Some people take a big gulp and say “uh-oh” when they’re driving through one of the oldest neighborhoods in Beijing to the Beijing Ningxia Hotel.
 
But there’s nothing to fear, for this neighborhood has all of the culture and charm that every visitor to China should see.
 
The old hutongs near Houhai are a great place to stay: they’re cheap, interesting, and away from the busy crowds. This is where the Ningxia is located.
 
Although the hutongs outside can be quite dirty, once you step into the Ningxia, it’s really very clean and pleasant.
 
The hotel is very cheap and boasts some of the cleanest rooms I’ve seen in this neighborhood.
 
And when you can step out the door, sit in a real-life hole-in-the-wall restaurant and drink Chinese “baijiu” alcohol with the locals, that’s something you can’t buy anywhere!
Visit the Ningxia online here