Beijing is an ancient dynastic capital where tradition and modernity merge. This can be seen in many aspects of the city, such as the co-existence of ancient buildings and recently built high-rises, modern roads and quiet alleys known as hutongs. Every day, people in Beijing pass between the past and present.

Commuters in the capital can take the subway or the bus. And there are also some quite unique ways to get around.

The Tricycle

In this world of mind-boggling changes, the tricycle is no longer viable as an effective means of transport. In the middle of a modern concrete jungle, traces of a former way of life have mostly disappeared.

But in the hutongs of Shichahai in downtown Beijing, tricycles are a common sight. They carry tourists through the narrow lanes, where people still live in traditional housing. Most of the tricycles are run by local tourist agencies. As the drivers pedal along, they often chat with their customers, telling them stories of people who have lived here over the centuries.

These tricycles are very popular with tourists visiting Beijing.