CCC will guide you through old Beiing's neighborhoods' narrow alleys (named hutong in Chinese) and courtyard houses in Xuanwu District, south of Beijing, where you will see more authentic alleys and courtyard houses, and the real life of Beijingers, visit some local homes in the neighborhood for a chat with residents, check out a small vegetable market, and visit a kindergarten to meet cute little kids (not at weekends) (note: due to the concern of the current influenza issue all over the world, the kindergarten does not receive any visitors to meet their kids. So temporarily we will not include this spot in the tour), and end up with strolling along Liulichang Cultural Street, a famous district in down-town Beijing that is known for a series of traditional Chinese stone dwellings housing that sells various craftwork, artistry, and antiques. It is one of Beijing's traditional old quarters.
The walk and ride along the old alleyways in the neighborhood provide you an opportunity to see in the central captial in this rapidly changing country that some Beijing residents' lifestyle and living environment haven't changed much. It is in sharp contrast with those Beijingers who move into the high-rises. You will see locals doing all different trades and house works
Architecture, fengshui, lifestyle, Chinese people's ideology as well as change of life in the alley will be narrated. The government's policy on the preservation of hutongs and compensation for moving out will be explained.
Note to Foreign Travelers WITHOUT local contacts:
For foreign travelers who have booked CCC tours online in their own countries but do NOT have local contact information while in China, please kindly confirm your reservation with us via PHONE no later than 48 hours before the departure date. If we do not get final confirmation from you, either by phone or by email, your place on the tour may be cancelled. We also suggest bringing a printed CCC map with you when coming to our office, in case you need assistance with directions.
CCC reserves the right to cancel due to low enrollment at non-peak (winter) season or any unpredictable issues. In such event, we will notify you no later than 48 hours prior to the departure.
Where we meet: inside the ground floor of KFC restaurant, next to the Lao She Teahouse, Qianmen West Street (Qianmen Xidajie), southwest of the Tianmen Square. Look for CCC guide with a flag.
After the tour, we will get back to the KFC.
How to get there: If you take Beijing Metro, get off at the Qianmen Station on the loop (circle) line of the Metro, and get out at exit C; Then the KFC is straight ahead there across the street (go across from the underpass).
