23 December
West of Beijing's Lama Temple (Yonghegong) is a hutong alley, Wudaoying, which could become the next Nanluoguxiang. a busy fun-filled alley that has developed into one of Beijing's top tourist destinations. In these programmes Bruce talks with Ines Brun from Germany. Ines runs a specialised cycle shop on the hutong.
23 December
Flying Pigeons return as a Beijing cycling 'icon'
Heading west from the north end of Yonghegong Dajie is a hutong, Wudaoying, which is being developed into an interesting alley to visit. When Bruce went there recently he found a cycle shop with a 'Flying Pigeon' on display in its window. This bicycle was the traditional bicycle of Beijing and much of China in the 1960's/1970's. The one on display has been beautifully restored by the shop owner who is also a cycling enthusiast and was a recent guest on our sister programme, 'Talk Box'. Ines tells Bruce about her love for this cycle and how she carefully restored it.
Bruce feels the hutongs around the shop are great for cycling, but he is amazed at the changes on Wudaoying recently. Ines agrees and tells Bruce about the many new cafes and shops opening along the alley. Bruce wonders if this hutong could become like the lively, nearby, Nanluoguxoang - today one of Beijing's top visitor attractions.
24 December
Could this be the next Nanluoguxiang?
A few years ago Nanluoguxiang was a quiet north-south alley in a traditional hutong district. Today it is a major tourist destination with many cafe-bars and specialised shops. Other alleys are also developing and one, Wudaoying Hutong, could develop into a popular attraction near the Yonghegong Lama Temple.
Today we listen as Bruce talks with Ines Brun, a German girl who has a special cycle shop on the hutong. She tells Bruce about how she has seen the alley develop, about its possible future and how some businesses from Nanluoguxiang have opened second branches on this new hutong.
Ines then tells Bruce about a very special bicycle she is selling - a 'fixed gear' cycle which is very popular with city messengers, 'urgent delivery' couriers in European and American cities.
Wudaoying Hutong Beiijing.jpg
Ines Brun's cycle shop on Wudaoying Hutong Beijing.jpg
Ines and the restored Flying Pigeon cycle.jpg
Ines Brun beside her restored Flying Pigeon cycle.jpg
23 December
Flying Pigeons return as a Beijing cycling 'icon'
Heading west from the north end of Yonghegong Dajie is a hutong, Wudaoying, which is being developed into an interesting alley to visit. When Bruce went there recently he found a cycle shop with a 'Flying Pigeon' on display in its window. This bicycle was the traditional bicycle of Beijing and much of China in the 1960's/1970's. The one on display has been beautifully restored by the shop owner who is also a cycling enthusiast and was a recent guest on our sister programme, 'Talk Box'. Ines tells Bruce about her love for this cycle and how she carefully restored it.
Bruce feels the hutongs around the shop are great for cycling, but he is amazed at the changes on Wudaoying recently. Ines agrees and tells Bruce about the many new cafes and shops opening along the alley. Bruce wonders if this hutong could become like the lively, nearby, Nanluoguxoang - today one of Beijing's top visitor attractions.
24 December
Could this be the next Nanluoguxiang?
A few years ago Nanluoguxiang was a quiet north-south alley in a traditional hutong district. Today it is a major tourist destination with many cafe-bars and specialised shops. Other alleys are also developing and one, Wudaoying Hutong, could develop into a popular attraction near the Yonghegong Lama Temple.
Today we listen as Bruce talks with Ines Brun, a German girl who has a special cycle shop on the hutong. She tells Bruce about how she has seen the alley develop, about its possible future and how some businesses from Nanluoguxiang have opened second branches on this new hutong.
Ines then tells Bruce about a very special bicycle she is selling - a 'fixed gear' cycle which is very popular with city messengers, 'urgent delivery' couriers in European and American cities.
Wudaoying Hutong Beiijing.jpg
Ines Brun's cycle shop on Wudaoying Hutong Beijing.jpg
Ines and the restored Flying Pigeon cycle.jpg
Ines Brun beside her restored Flying Pigeon cycle.jpg