Olympic Families in Beijing Hutongs 20 July 2008
Nearly 600 households across over 100 districts in the urban area of Beijing have been selected to run family-style hotel to accommodate a surge in visitors for the Summer Olympics 2008 that is to take place in August, according to the reports by Chinese media. All together these family-run guesthouses have a capacity to provide more than 700 rooms to 1000 guests, which offers an excellent opportunity for close contact between locals and the visitors to the Chinese capital from all over the world. Among 33 households within the South Government House Alley (Nanguangfang Hutong 南官房胡同) in the historical commercial centre Shicha Sea (什刹海) district, Mr Zhu's prized siheyuan, a traditional residence with quadrangle courtyard, is the first to be endorsed as "Olympic Family" (奥运人家).
Situated in the northwet part of Beijing, Shichahai district is conveniently located adjacent to the Temple of Heaven (天坛), the biggest complex in the world for communicating with the celestial divine force, and Heavenly Bridge (天桥), the historical marketplace in the capital, with numerous Daoist and Buddhist temples as well as several formal imperial mansions and gardens in surrounding areas. Living in one of Olympic Families in Shichahai, or just touring the hutongs in the area by pedicab and dropping into a residence for a cup of tea and a chat, you will certainly get an authentic taste of the traditioanl Beijing culture and life.
Zhu family property, occupying a site area of over 400 sqms in the heart of Shichahai district, is consisted of 14 rooms, 6 of which are ready to rent to visitors, that is complete with private kitchen where guests can cook their own meals, and bathroom equipped with flush toilet and 24 hours hot water supply. But the draw card of this family-run accommodation is said to be a pair of antique wooden beds with over a hundred years of history, and allegedly many people queueing for a chance to spend a night there just for the experience of sleeping on one of the celebrated beds. In their effort to allow efficient communication with their guests, the entire Zhu family has spent considerable amount of time studing English, and also plan to hire a couple of part-time college students for further language assistance. On top of that, Mr Zhu himself has learned to play traditional bamboo banging martial arts, so he can entertain his VIP customers in his private courtyard. The cost? Huun, 600 - 800 yuan per day, which is about 100 - 120 AUD. Worth it? You bet. (Source of info and original photos: 暮雪凝霜,北峰,the moderators of forum.xinhuanet.com) Pre: Highier Beings in
Daoist World (2)
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