The Hutong

After the Wall, he a traditional lunch, followed by a tour of a pottery factory, to see how local Chinese make beautiful copper pottery by hand.  On our way to dinner we had a very unique experience.  We toured an area of Beijing called the Hutong district.  Hutong is where many live in Beijing.  It is downtown, and close to everything.  Because of the location, space is at a premium.  Most apartments do not have bathrooms, and few have running water.    The Hutong go to a community kitchen, bathroom, sink, for these needs.  As you pas buy you will see one door leading to s small court yard (maybe 10 square feet).  On each side is an apartment.  Small, one or two bedroom apartments - maybe 15 square feet.  Part of our tour included visiting a local   Hutong home.  We were greeted by a friendly, middle aged lady who served us tea and showed us her apartment.  The place had one room for herself and her husband (a bus driver).  There was a single bed in the living room for her sun.  She also had a small closet with a sink.  I was unsure if it was appropriate to take pictures, but did get a move.  Also, after becoming more comfortable Saylor did snap a few photos.  I will post when I have them.   I noticed our host was wearing jacket inside.  I realized later it is because must of China is on "Central Heat."  This is not the central heat we have back home.  In China Central Heat means the government decides when to turn on the heat for the city, and what temperature to set as well.

 

After visiting the Hutong homes, we had an excellent meal at a 100 year old restaurant known for their Peking Duck.   We ordered the duck, but got much more.  "Sides" so large they could be their own meal included pork, chicken, fish, noodles, and soup.  We also had a great duck-taco like course, and then a fantastic cut of duck for the main course.  During the meal (which took around 2 hours) we were entertained with a show.  the show contained opera, magic, and acrobatics.  We also asked for local wine.  Turns out "local wine" in translates to "grain alcohol" in Chinese.  Sill, we were troopers, and finished the entire bottle, to the amazement of the surrounding tables, and cooks.  We learned later event he Chinese don't like this drink - and are fully aware it tastes like wild turkey, or white lightening.  

 The restaurant.  Notice the Duck behind me.  This place was authentic.  Did even have menus.  I am guessing if we didn't have our guide (Joan), we may not have been able to get through dinner.

The Hutong restaurant/bar district where we ate.