Sketches of Beijing Manners

Discover the lively soul of Beijing through the keen eyes of Jean Bouchot. In ‘Croquis des mœurs pékinoises,’ you will relish a vivid and sometimes hilarious depiction of the bustling Beijing neighborhoods filled with pedestrians, rickshaws, wobbly stalls, and mobile shops.

The irresistible charm of the hutongs.

Hutongs are traditional Chinese alleys full of character. Over the centuries, they have woven a network connecting traditional houses, known as ‘siheyuan,’ to create micro-districts with unique charm. While the urban frenzy of recent decades has taken away most hutongs, some still survive today. They enchant tourists during guided tours, captivating with their social and architectural charm.

A valuable testimony to Beijing manners.

Jean Bouchot reveals a delightful, sometimes fierce, yet irony-free humor. His non-condescending judgments provide an authentic portrait of the hutongs during a time of significant change. ‘Croquis des mœurs pékinoises’ is a unique and precious testimony, observed through the curious and enlightened eye of a traveler who has captured the essence of the society of the early Chinese Republic.

Let yourself be carried away by this vibrant travel essay about Beijing and the hutongs. A must-read for history and travel enthusiasts.