This time a short walk in organisation of Beijing Postcards.. Lars from BJP knows the history and prepared a walk to follow Beijing’s most famous prostitute – Saj Jinhua – inside Beijing’s Old Red Light District – just south of Qianmen gate – Ba da Hutong.

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?

Lars lead in the footsteps of this unlikely hero, through old opium dens and brothels still standing. This was an area outside the Beijing wall. Where all the outsiders that weren’t allowed into Beijing lived. And also where men looked for pleasure. Today its interesting walk through narrow streets and observe the remainders of old buildings. Of course, except the buildings, little remains of the red-light activity. Today its just one of hutongs in Beijing, a residential area.