When you arrive in Beijing you soon get the idea that the narrow Hutong alleyways contain the very soul of China’s capital. But who built these charming maze-like neighbourhoods?

“Layers of Beijing” creates a portrait of the time from 1949 to the present day, with an emphasis on the dramatic changes of the 1950s. Based upon interviews and archival research we have made a portrait of Beijing from the perspective of those who have lived through the immense changes.

During this walk we will track down the life of Beijing’s most famous prostitute - Saijinhua, and create a portrait of Dashilar, the more than 600 year old commercial district of Beijing, and Ba Da Hutong - the old red light district. The Walk ends with an exhibition of related pictures from Beijing Postcards collection.

The story of commerce in the capital told through the products that shaped its people and their lives

“Drama Kings” traces the history of Beijing Opera and explains how performers at the bottom of society during the dynasties became kings of entertainment during the republic, just to abruptly lose their status during the 1960s.

The Scavenger Hunt takes place in the historical shopping district of Dashilar, and you will have to find your answers in the neighborhood's narrow hutong lanes. Your quest will bring you to traditional brush-makers and pharmacies as well as silk, tea, and knife shops.

The scavenger hunt will make people discover and explore, and once you start paying attention, find traces of Qing dynasty architecture. From Republican Era brothels to ornaments smashed up by the Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution. All within the fascinating Dashilar neighborhood.

This walk takes place in the old Beijing neighborhood Dashilar. A place that traditionally was the “melting pot” of Beijing society. Dashilar was the center of development as new modern storefronts, newspaper houses, brothels and

Beijing Arrivals is a combined Walk and Talk. We will start out in our hutong gallery with a brief introduction to Dashilar, then we will explore the different districts of the neighborhood and visit a couple of families that we have worked with in our ongoing Oral history project.