Cycling Beijing with David Dou: A Yunnan Hutonger's Journey

Irene Li, Associate Editor | Sep 28, 2023 10:39 am | Add a comment | 86 reads

Meet David Dou, a Beijing dweller for over 26 years who flawlessly mimics the local accent. You'd easily mistake him for a born-and-bred Beijinger, but in truth, he hails from Yunnan. This southern province native even adopted the quirky moniker of "Hutonger from Yunnan." His Beijing journey began in 1997, and by 1999, as a college student, he was already leading his first group of tourists. That was a golden age for the tourism industry, with the first October Golden Week holiday drawing immense crowds.

"I'll never forget 1999; the Forbidden City was swarming with visitors like never before," David reminisces. His role as an inbound tourism guide allowed him to dip his toes into various facets of the industry. One of his notable contributions was the launch of a smart app in 2014, designed to automatically guide foreign tourists around iconic landmarks like the Summer Palace and the Great Wall.

David's adoration for the tourism industry is palpable, and his expertise in Chinese culture is vast. In 2021, he joined 京骑骑游 Jīng qí qí yóu, a cycling tour venture that invites biking enthusiasts to pedal their way through Beijing's picturesque spots. With Beijing's labyrinthine streets encoded in his DNA, David regales participants with fascinating tales and historical tidbits as they navigate through the city. Despite a few roadblocks in recent years, David's passion for travel and his devotion to the tourism industry remain unshaken.

We recently had the privilege of speaking with him about his enduring passion for travel and his long-standing commitment to the industry.

What led you to choose tourism when you first set foot in Beijing in 1997?
Well, as a fresh-faced newcomer to Beijing, tourism was a thriving industry at the time. I recall a conversation with my father back in high school. He said that if I ever had to pick a job, it should be one where I could flex my English skills daily and indulge in sightseeing without the burden of office politics. Those words stuck with me, and 23 years later, I'm still happily immersed in the tourism sector. I guess you could say my dad planted that seed.

The tourism industry has been through a lot, and many tour leaders have shifted their career paths. What made you stick with it all these years?
Back in 2015, I started my own venture focusing on cultural tourism, which included creating an intelligent audio guide app and promoting Chinese tourist destinations abroad. However, my main focus now is on city cycling tours. I see myself as a storyteller, sharing the rich tapestry of Chinese culture with others. This is why I've remained in the travel industry for so long.

Do you have a favorite route to lead personally?
As the supervisor at Jingqi, I have a soft spot for all the routes we offer. However, based on the market feedback, the Central Axis, Shougang Park, and Peking Opera cultural tours seem to be fan favorites.

How has the tourism landscape evolved recently?
There are two types of travel experiences. First, there are those crafted by foreigners seeking a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture, such as engaging in Tai Chi sessions. Second, there are experiences created by both locals and foreigners to mirror activities that are already popular elsewhere. Cycling tours fit into this category.

In this era of rapid digital advancement, the pace of change is such that the world looks different every three months. This rings true for the tourism industry too, with innovative travel trends popping up frequently. Concepts like cycling tours and cooking classes are already imprinted in the minds of most foreign travelers, making them a familiar and appealing option.

Looking ahead, I anticipate that other trendy travel concepts like city walks will start to turn heads. As international tourists return to China, I have a feeling these fresh experiences will captivate their interest and present them with a new perspective of our beautiful country.

What's your favorite spot in Beijing and how does the Central Axis resonate with you?
Old Beijing, with its labyrinthine hutongs, ancient temples, and former abodes of notable figures, is a treasure trove that I hold dear. These places are not just bricks and mortar, they are living narratives that inspire me. As a storyteller, I draw from the wellspring of tales these places offer, crafting new routes and sharing the rich tapestry of old Beijing's history.

To me, the Central Axis isn't just an architectural marvel, it's a cherished symbol. In 2018, I was tasked with contributing to the "Beijing Model Standards for Foreign Language Tour Guides," specifically in regards to the Central Axis. I view it as a manifestation of the cultural richness of a nation’s capital. It's a story that I'm passionate about sharing, hoping it can captivate the imaginations of expats and help them appreciate its allure.

The challenge, however, lies in its accessibility. Spanning 7.8 kilometers, traversing the Axis on foot is a formidable task, and motor vehicles are unable to navigate the narrow alleyways. Fortunately, in 2021, we discovered the power-assisted bicycle, a tool that has made the Central Axis more accessible. This innovation brought my long-held dream of making the Central Axis a commercial tourist attraction to fruition.

Last year, I was honored to be chosen by the Cultural Relics Bureau as a communication expert for the Central Axis World Heritage application. This was not just an honor, but a testament to my dedication to promoting this remarkable landmark.

David's guiding a series of cycling tours over the holiday season. Looking to embark on a cycling adventure with David? Simply scan the QR code provided below to connect with him directly. Happy pedaling!