book now
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Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour
Summary

A stroll through Beijing’s Hutongs are recommended to every visitor to the capital, but locals know that “there are as many hutongs as there are hairs on an ox” around the city. The best way to get to know the most scenic twisting backstreets that locals call home is by eating your way through them,...

Inclusions
  • Guide fee
  • Post-tour welcome packet with helpful restaurant recommendations, local travel tips & so much more to help make your stay in Beijing easy & fun
  • Soft drinks
Exclusions
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
  • UnTour Beijing Food Tours
  • Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
  • Hutong Tour
  • Temple of Confucius and Guozijian Museum
  • Bell and Drum Towers
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking by emailing - advanced notice is required to be able to cater to any dietary restrictions
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Private Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall and Forbidden City with Cable Car and Meal

Private Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall and Forbidden City with Cable Car and Meal

9 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
5 (21 reviews)
95.36%
4.64%
amazinghighly recommendBest for photos
Viator
$202
Book now
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Private Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall and Forbidden City with Cable Car and Meal
Summary

If your plane is passing through Beijing on the way to other destinations, don’t spend the day inside the airport. Instead, take this layover tour to explore the Great Wall at Mutianyu Section, and discover the charms of the Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square. Your informative local guide will tak...

Inclusions
  • Professional guide
  • Cable car round trip or ski lift up and toboggan ticket
  • Entrance fee
  • Transport by private vehicle
Itinerary
  • Mutianyu Great Wall
  • Bird's Nest National Stadium
  • Water Cube
  • Bell and Drum Towers
  • Tiananmen Square
  • The Palace Museum
Good to know
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Please make sure your trip suites the Visa free policy. If you are not able to go through customs for any reasons, please take your own responsibility. There is no refund for the same day cancellation, The Great Wall, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden city layover tour require at least 11 hours, If flight lands before 14:30, the visit to the Great Wall will or Forbidden City will be secured. Otherwise, you can't make it because the Great Wall at Mutianyu open between 08:30 to 17:30, Please note: 1st April thru 31st October - Forbidden City stops selling tickets at 16:00, and closes at 17:00, Please note: 1st November thru 31st March - Forbidden City stops selling tickets at 15:30, and closes at 16:30, Your guide will wait 90-minutes after your flight arrive, if you can not arrive the meeting point on time please contact your local operator in advance, Passport name and number is required at time of booking for all participants (for getting your Forbidden City entrance ticket in advance), Forbidden city tickets sold out fast, so we are not secure can get tickets, please book this tour in advance to make sure all tickets available.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Beijing Hutong Private 4-Hour Walking Tour w/ Drum & Bell Tower

Beijing Hutong Private 4-Hour Walking Tour w/ Drum & Bell Tower

4 hrsPrivate tourEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
5 (12 reviews)
100%
0%
Fabulouswell informedfun
Viator
$76
Book now
View Details
Beijing Hutong Private 4-Hour Walking Tour w/ Drum & Bell Tower
Summary

- A glimpse into old Beijing rich history with the knowledgeable tour guide; - Watch and listen Drum performance at the Drum tower (only twice per day); - See the biggest copper bell of China; - Enjoy the peaceful lake view of Houhai, you may have a relax and enjoy a beer or tea (your own expense).

Inclusions
  • Professional English speaking tour guide (4 hours)
Exclusions
  • Meals (Lunch & Dinner)
  • Transportation
  • Gratitude to the guide (Recommended for good service)
  • Entrance tickets
Itinerary
  • Bell and Drum Towers
  • Nanluoguxiang
Good to know
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Children must be accompanied by an adult, Dress code is smart casual, Extra fee will be requested after 4 hours tour
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Beijing: Hutongs & Drum Tower City Walking Tour

Beijing: Hutongs & Drum Tower City Walking Tour

3 hrsEco-Friendly
4.94 (62 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$70
Book now
View Details
Beijing: Hutongs & Drum Tower City Walking Tour
Summary

Experience the real local culture of Beijing on a guided walking tour of the Hutongs. Visit a Taoism temple, local shops, enjoy an optional rickshaw ride and visit a local home.

Private Night Tour: Discover Beijing in Bustling Lights

Private Night Tour: Discover Beijing in Bustling Lights

4 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.89 (73 reviews)
90.23%
9.77%
beautifulnice night tourGreat experience
Viator
$81$88
Book now
View Details
Private Night Tour: Discover Beijing in Bustling Lights
Summary

This is an evening private tour with English speaking guide from your hotel to many city landmarks and attractions. You will be able to enjoy the beautiful sightseeing of Beijing during the night. Your driver take you around to see through Beijing CBD, SOHO Business Street, Changan Street, Tiananmen...

