The Warlords of Beijing: A Hutong Walk and Discussion
Step back into the Warlord Era and follow the footsteps of some of history's most colorful personalities through the rough and tumble Peking of the nineteenth and early 20th century with our expertly curated walking tour led by historian and writer Dr. Jeremiah Jenne.
This journey will feature tales of power struggles, political shenanigans, loyalty, bravery, and sacrifice. We'll talk about Yuan Shikai, the man who would be Emperor; Duan Qirui, the cunning warlord who weaved a web of intrigue; Senggelinqin, a fearless Mongolian prince who left his mark on Chinese military history; the courageous poet and statesman Wen Tianxiang who remained loyal to his ideals in the face of adversity; and Feng Yuxiang, the "Christian General" who sought to modernize and unify China at any cost.
Be transported back to a world of bravery, betrayal, and blind ambition. Combining meticulous research and infectious wit, Dr. Jenne will share captivating stories from the archives and little-known facts about these famous figures and other ruffians, rogues, heroes, and villains from the Warlord Era. Spaces are limited for this small-group exploration to minimize our impact on local communities and historic sites.
Duration: About three hours
Upcoming Walks
300 RMB per person (260 RMB for members of The Hutong)
Price includes all guide fees and tickets
Consider a Private Tour!
Looking for a walk that fits your schedule? Interested in a personal experience for you or your group? Private walks around Beijing's hutongs and historic neighborhoods are available for individuals, families, schools, and company groups. Walks are 1800 RMB for up to five people and 180 RMB for each additional person. The price includes all guide fees and admission tickets. The maximum group size is limited to 8 to minimize the impact on the neighborhoods we visit.
What others have said...
“We did a walking tour of the hutong, with the incredible Jeremiah as our guide, on our first morning in Beijing. Despite our late arrival (avoid taking taxis!), he graciously waited for us to begin. His knowledge of the history (ancient and modern) of the neighborhoods is expansive, his sense of humor is wonderful, and his love for the city is readily apparent. This is a great way to get to explore the hutong!”
Your Walk Leader
Jeremiah Jenne is a writer and historian based in Beijing since 2002. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, and taught Late Imperial and Modern Chinese History for over 15 years. His essays and articles on China have appeared in The Economist, South China Morning Post, The Journal of Asian Studies, Los Angeles Review of Books, and The World of Chinese. His writings can also be found in China in 2008: A Year of Great Significance, The Insider's Guide to Beijing, and the 2015 collection While We're Here: China Stories from a Writer's Colony. Jeremiah is frequently asked to speak and lead workshops on history, culture, and cultural adaptation for students, embassies, companies, and community groups. Along with David Moser, Jeremiah also hosts the podcast Barbarians at the Gate. You can follow him on Twitter @jeremiahjenne or online at jeremiahjenne.com.