My Trans Mongolia Adventure begun with a 1 hour 45 minutes flight from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur. My flight was delayed for half hour and therefore there was a mad rush at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 to catch my flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Fortunately, it was a smooth flight to Beijing and both my wife Roselind and I managed to sleep soundly.

Beijing

Bustling city of Beijing, capital of China is a modern metropolis. Skyscrapers tower the skyline of Beijing and modern infrastructure and facilities can be found every way. Coexisting with modern and sleek architect is the narrow alleys with ancient buildings which are a relic of Beijing’s past.

Huguosi Hutong

This Hutong is named after the Huguo Temple which has since been removed and what remains is a beautiful Hutong filled with architectures in the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Some tourists do come here for various popular street snacks of Beijing. In addition, some stores sell traditional wares such as wooden combs, cloth shoes and a variety of ornaments.

Many small restaurants are located here.

Fruit ice cream

A vendor preparing a local crepe

Even Starbucks can be found here.

A sundry shop

This place gets crowded during lunch time with locals.

What lies beyond this narrow alley?

For centuries, the Peking Opera has been a favourite entertainment of the Chinese. One of the most famous Peking Opera Masters, Mr Mei Lanfang used to stay at Huguosi Hutong. His mansion has since been turned into a memorial museum showcasing his career as an outstanding Dan Master, a male performer playing the role of a female in the opera. Mr Mei is not only famous in China but had given performances overseas which included America, Britain and Russia.

A statue of Mr Mei at the entrance of the museum.

He performed overseas and have even met with American actress Mary Pickford.

Mr Mei illustrious career.

Illustrations of costumes used in Peking Opera

The living room of Mr Mei's mansion.

Xinsi Hutong

The Lucky Family Hostel which I stayed is located in the Xinsi Hutong and therefore I am quite familiar with this area. This Hutong dated back to the reign of the Emperor Guangxu in the early 1600’s. It was named Xinsi meaning new temple in Chinese because at that time a new temple was built in the middle of the Hutong at the north side. Record of Xinsi Hutong can be found in the book Jingshi Fangxiang. The modern day Xinsi Hutong consists mainly of traditional dwelling houses. One of these houses have now been renovated into the Lucky Family Hostel.

The alleys of Xinsi Hutong are very narrow

Lanterns hanging outside the Lucky Family Hostel

Inner courtyard of the hostel

Signage of the Hutong ironically with modern day appendages reflecting the changing of times.

Since the streets are very narrow, it is common to see small vehicles like this modified motorbike.

Bicycles are a common sight in the Hutong.

A public toilet. You can use it for free.

The Hutongs of Beijing are remiscent of a bygone era of the Chinese Dynasties. This heritage can still be enjoyed by visitors to Beijing who are interested to catch a glimpse of its magnificence past.

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Charles

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