CN-PEKBLT41 – GOURMET BEIJING—GHOST STREET (EVENING TOUR ONLY) – Private

Embark on a guided culinary adventure along Guijie Street—Beijing’s legendary “Ghost Street”—one of the city’s most vibrant and atmospheric food districts. By day, it’s bustling; by night, it transforms into a neon-lit paradise for food lovers, draped in hundreds of glowing red lanterns and alive with sizzling woks and laughter.

Despite its spooky nickname, Guijie’s name has a delicious twist. Originally called “Gui” (鬼)—meaning “ghost”—due to its past as Beijing’s funerary quarter (the only route for transporting coffins out of the city), the name was later changed by the Commerce Commission to “Gui” (簋), a homophone that refers to an ancient Chinese food vessel. This clever rebranding turned a morbid legacy into a celebration of cuisine!

Stretching 1,442 meters from Dongzhimen to Jiaodaokou, Guijie’s layout resembles a dumbbell—wider at both ends and narrow in the middle. Today, it boasts over 100 restaurants and street stalls, making it the go-to spot for Beijingers on warm summer nights.

Your tour begins at Beixingqiao Metro Station, where you’ll join your guide for a flavorful walk through sizzling alleyways. Sample iconic local bites: try the street-famous Spicy Pepper Crawfish—a fiery stir-fry of freshwater crayfish, chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns—or dive into spicy seafood and bubbling hot pot that perfume the night air.

Savor smoky Beijing-style barbeque skewers and even taste authentic Peking duck from a local favorite—prepared with crispy skin and served with all the traditional trimmings.

But the journey isn’t just about food. As you stroll, your guide will share tales of Guijie’s eerie past and its evolution into a culinary icon. You’ll also indulge in delicate imperial desserts once adored by the notorious Empress Dowager Cixi—a powerful Qing Dynasty ruler whose lavish tastes helped shape Beijing’s gourmet legacy.

At the end of this mouthwatering and mysterious evening, you’ll be comfortably transferred back to your respective hotels—full of flavor, folklore, and unforgettable Beijing night vibes.