Learning to Make Chinese Dumplings

Hutong Tour in the Shishahai Area

Chinese Tea Culture

Learning to Make Chinese Dumplings

Dumplings are among the most popular foods in China. They are often eaten during family reunions and major holidays. Making dumplings in a group setting is one of the favorite pastimes for Chinese family and groups of friends.

This program starts with a very interesting excursion to the local market to purchase the various ingredients for the dumplings, including the freshest meat, vegetables, herbs, etc. In the market, participants might also sample various delicious snacks, such as cakes, candies and doughnuts being made on the spot. After the shopping trip, Sleepy Inn's staff will explain the history of Chinese dumplings and demonstrate the preparation of the wrapping and various fillings. Participants will then make their own dumplings, under the expert's supervision. Finally, everyone will enjoy a dumpling feast while chatting with friends from around the world.

Duration: 3 hours
Price: RMB30 per person (minimum 3 persons)
One day advance booking required

Hutong Tour in the Shishahai Area

A hutong is a unique form of community that exists only in China. "Hutong" literally means a small street or a lane between two courtyards, although the word can also mean a community within the city consisting of hutongs and residences. There used to be thousands of hutongs in Beijing City. Most of them were built in the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties (1271-1911). But with the fast modernization of Beijing, many hutongs are disappearing at a rapid pace. If you are fed up with highrise buildings and large streets, you will find refuge in Beijing's interesting hutongs. You will find the most vibrant "Hutong Culture" and "Courtyard Culture" right next to Sleepy Inn.

The oldest hutong in Beijing is called Sanmiao Street, it has been around for more than 900 years! The longest is Dongxi Jiaomin Lane, with a total length of 6.5 kilometers. The shortest one had a name of Yi Chi Street because it was only a little more than ten meters long. Now, it belongs to Meizhuxie Street.

There are many different types of hutongs. The most interesting tour is in the Shichahai area (close to Sleepy Inn). The Shichahai area includes three lakes, the Qianhai (front sea), Houhai (back sea) and Xihai (west sea). Along this Hutong Tour, there are many historical and scenic points of interests, such as the Bell and Drum Towers, Prince Gong's Mansion, Madame Soong's Residence, old courtyards and many others.

Duration: 1-2 hours
Price: RMB20 per person (including bicycle rental), minimum 2 persons
Half day advance booking required

Chinese Tea Culture

A tea master will demonstrate the authentic Chinese Tea Ceremony as well as give an introduction to the history of tea. Guests will taste a few types of tea in a relaxed setting under the 100 year old Poplar Tree.

Duration: around 1 hour
Price: RMB30 per person, minimum 3 persons
Half day advance booking required