All things old China - books, anecdotes, stories, podcasts, factoids & ramblings from the author Paul French

In the Footsteps of Sai Jinhua – May 5,12 & 26 with Beijing Postcards

Posted: May 3rd, 2013 | No Comments »

Those crazy Danes at Beijing Postcards have a new walk they’re offering – “The life and legend of Beijing’s most famous prostitute” (that’s Sai Jinhua, in case you were wondering)

9bva_02_5

In a fume of opium smoke (or maybe it was just the pollution), we have been walking in the tiny footsteps of the most famous prostitute of Beijing. And now finally after months of preparation we are able to present our new walk: “The life and legend of Beijing’s most famous prostitute: Sai Jinhua, a walk in Beijing’s old redlight district” -the story of a very unlikely hero with tiny Lily feet. For inquiries about the walks on May 5,12 and 26 please contact Bespoke Beijing on this mail:info@bespoke-beijing.com Tickets will be on sale from Monday April 15.

“The life and legend of Beijing’s Most Famous Prostitute: Sai Jinhua, a Walk in Beijing’s Old Red Light District” -the story of a very unlikely hero with tiny Lily feet. 
A hundred years ago, in a country on the verge of collapse, a woman from the shadows stood up and defended her Chinese countrymen.
Abandoned by the imperial government, and occupied by western  forces looking for  revenge, the fate of Beijing was placed on the narrow shoulders of a common  courtesan.

 But who was this saint like figure? A plain prostitute or a Maria of the East? The  lover of a German general? A Brothel Madam? An opium addict? Or a liar and a  cheat?

Follow us, in the small footsteps of a very unlikely hero with tiny lily feet, through  old opium dens and brothels still standing, when we look for answers.

During this walk we will track down the life of Beijing’s most famous prostitute – Sai Jinhua. We will gain exclusive access to an old brothel, and create a portrait of Dashilan, the more than 600 year old entertainment area and Ba Da Hutong – the old Red Light district.
For inquiries about the walks on May 5,12 and 26 please contact Bespoke Beijing on this mail: info@bespoke-beijing.com
Tickets will be on sale from Monday April 15.
In connection with the walks we have also created an exhibition of historical pictures of the entertainment district of Dashilan, that will be exhibited at the Ubi Gallery all through May.

Leave a Reply