Inclusions
  • Tour guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Bottle of water
Exclusions
  • Food and drinks
Itinerary
  • Olympic Park
  • Bird's Nest National Stadium
  • Water Cube
  • Bell and Drum Towers
  • Shicha Lake Park
  • Jingshan Park
  • The Palace Museum
  • Tiananmen Square
  • National Center for the Performing Arts
  • Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Maozhuxi Jiniantang)
  • Chang'an Avenue
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions, Departure time is subject to daylight time in difference seasonality, please confirm with your local tour operator for details., Children must be accompanied by an adult
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

4-Hour Private Beijing Hutong Bike Tour with Dumpling Lunch

4-Hour Private Beijing Hutong Bike Tour with Dumpling Lunch

4 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.92 (13 reviews)
98.84%
1.16%
FantasticDelightfulPleasure
Viator
$199
Book now
View Details
4-Hour Private Beijing Hutong Bike Tour with Dumpling Lunch
Summary

There’s no better way to discover traditional Beijing life in authentic “hutong” neighborhoods than with a private guide. This door-to-door private bike tour combines the well-known attractions with less-visited lanes where locals still go about their daily lives. Besides Nanluoguxiang, Back Lakes, ...

Inclusions
  • Dumplings Lunch
  • Entrance fees to Drum Tower
  • Taxi & subway fare (Within 3rd Ring Road)
  • Helmet (No Bike included)
  • Excellent English Speaking Tour Guide
Exclusions
  • Bike (guests use Your own WeChat to scan the Mobike)
  • Taxi fare at your own expense (Outside of 3rd Ring Road)
  • Street Food Tasting (at your own expense)
  • Gratuities (Recommended)
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Any other expenses that not listed as included
Itinerary
  • Back Lakes (Hou Hai)
  • Yandai Xie Street
  • Shichahai Scenic Resort
  • Yinding Bridge
  • Bell and Drum Towers
  • Baochao Hutong
  • Nanluoguxiang
  • Wuyutai Tea Shop (Wangfujing)
  • Mao'er Hutong
  • Jinding Bridge
Good to know
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Children must be accompanied by an adult, A moderate amount of biking is involved, Please wear comfortable shoes, Dietary restriction and food allergy need to be noticed ahead of the booking
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

...

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Drum Tower (Gulou).

Yandai Byway (Yandai Xiejie)
Learn more

Yandai Byway (Yandai Xiejie)

250 m away • from $5

Nanluoguxiang
Learn more

Nanluoguxiang

800 m away • from $12

Back Lakes (Hou Hai)
Learn more

Back Lakes (Hou Hai)

900 m away • from $60

Prince Gong Mansion (Gong Wang Fu)
Learn more

Prince Gong Mansion (Gong Wang Fu)

900 m away • from $10

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

The largest share of options we compare across booking platforms are private tours: 83% offer private guiding rather than group experiences. This means you'll typically have a dedicated guide for your group, which allows for a more personalized pace and the flexibility to linger on details that interest you most. Private tours are especially popular here, so if you prefer a smaller, more intimate experience over a large group setting, you'll have plenty of choices.

Prices across the options we compare range from $27 to $320, with most falling between $89 and $231 (median $149). This wide range reflects different tour lengths, group sizes, and what's included. Budget tours tend to be shorter or focus on entry alone, while mid-range and premium options typically bundle guiding, longer durations, and sometimes meals or visits to nearby sites.

Most tours run between 3 to 9 hours, with a typical duration around 5 hours. Shorter options focus on the Drum Tower itself and immediate surroundings, while longer tours often combine the tower with nearby neighborhoods, food experiences, or cultural sites in the area. Check the itinerary when booking to confirm whether it matches your schedule and interests.

Across more than 980 combined reviews from booking platforms, tours here have an average rating of 4.82 stars, with roughly 89% of reviews positive. The most common praise centers on the experience being amazing, wonderful, and highly recommended, with many reviewers highlighting the tour quality and cultural insights. This consistently strong feedback suggests the attraction and its tours deliver on visitor expectations.

Yes. 87% of the options we compare offer free cancellation, giving you flexibility if your plans change. 88% also offer instant confirmation, so you can often book and receive your confirmation immediately without waiting for manual approval. These features make it easier to secure your spot and adjust if needed.

About 44% of the options we compare are tagged as eco-friendly across booking platforms. These tours typically emphasize sustainable practices, smaller group sizes, or cultural respect for the historic site. If environmental responsibility is important to you, filtering for eco-friendly tags when browsing will show you those choices.

Tours are available in 7 languages: English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Spanish, French, and German. This broad language availability makes it accessible whether you're a native English speaker or prefer another language. Check the specific tour listing to confirm your preferred language is included before booking.

Use the Beijing Metro card (Yikatong) available at stations. Download the Metro app for real-time updates. Buses are cheap but crowded. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Didi are convenient alternatives for navigation.

Beijing is generally very safe. Tourist-friendly areas include Chaoyang, Dongcheng, and Xicheng districts. Avoid isolated areas late at night. Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps for evening travel.

Check air quality index (AQI) before visiting. Winter months have worse pollution. Bring N95 masks, use air purifiers in hotels, and avoid outdoor activities on high pollution days. Download air quality apps for real-time monitoring.

Confucius Temple1.7kmJingshan Park (Jingshan Gongyuan)1.8kmBeihai Park (Beihai Gongyuan)1.8kmLama Temple (Yonghegong)2kmNational Art Museum of China (NAMOC)2.1kmBell Tower (Zhonglou)2.3kmNine Dragon Screen at the Palace Museum2.6km
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