Mr Cricket’s Fight Club in the Hutongs
Mr Cricket’s Fight Club
in the Hutongs
Meet Mr Cricket, an octogenarian cricket trainer and witness
the age-old pastime of cricket fighting conducted
in the ancient alleyways of the hutongs.
WHY THIS TOUR?
Mention cricket and most people think of the sport. But in China this is a different kind of cricket altogether. Once the sport of the emperors, cricket fighting is an age-old tradition and a popular pastime. Cricket owners cherish their insects and caring for them is far from cheap.
In addition to food, many cricket trainers will buy tiny bowls, plates and beds that are placed in a minute cricket house. The lifetime of a cricket is only one hundred days and champion crickets will even be placed in diminutive coffins after they die. These crickets are so precious that their owners will rarely allow them to get injured during a fight.
TRAIL ITINERARY
09:30 - 11:30
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14:30 - 16:30
The driver and guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to the narrow alleyways, known as the hutongs. The hutongs are situated in the old quarter of the city and they give an insight into a different pace of life in Beijing, such as the lifestyle of the contemporary residents. They are the best place to see and feel Beijing’s authentic culture – and this is also where you will find the home of legendary Mr Cricket.
In a traditional courtyard in the middle of the hutongs, you will meet this famous cricket boxing trainer. Crickets are loved all over Beijing but particularly in the Beijing hutongs where this traditional culture has been kept alive. Mr Cricket is also a referee of this insect sport and he has been featured in many magazines and publications. He is incredibly passionate about this traditional pastime and loves to pass on his extensive knowledge.
You will hear all about the unusual life of Mr Cricket and the history of raising crickets in this ancient part of the city. You will get the opportunity to see the crickets up close and you can even gently hold one in your hands.
At the end of the tour the driver will take you back to the hotel.