These tourists are walking through traditional Beijing hutong (lanes) in the Houhai area of the city. Houhai - one of the few parts of the old city where traditional neighborhoods have not been torn down in favor of high rise monstrosities - is being heavily promoted as a tourist attraction. Among other things, for foreign tourists this means being constantly hectored to buy one thing or another. As time goes on many hawkers appear to be pushier and more aggressive than in the past. I believe this is a direct result of the municipal government's attitude towards the Olympics. The games are viewed first and foremost as an opportunity to make money, the more the better. Everyone wants to get into the act and, as a foreign tourist, you are expected to play your part by parting with your money. |