Arrived in Beijing bright and early, and after a bit of a hassle with the taxi, finally made it to Xiejie. The restaurant staff hadn't even woken up yet. We dropped off our luggage, grabbed a bite, then headed to Wangfujing and the National Museum before officially checking in that evening. The renovated courtyard hotel was tastefully decorated, and the bathroom facilities were excellent; we could always ask the front desk for refills. We loved experiencing the hutong culture and interacting with the locals – the lively sounds and cats gave it a real sense of life. A quick stroll through the residential area led us to a bustling pedestrian street with plenty of food, drinks, and shopping, stretching all the way to Qianmen Station. However, the small hutong paths leading to the subway station were like a scattered network, making navigation essential, especially at night. The owner, a truly wonderful man, even helped me retrieve a forgotten jacket and sent it via express delivery to my Airbnb in Shanghai, which I received just before heading home. This was the most unforgettable experience of my very hot trip to Beijing.
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