Beijing Hutongs: A Cultural Immersion

The Side of China You've NEVER Seen 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaCity:BeijingPopulation:21.5 million
The Side of China You've NEVER Seen 🇨🇳
Jack Aynsley Travel2024-04-181 hr 2 min

Watch British Couple, Jack and Paige in their first impressions of Beijing, China. We set out on our next big adventure, to explore the world's most populated country. In this video, we start by exploring the area surrounding Tiananmen Square and find a sleeping street vendor who gets Paige involved in creating his masterpiece, a sugar Dinosaur. We find our way to the Beijing Subway and take the metro down to the old Hutongs of Beijing. People say that the real culture of Beijing lies in the Hutongs. We meet friendly Beijingers who help us navigate the maze of streets before stumbling across 2 old men sitting in the sun. We head to the local liquor store to pick up some Chinese Liquor, Baijiu, and the Famous Chinese Crepe, Jianbing before heading back to our newly found friends. We pull up a chair in the Beijing sun and crack open the spirit to share amongst the locals. We sit and chat for hours while drinking, the old men teach Jack how to drink the Beijing way and we discuss hutong life and try some new interesting food, pig tongue, and jelly? Things get heated when we try to offer money to our new friends, as a thank you. We ended the day on a high and feeling grateful for our new friends who welcomed us with open arms.

--- Jack Aynsley Travel
April 18, 2024, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00First Impressions of Beijing, China
  2. 02:27Blowing Sugar Snack
  3. 07:45Navigating Beijing Metro
  4. 11:38Exploring The Old Hutongs
  5. 17:54Meeting Friendly Locals
  6. 21:20Searching for Chinese Liquor
  7. 23:41Trying Famous Chinese Pancake
  8. 28:04Drinking with Grandpa's
  9. 34:11Trying Pigs Tongue
  10. 41:00Being Taught How To Drink
  11. 54:13Don't Do THIS In China

Jack and Paige's Beijing adventure: exploring vibrant Hutongs, sharing drinks with locals, and experiencing authentic Chinese hospitality. An unforgettable cultural immersion!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Explore the historic Hutongs of Beijing, the ancient alleyways where people have lived for centuries. These narrow streets offer a glimpse into traditional Beijing life, from renovated apartments to preserved historical homes. (1:21)
  2. Tip 2Utilize Beijing's efficient and user-friendly subway system to navigate the city. The system features English announcements and signage, making it easy for tourists to use. (7:46)
  3. Tip 3Venture into local liquor stores to sample authentic Chinese beverages like Baijiu. Engage with shopkeepers to learn about the different types of alcohol available and their cultural significance. (21:21)
  4. Tip 4Indulge in a Jianbing, a popular Chinese crepe, from a street vendor. These savory pancakes offer a delicious and affordable culinary experience. (24:00)
  5. Tip 5Embrace the local culture by sharing drinks and food with locals. Even without a shared language, genuine interactions can create memorable connections. (30:03)
  6. Tip 6Experience the remarkable hospitality of the Chinese people. Their generosity and warmth create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors, making your trip even more enjoyable. (50:42)

Jack Aynsley Travel and Paige's first impressions of Beijing are nothing short of extraordinary! From navigating bustling streets to sharing Baijiu with locals in ancient Hutongs, their journey is filled with unexpected encounters and heartwarming moments. Witness the creation of a sugar dinosaur, explore the modern Beijing subway, and delve into the rich history and culture of the Hutongs. This is a captivating tale of cultural immersion, friendship, and the discovery of a side of China rarely seen.

More about the current video:( 1 / 32 )

The Side of China You've NEVER Seen 🇨🇳

This video follows Jack Aynsley Travel and Paige as they explore Beijing, China, offering viewers a glimpse into the city's modern and historical aspects. Their journey begins in the Wangfujing shopping street, a vibrant commercial hub not far from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Jack and Paige comment on the pleasant weather, a stark contrast to their previous visit six years prior.

They then venture into the Hutongs, Beijing's historic alleyways, noting the juxtaposition of old and new. While some Hutongs have been modernized with swanky apartments and trendy establishments, others retain their traditional charm and simplicity. The couple interacts with locals, including a street vendor who crafts a sugar dinosaur for Paige using her breath.

Their exploration leads them to a local liquor store where they purchase Baijiu and Jianbing, a popular Chinese crepe. They share these treats with newfound friends in the Hutongs, engaging in conversation and learning about Hutong life. The interaction highlights the warmth and hospitality of the local people, even with a language barrier. A unique moment occurs when Jack tries to pay their new friends, only to be met with resistance, emphasizing the importance of community and shared experiences over monetary transactions.

The video also showcases the Beijing Metro system, highlighting its efficiency and accessibility, even for first-time users. Jack and Paige's experience in the Hutongs reveals a side of Beijing beyond the tourist attractions, showcasing the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and the friendly nature of its people. The video culminates in a heartwarming scene of shared food and drinks with locals, solidifying their positive first impressions of China and its people. The unique details, personal insights, and emotional moments make this video a truly engaging and memorable journey into the heart of Beijing.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was it like to interact with the locals in the Hutongs?
A: Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, even though there was a language barrier. They were very generous with their time and food, and it was a really heartwarming experience.
Q: What was the most surprising thing you encountered?
A: Probably the fact that we could buy alcohol and cigarettes at a restaurant that also served food. It was really unexpected to see those items sold together like that.
Q: What did you think of the food you tried?
A: The Jianbing was amazing, and the pig tongue and jelly were also really interesting and delicious. Everything we tried was really tasty!
Q: What was the most memorable part of your day?
A: Sharing Baijiu and food with our new friends in the Hutongs. It was such a unique and special experience that I'll never forget.
Q: What's your advice for people who want to experience the real China?
A: Get out of the city center and venture into the back streets. That's where you'll find the real heart and soul of the country, and meet the most amazing people.

Beijing Hutongs: A Cultural Immersion

Watch British Couple, Jack and Paige in their first impressions of Beijing, China. We set out on our next big adventure, to explore the world's most populated country. In this video, we start by exploring the area surrounding Tiananmen Square and find a sleeping street vendor who gets Paige involved...

Beijing Hutongs: Exploring China's Historic Alleyways

British couple Jack and Paige explore Beijing, starting near Tiananmen Square where they encounter a street vendor creating sugar dinosaurs. They navigate the Beijing subway to the Hutongs, experiencing the local culture firsthand. Friendly locals help them explore the maze-like streets, leading to encounters with older residents. They share Chinese liquor and Jianbing, engaging in hours of conversation and cultural exchange. The experience culminates in a heartwarming exchange with their new friends, demonstrating the kindness and generosity of the Beijingers. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the vibrant heart of Beijing, beyond the typical tourist attractions.

Attractions in this video: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Hutongs