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The Hutong - Culture Exchange Center
Cultural Tours • Walking Tours • Lessons & Workshops • Cooking Classes • Food Tours
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9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
The Hutong is Beijing's premier culture exchange center in the heart of the capital. From cooking classes to tea workshops, to walking tours for the intellectually curious traveler, and much more.
Tours and Tickets by The Hutong - Culture Exchange Center
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(89 reviews)
(72 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
423 reviews
Excellent
393
Very good
23
Average
3
Poor
3
Terrible
1
LittleWolfToo
San Jose, CA1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Solo
I had a zoom cooking class with Sophia. From start to finish it was a great experience. The communication was quick, thorough, and personal. Everything I would be needing was anticipated- not only were recipes and an ingredient list provided, photos of each item along with both English and mandarin were included as well so shopping was easy.
Zoom can be fickle, but despite the few glitches we had no problems. It was easy to see and hear, and it felt almost as if we were in the same room.
The recipes were delicious! Though I’m an experienced cook, enjoyed learning new techniques and especially the background of the dishes we made.
Is there a higher rating? I’d definitely give it if there were. 😊
Zoom can be fickle, but despite the few glitches we had no problems. It was easy to see and hear, and it felt almost as if we were in the same room.
The recipes were delicious! Though I’m an experienced cook, enjoyed learning new techniques and especially the background of the dishes we made.
Is there a higher rating? I’d definitely give it if there were. 😊
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Juliana S
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • Business
I am regular guest by The Hutong. But this Wednesday we took part for the first time at the private cooking class with some colleagues and friends. And for the first time it was not a Chinese cuisine: we learnt 3 Vietnamese dishes. And what can I say? - it was like always by the Hutong: delicious, informative and FUNNY! I have every time so much fun there. Yao and Jane are just amazing hosts and we learnt a lot. I love to cook the recipes at home after classes and already much of them I cook frequently. I can not count how many classes I visited in the last 2 years I spent in Beijing - but i still learn every time something new about the Chinese (and now about other Asian) culture, spices and ingredients. Thanks a lot for this evening! See you soon agaign!
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Diane
Belper24 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We took the Chinese cookery class with Sophia and had a blast. We took along our 5 year old daughter who already has a keen interest in cooking and baking. Although she couldn’t fully participate she had her own little work station and was included in everything start to finish, she loved trying all the ingredients and food at the end.
Our host Sophia was informative, engaging and passionate about the food. She taught us so many things about the food, history, correct ingredients, knife skills and much more.
The food was absolutely delicious and we look forward to booking more classes in the future.
Our host Sophia was informative, engaging and passionate about the food. She taught us so many things about the food, history, correct ingredients, knife skills and much more.
The food was absolutely delicious and we look forward to booking more classes in the future.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emanuel R
Shoham, Israel26 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We came as a group of friends for a private cooking class. The subject was "Chinese Home Style Cooking ".
Yao, the instructor, is very professional, both as a cook and as an instructor.
With fluent English, great knowledge and wonderful communication and instructing skills, she led us through 3 hours of fun and of course, to the happy ending af a nice lunch.
The facility is nicely designed and organized, comfortable and welcoming.
I will sure try their other activities during my next visit in Beijing.
Yao, the instructor, is very professional, both as a cook and as an instructor.
With fluent English, great knowledge and wonderful communication and instructing skills, she led us through 3 hours of fun and of course, to the happy ending af a nice lunch.
The facility is nicely designed and organized, comfortable and welcoming.
I will sure try their other activities during my next visit in Beijing.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mike Mc
Laguna Beach, CA6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
My wife and I attended the noodle pulling class at The Hutong and it was one of the highlights of our two weeks in China. We were fortunate enough that we were the only two at that particular time and had a private cooking class. The space is tucked back into one of Beijing’s historic hutongs which provides the perfect backdrop to not only learn how to hand make noodles, dumplings and other native foods but to experience the local culture first hand. It was a very authentic and memorable experience. We would recommend to anyone!
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alexandra
Beijing, China14 contributions
Jul 2021
Jeremiah the tour guide was incredible so knowledgeable about this place, the opium war, and the history of China. He answered my questions ( I asked a lot). I found the tour fascinating and made me want to learn more about this period in history. I don't think I would have known about this place if I hadn't seen it advertised on The Hutong WeChat page.
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nancy R
38 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
My teenage daughter and I took ten cooking classes! An amazing array of classes- Sichuan, Yunnan, Dumplings, Noodles, steamed buns. Wow!
It was the highlight of our trip to Beijing.
You will prepare a main course and side dishes while learning the culture and history of China.
There must be over 30 different courses to choose from. The Sichuan series, as an example, offers four distinct menus.
Beautifully situated in a hutong, the facilities are gorgeous, the teachers love to share their knowledge of food and China. It is relaxed - even the novice will be comfortable.
A great way to meet Beijingers, expats and other tourists.
Educational. Fun. Cooking. Culture. Experience. Family friendly. Regional Specialties. Great Atmosphere.
It was the highlight of our trip to Beijing.
You will prepare a main course and side dishes while learning the culture and history of China.
There must be over 30 different courses to choose from. The Sichuan series, as an example, offers four distinct menus.
Beautifully situated in a hutong, the facilities are gorgeous, the teachers love to share their knowledge of food and China. It is relaxed - even the novice will be comfortable.
A great way to meet Beijingers, expats and other tourists.
