Beijing 2008 to 2010 Part Two

Here is part two of my travels to Beijing from 2008 to 2010.

One of my fav places in Beijing is Nanluoguxiang.
It is an old street in the Hutong area with plenty of cafes and shops selling interesting souvenirs.
The decor in the cafes are all quite different and much more interesting than chain coffeeshops.

 Bell and Drum Towers

A popular spot for tourists and locals is the Houhai(Back Sea) and Beihai(North sea) area.
It is a fairly large, though walkable, area that has two big lakes.
Along the lakes are restaurants, cafes and shops.
Quite popular for nightlife as well.

The Blue Lotus!

It was the name of the opium den in the Tintin book "The Blue Lotus".
Now it is a cafe.

QuanJuDe, a popular roast duck restaurant chain from Beijing.
There are several of their restaurants around town, supposed to be franchises.
The main store is definitely worth a visit.

Beijing snacks, their version of the popular Cantonese dimsum.

Beihai is also quite a popular swimming venue for some local men.

Shopping area around Beihai

 The girl is playing an Ocarina.
It is similar to a Flute, with holes in it and u blow into the instrument.
It has quite a wide range of sound!

Temple of Heaven, which is south of the Forbidden City is also a top attraction.
It is the place where the Emperor goes each year to pray for a good harvest.

There are some really beautiful parks on each side of the main street.
The architecture of the buildings looks a bit Tibetan.

On Sundays, the park area around the Temple of Heaven has many locals out dancing and playing games.
Quite festive actually.
The colourful shuttlecock can be kicked around and even used as a "ball" for a football game!
That was what we used to do as kids. :)