About this tour
When Charlie from our team tried this Beijing sidecar tour, we found it's genuinely different — two hours zipping through hutong alleyways on a vintage motorcycle with sidecar, swapping positions halfway so both passengers get a proper feel for the ride. You're dodging through the city's oldest neighbourhoods, catching the modern skyline, stopping for snaps and local snacks, with a driver who knows the shortcuts and stories. It's touristy, sure, but it actually gets you off the beaten path and moving fast enough to see how Beijing's laid out — old tight lanes next to gleaming towers.
Highlights
- Sidecar swaps halfway so both riders get the steering-side rush
- Hutong laneways: narrow enough to feel the real Beijing texture
- Photo stops built in; driver knows the best light angles
- Local snacks and drinks included without the sit-down restaurant wait
- Fast enough to cover distance, slow enough to notice details
- Works day or night — completely different vibe each way
- No fitness requirement; you're sitting the whole time
What to expect
You'll meet your driver at the start, get a helmet (non-negotiable), and clamber into the sidecar or hop on the back seat. The first 30 minutes are likely spent navigating toward the hutongs — this is where the real experience kicks in. Narrow alleyways, clotheslines strung overhead, locals on bicycles, the smell of street food — it's cramped and alive. You'll stop a handful of times for photos and to catch your breath, grab a snack, maybe a beer or coffee depending on the season. The ride feels tippy at first, but the driver's steady and knows every pothole.
The second half might swing past modern Beijing — skyscrapers, the CBD, major landmarks — before returning. The contrast is the whole point: old Shanghai-style alleys, then glass-and-steel. You're moving quickly enough that the city becomes a flowing narrative rather than a series of static sights. Expect noise, wind, and your legs to feel a bit shaky when you dismount.
Good to know
This works brilliantly if you're short on time but want real Beijing flavour without a stuffy tour bus. Day or night both pay dividends — daylight shows you the alley texture, evening gives you neon and street lights bouncing off old brick. You're not locked into a large group (max 8 people per booking), so it feels intimate. Snacks and drinks are decent inclusions; no hidden upsells. Anyone moderately comfortable on a motorbike will enjoy it; it's genuinely safe.
Kids under 6 aren't allowed, and you do need some nerve for a moving vehicle. Rainy days are managed (raincoats supplied), but wind chill at speed can bite. It's touristy — you'll see other tour groups — but the sidecar format does bypass most coach-tour crowds. Gratuities aren't included, so budget a tip for the driver if they've read the city well for you.
Wear trainers with ankle support; loose scarves and dangling bags are risky. The sidecar and rear seat both give you a decent ride, though the sidecar gets wobblier on turns. Peak times are mornings and dusk; book ahead if you want a specific slot. Around 2 hours total.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.