XINJIEKOU
The street is called Xinjiekou. Xinjiekou South Street in Xicheng District. It is one of the most popular shopping streets in Beijing. Famous for large number of Chinese musical instruments and pirated DVDs.
It's where the Red Lantern House is located - our hostel in Beijing.
Our driver took us to an alley and stopped in front of a tavern-looking façade with two stringed red lanterns hanging up front.
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| Xinjiekou |
It's where the Red Lantern House is located - our hostel in Beijing.
Our driver took us to an alley and stopped in front of a tavern-looking façade with two stringed red lanterns hanging up front.
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| Red Lantern House |
The driver said something in Chinese. Of course, no clue what was just said, so we presumed he meant for us to get our ass out of the car. But then he was obviously saying something else, he looked totally disagreeing of us opening the car, from the tone of his voice. With all the confusions, we proceeded anyway to get out of the car. And while we were outside by the curb, standing, freezing our ass to death watching him not coming out of the car, the red back light of the car aglow; he backed up. He parked the car to the other side of the alley. Then he got out and smiled. I then figured, he probably meant to say earlier, "Ok, we’re here. Let me just back up the car and park it to the other side nicely. And then you morons will be on your way".
The challenges of language barrier. Anyways, the poor man seemed genuinely nice as he led us inside the Red Lantern House.
The driver led us inside this old traditional home that has two big red-lacquered wooden door with two stringed red lanterns hanging in front.
Inside the house is a court area. Narrow with high-ceiling. Filled with mismatched décor. Lots of knick-knacks. Some old books in the cabinets, aquarium, an odd-looking fish pond at the back plus other insignificant curios.
The receptionist, very friendly guy, who speaks English, greeted and warmly welcomed us.
Shared Room
We got our room near the reception area, shared with three other guys. Backpackers that were already retired in the room.
Besides from cutting a significant cost on one's budget, sharing a room is a great way to meet other interesting backpackers who are likely share the same interests you have. It turned out that one guy came all the way from Russia on a bike! Imagine that, you can actually bike your way to China (his bike was leaning by his bunk bed). The other two guys were just passing through, resting for the night, and then head out for the Great Wall the next day.
The house has communal toilets at the back of the court. Freezing cold bathrooms, but has hot shower.
Staffs were friendly but a bit aloof. The receptionist was always courteous. He speaks good English and was able to help us plan for our tours in the area. He wrote helpful phrases that were handy during our exploration of the city. Notes written in Chinese so that we can just show it to the locals or to the police when needed, opposite an English translations, of course.
Other Services Offered
The hostel also offers airport pick-up for 150RMB. We opted for the airport pick-up since we arrived at midnight. Tour guide or arranged tour packages.
Laundry service was also available.
I Am One Cool Guest
I’m not a picky traveler when it comes to accommodations. I’m easy to please. So long as no bed bugs that bite while I’m sleep, then I’m cool. You’ll hear good words from me, just about anything, regarding a place.
Please continue reading on to PART 4.
THE RED LANTERN HOUSE
This hostel is located in West Yard No. 5 Zhengjue Hutong, Xinjiekou Dadjie, Beijing China.
This hostel is located in West Yard No. 5 Zhengjue Hutong, Xinjiekou Dadjie, Beijing China.
The driver led us inside this old traditional home that has two big red-lacquered wooden door with two stringed red lanterns hanging in front.
From inside of these doors were some heavy vertical plastic flaps hanging from the ceiling down to the floor.
We went through these plastic flaps to enter on to another door. This is a typical set-up of the residences here to combat the freezing temperature of Beijing winter weather.
Inside the house is a court area. Narrow with high-ceiling. Filled with mismatched décor. Lots of knick-knacks. Some old books in the cabinets, aquarium, an odd-looking fish pond at the back plus other insignificant curios.
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| Hostel's interior |
There were hanging lanterns of different shapes and sizes coming down from the beams of the translucent ceiling.
A wood furniture and a pair of long wooden dining table with chairs. And an old couch.
There's a beverage vending machine next to the reception area. A bar with four wooden stools with an array of hard liquors in the shelves.
On the second floor, a balcony that surrounds the upper part of the court, where more rooms are located.
On the second floor, a balcony that surrounds the upper part of the court, where more rooms are located.
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| Upper level |
An aroma of warm incense filled the whole area.
A couple of Caucasian travelers were sitting by the couch minding their tablets. A rugged-looking guy with sideburns and bushy blond hair sitting on one of the long table, reading a book under a green lamp shade.
It was around 1AM. Guests were either in a deep slumber or were winding down. I thought to myself, ‘this place is so bohemian and am liking it’.
The receptionist, very friendly guy, who speaks English, greeted and warmly welcomed us.
Shared Room
We got our room near the reception area, shared with three other guys. Backpackers that were already retired in the room.
 |
| Shared room |
Besides from cutting a significant cost on one's budget, sharing a room is a great way to meet other interesting backpackers who are likely share the same interests you have. It turned out that one guy came all the way from Russia on a bike! Imagine that, you can actually bike your way to China (his bike was leaning by his bunk bed). The other two guys were just passing through, resting for the night, and then head out for the Great Wall the next day.
The house has communal toilets at the back of the court. Freezing cold bathrooms, but has hot shower.
Staffs were friendly but a bit aloof. The receptionist was always courteous. He speaks good English and was able to help us plan for our tours in the area. He wrote helpful phrases that were handy during our exploration of the city. Notes written in Chinese so that we can just show it to the locals or to the police when needed, opposite an English translations, of course.
Free internet was also available, though there’s no Facebook in China, unless you’re techy enough to know how to go around it using a proxy server or something.
They serve cooked food; breakfast, dinner, and anything in between. It costs 28 yuan for an American breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast, and sausage with coffee, juice, or tea). Big servings, I might add.
They serve cooked food; breakfast, dinner, and anything in between. It costs 28 yuan for an American breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast, and sausage with coffee, juice, or tea). Big servings, I might add.
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| Dining area |
Other Services Offered
The hostel also offers airport pick-up for 150RMB. We opted for the airport pick-up since we arrived at midnight. Tour guide or arranged tour packages.
Touring the city was accomplished with our own sense of adventure. We did not opt for any tour guides. We just explored the city with a map in hand.
Laundry service was also available.
I Am One Cool Guest
I’m not a picky traveler when it comes to accommodations. I’m easy to please. So long as no bed bugs that bite while I’m sleep, then I’m cool. You’ll hear good words from me, just about anything, regarding a place.
This hostel is a great place to stay for backpackers. Right in the middle of old Beijing -- smacked right in the best part of the largest preserved Hutongs, which used to be the homes of many noble families.
Walking a 1-kilometer radius from the house was an experience I surely will never forget anytime soon – read more about Hutongs.
Please continue reading on to PART 4.
A really awesome China!
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