Educational. Fun. Cooking. Culture. Experience. Family friendly. Regional Specialties. Great Atmosphere.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bridgid H
Beijing1 contribution
Jan 2012 • Friends
We recently attended two cooking classes at The Hutong, and both times left feeling it was time and money well spent! The classes were well run by interesting and knowledgeable teachers, we were provided with a a cosy and clean working space; and came away with the skills and knowledge to create new dishes at home! I would highly recommend the classes as an enriching cultural experience, as well as a way to meet new people and learn something new! You can see a more detailed review plus photos on this blog: PhoandChips (http://phoandchips.com/2012/02/01/cooking-at-the-hutong-yunnan-cuisine/)
Written February 5, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SharonBrisbane
Brisbane55 contributions
Aug 2011 • Friends
During 2011 my daughter attended university in China learning Mandarin. I decided to join her for mid year holiday break. July/August/September. We met in Beijing where I had booked an apartment for us in the Chaoyang district. This was a fantastic choice as it was central to everything we wished to see.
We found 'The Hutong' on the internet and decided we would try some of the courses on offer. First we did the 'market appreciation tour', which proved highly benificial for my daughter as she is a vegetarian . . . knowing which mushrooms, noodles and tofu to use in which dishes was great.
We attended the noodle making course which was fun and informative.
The wine and woks, which was entertaining and tasty,
Maliandao tea tour which we thoroughly enjoyed. The entire district is for tea. The shops are laden with it and all the paraphanalia that goes with it. Tea pots, cups . . . . .
We also attended the evening drawing classes which attracted artist, wishing to do life drawing while enjoying a glass of wine and exchanging stories.
I found doing the bookings via the internet was quick and efficient. The courses on offer were of a reasonable price and the content recieved for each subject of a good quality.
If I had a complaint, it would be for the facilities, which are set in an old hutong and have seen far better years . . . .but then why travel to China if you don't want to experience something different.
Be sure to take a map as you need to follow the directions, as the Hutong is down an alleyway that winds and weaves . . . .The Hutong staff were more than happy to send someone to meet us on our first visit, at the entry to the alleyway at the quaint coffee shop called Grandma's kitchen, . We soon discovered that it was worth visiting this establishment prior to our visit to the Hutong as they have great pizza, milkshakes, coffee and fantastic desserts . . . . .apple pie allamode was Oh! sooooo fantastic .. .. and it is airconditioned. Oh! a real treat after weeks of chinese food.
Yes, we found this a place where we could meet people in a safe and friendly environment. Through the Hutong we connected with some people to later attend shopping tours and see shows.
We both felt that attending the Hutong enhanced our appreciation of Beijing and allowed us as a Mother and Daughter to spent quality time together being creative and having fun.
We found 'The Hutong' on the internet and decided we would try some of the courses on offer. First we did the 'market appreciation tour', which proved highly benificial for my daughter as she is a vegetarian . . . knowing which mushrooms, noodles and tofu to use in which dishes was great.
We attended the noodle making course which was fun and informative.
The wine and woks, which was entertaining and tasty,
Maliandao tea tour which we thoroughly enjoyed. The entire district is for tea. The shops are laden with it and all the paraphanalia that goes with it. Tea pots, cups . . . . .
We also attended the evening drawing classes which attracted artist, wishing to do life drawing while enjoying a glass of wine and exchanging stories.
I found doing the bookings via the internet was quick and efficient. The courses on offer were of a reasonable price and the content recieved for each subject of a good quality.
If I had a complaint, it would be for the facilities, which are set in an old hutong and have seen far better years . . . .but then why travel to China if you don't want to experience something different.
Be sure to take a map as you need to follow the directions, as the Hutong is down an alleyway that winds and weaves . . . .The Hutong staff were more than happy to send someone to meet us on our first visit, at the entry to the alleyway at the quaint coffee shop called Grandma's kitchen, . We soon discovered that it was worth visiting this establishment prior to our visit to the Hutong as they have great pizza, milkshakes, coffee and fantastic desserts . . . . .apple pie allamode was Oh! sooooo fantastic .. .. and it is airconditioned. Oh! a real treat after weeks of chinese food.
Yes, we found this a place where we could meet people in a safe and friendly environment. Through the Hutong we connected with some people to later attend shopping tours and see shows.
We both felt that attending the Hutong enhanced our appreciation of Beijing and allowed us as a Mother and Daughter to spent quality time together being creative and having fun.
Written February 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
slaughterbeach
Annapolis, MD155 contributions
Oct 2011 • Business
Liked the concept of the Hutong. Great place for ex-pats to gather. Did their "Ghost" tour. Nice to see a part of the city you wouldn't see on your own but the guide was a little silly in his poor attempts at impersonations. Also picked up their shopping expedition. And while the guide took us to the best shops she wasn't willing to help in negotiations explaining these people were "friends" she saw all the time. Do love the ongoing emails. Their marketing is better than their execution.
Written January 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Derrickng2
Malaysia13 contributions
May I know, how long will the dumpling making class takes? An hour or 2?
bheger1
Greensboro, NC103 contributions
Definitely more than 2 hours. Less than 3
Safari_ari9
17 contributions
What is the price for taking a dumpling making class?
CupcakeRock
Singapore, Singapore9 contributions
Bheger1 gave a really nice and comprehensive response...I am not a member but I also agree it is totally worth the RMB300 to learn making 'jiaozi'. Great location, useful tips accompany clear instructions (you do need to see and feel the texture of the dough and watch how to fold the dumpling skins to make them properly). Also learning to use the cleaver means you also do it the traditional way - so cool. Once you have learnt it you will easily make it wherever you go. Hope you give it a try.