Cycle around the interesting old hutong, listen to the guide elaborate the beauty of Beijing's history, hutong life, customs, and architecture. Visit a 100-year-old whorehouse before moving on for a 15-minute sojourn around an antique market nearby. The last stop is at Houhai for a tea or beer break before cycling back to the hotel.

Price: 100 yuan (US$12) including bicycle rental and English speaking guide. 70 yuan (US$8.4) for those with their own bike.

Time/date: 1 to 4:30 PM, October 23

Meeting place: the entrance of Beijing International Hotel, 9 Jianguomennei Dajie, Dongcheng District, Cycle China staff will carry a flag with Cycle China logo.

Reservations are required at reserve@cyclechina.com.

Poems and music

Come to appreciate Chinese classical music and hear about the stories of the related poems. Understand how Chinese people connect the two to create a specific image to express their feelings and cultivate their minds.

Price: 50 yuan (US$6)

Time/date: 7:30 to 9 PM, October 27

Place: Inside the Kent Centre, northeast of Lufthansa Center, Anjialou and Liangma Lu, Chaoyang District

Tel: 86-10-6432-9341

Xinjiang dance

Learn about Xinjiang dance, one of China's most typical folk dances, with professional dancers and national first-class dance teachers.

Price: 60 yuan (US$7.2)

Time/date: 7 to 8:30 PM, October 24, 31

Place: Peking Opera Photography House, inside Kent Center northeast of Luftansa Centre, Anjialou, Chaoyang District

Reservation at 86-10-6432-9341

(Beijing Weekend October 22, 2004)