Day 3: Rickshaw Ride to the Beijing Hutong district

After walking several miles through the massive Forbidden City, we took a rickshaw ride to the Beijing Hutongs - old traditional houses arranged around one or more central courtyards. Many have been cleared for new concrete and glass structures but quite a few remain despite this being the capital of one of the fastest growing countries in the world.

Our guide had arranged for us to meet and have lunch with a local family to experience how they live.  While there, we learned how to make traditional Chinese dumplings (and then ate them).  We also were taught the art of traditional Chinese paper cutting.

We had fun and a welcome rest of our feet after walking around the Forbidden City with a rickshaw ride around the Beijing Hutongs

We learned how to make Chinese Dumplings from scratch before lunch before tasting their cooking.

After lunch we learned the art of Chinese paper-cutting

Lastly, we had a test of skill and creativity - painting Chinese Snuff Bottles