shopping areas of the hutongs are an attractive alternative to circumvent the many modern shopping centers in Beijing. Until recently, Nanluoguxiang was the only legitimate place for those buyers looking for this unique environment. But in the last 18 months, the hutongs of Wudaoying, near the Temple of the Lamas, have undergone a rapid transformation and is now a fashionable place to stroll in the city.
A part-time employee of the bike shop fixed gear Natooke shows off his bike. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]
One of the most notable of the new alley is the Vineyard Cafe, which opened in 2006 and has long been the only reason that most people visiting the place. By then many of the local owner's neighbors were skeptical about the future prosperity of the area.
"They did not understand how a western restaurant would work like this in a hutong in Beijing. Obviously, we chose this place because it is a great hutong and the site is near the Confucius Temple and the Temple of the Lamas, as well as easy access compared to Houhai and Nanluoguxiang areas, "said Will Yorke , owner of the property. "Since then, others have realized the quality of the street and also have moved here."
businesses in this way began to bear fruit in late 2009 and throughout 2010. Many older residents have benefited from it and rented rooms. Some say that it has been renting a room of 20 square meters per 5,000 yuan a month.
Many residents of Wudaoying hutongs have reformed their front rooms and rented as businesses. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]
The renovated and charming hutongs area runs from the metro stop to the Yonghegong Andingmen. While in the area dominated by shops Nanluoguxiang souvenirs and trinkets, Wudaoying businesses are more varied and innovative, and include a tanning salon, clothing stores, home decor and specialty as well as restaurants and bars. Vendors are welcome, but never to overpower the customer, and in many stores we can find the owners in charge of the business.
Mandela In the shop there are paintings made by Buddhist lamas of Tibet and Nepal, as well as incense and jewelry pieces. "I love Tibet and its culture," says its owner, Jason Tu, when asked why he opened the facility.
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is nice and fast to explain the features and stories that are hidden in each picture. After several short trips in Tibet, embarked on a six-month adventure cycling along the plateau, which allowed him to befriend several lamas, who taught about Tibetan culture and art.
The variety of shops and restaurants Wudaoying have become a fashionable shopping destination for Chinese and foreign. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]
In the unique atmosphere of the shop are Wudaoying Natooke, professional bicycle as fixed gear and objects to juggle. When his owner, Ines Brunn, decided to open the business in 2008, wanted to go in a hutong. After reviewing the areas of Beiluoguxiang and Gulou, Wudaoying finally chose.
Natooke is the only store fixed-gear bicycle that exists in Beijing and openness with the need to meet the demand for bicycle enthusiasts in the city. "We had a group, but not a store," Brunn said, explaining the reason for the business. "There really this gap in the market."
Mandela and Natooke addition, another shop is Save As, which sells souvenirs and vintage vinyl records, while among the cafes and eateries include Argo, a Greek restaurant, and Saffron, a place that serves dishes inspired by English cuisine.
Buyers can easily pass an entire afternoon in Wudaoying, exploring all the carefree culture and uniqueness that this place has to offer. Most shops are closed on Monday, a detail that should consider visitors to plan your visit.
Paintings hipster street culture on the alley. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]
The concept refers to the hutong alleyways surrounded by traditional houses with courtyards that once prevailed in Beijing and now face the challenge of surviving in the modern era.
The city's municipal government has become aware of this situation and has taken over the area Wudaoying, for which he has developed a special development plan, which provides subsidies for the renovation of traditional houses and funding for the restoration of public buildings, in addition to stating the pedestrian street.
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