Madame Zhang Gong Wu is a Beijing-born resident in one of the city's few remaining hutongs. She delights in preparing lunch for visitors at her home of 40 years which she shares with her 90 year old mother. They live on a government pension. Heartbroken after her husband's death, Madame Wu puts her energies into entertaining tourist guests. She's been doing so for nearly 6 years, cherishing her neighbourhood, which she describes as having a good atmosphere and helpful neighbours.