One of our favorite things about China is having our minds broadened by having so many of our core beliefs brought into question. We can’t tell you how many times our notion that some things are ‘just universal’ has been completely shattered.
The Bespoke Interview: Paul French Tells Us What He Really Thinks
Ok, let’s jump right in. Why should fans of your book go on the Official Midnight in Peking Walking Tour
The original aim of the Midnight in Peking Walking Tour was two-fold – to bring the book, which is a true story, to life by visiting the major locations featured – the Fox Tower, Kuei Chia Chang hutong, the Legation Quarter, the old Badlands etc – and to see parts of Beijing perhaps even longer term residents haven’t fully explored…
Amazingly, Kuei Chia Hutong has survived almost intact and we can see the Werner courtyard. The Fox Tower, again amazingly, is the only corner tower on the old city wall to have survived and is magnificent up close. That Chuanban and Huoguo hutongs, the old Badlands and Heroin Alley, still survive and are actually being somewhat restored in the area around the old Methodist compound. The Legation Quarter is also still mostly intact though rather impenetrable – the Midnight in Peking Walking Tour is a great way to really examine this unique area of western architecture in the middle of a Chinese city.
Five of the Best Beijing Restaurants, Bars & Shops For First Time Visitors
5 OF THE BEST SOUVENIR SHOPS
1. PANJIAYUAN MARKET
The Chinese market of your dreams. Open air, noisy and chaotic, you can bargain till your heart’s content. From genuinely old propaganda posters and ‘antique’ buddhas, to beautiful Miao minority embroidery and hand-crafted shadow puppets. Panjiayuan Lu, Chaoyang district. Nearest Subway: Panjiayuan Station, Exit B (walk west along Panjiayuan Lu until you see the busy entrance to the market). Open Saturdays and Sundays before 3pm only.
These Comments Will Give You Away As A Tourist…
We love helping visitors to China (heck, it’s our whole job), but sometimes when we impart well-meaning words of wisdom to visiting acquaintances, we spot that look of skepticism flicker across their faces. We can almost hear the voice in their heads saying “thanks for the advice n’all, but I’ll be fine.”
So we’ve decided to make this list for the China pros (you!) to share with your visiting friends and family. You know, the people who love you so much they actually take your opinion less seriously than a complete stranger’s (annoying eh?).
Beijing Sightseeing Hacks For A Better Trip
Avoid the 30-minute security lines to get into the Forbidden City
We love the Forbidden City, it truly is the jewel in Beijing’s crown. But its location is also a big ol’ pain in the butt: situated to the north of the ultra-sensitive Tiananmen Square and frequented by thousands of tourists streaming out of the nearby subway, the security lines to get inside (underneath Mao’s portrait) can take forever. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
Coming March 2018: A Special Edition of the Official 'Midnight in Peking' Walking Tour Led by the Author, Paul French
Some things happen so rarely that when they do, they’re worth getting a little excited about. A blood moon for example. Or the Olympics coming to your city…or the chance to spend a whole evening with the author of your favorite book.
That’s why we’re very happy to announce that for the first time since 2013, Paul French – author of The New York Times bestselling murder mystery Midnight in Peking – will return to Beijing to personally lead three walking tours for us based on his book.