Day 3: Hutong Tour and Chinese Acrobats

International Hotel in Beijing, China (40.044438,116.367188)
Click the LAT/LON coordinates (WGS84) for our current location
Haze, 6C, Winds W 7 km/h

Summary: Tour Day to Hutong area of Beijing and Chinese Acrobats.

Details: Another organized bus trip to the Hutong area of Beijing that is north of the Forbidden City. It was one of the oldest parts of the city remaining. For about 200 yuan (28 CDN$), we received bus transportation and a 2.5 hour rickshaw ride through the area. This was a poorer area of the city with narrow laneways and much activity. Remarkably it was very clean. We made a few stops along the way to a large gate to an old home (entrances to homes displays status of occupants) so this is important to understand this. Another stop on the way was to a womans house who lives in this area. We all crammed into her living room and asked question about her family and the areas. Below you can find a picture of her and of her kitchen.



In the late afternoon we paid another 200 yuan ($28 CDN) to see the Chinese Acrobats of Beijing. The show was an hour, a little short, but the action was fast paced and very exciting. After we were done we ate quickly in the hotel restaurant and packed the suitcase we are leaving behind in Beijing. We bought another smaller one for 200 yuan ($35 CDN) the other day as the weight restriction are only 20 kg/bag and 1 checked bag per person. Anyway, we fly out tomorrow morning for Nanchang and finally meet Lauren at 5:00 PM our time. Lots of picture and maybe a video tomorrow.