Well, it has been a few years since I visited Beijing. I decided that I could spend 8 days in China on my way to Kathmandu and Bhutan in October/November 2013. After arriving in Beijing international airport, I made my way to the Airport Express to Dongzhimen station...cheaper than a taxi!
My main goals were to connect with the Yoga Yard, a well -known yoga studio and go to classes. I did meet the owner, Robyn, an American married to a Beijinger.
In addition, I wanted to trek another section of the Great Wall as I have done Badaling (very touristy) and the best was a 10km trek from Jinshanling to Simatai. This trip resulted in doing a trek on the Mutianyu area of the Great Wall and visiting the Ming tombs. Unfortunately it was very hazy from fires in the area, but the fall colors were quite good.
Ming Tombs -
I went south to the Tiantan, temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, east to the Silk Market in Yonganli area, northwest to Dongzimen and walking to the Embassy area of Sanlitun (very western bars and restaurants), north to the Lama Temple in Yonghegong, drank lots of Costa Coffee and Starbuck's when I could find one!
One new area I spent some time in was Xicheng, which was newly renovated old buildings housing unique shops and restaurants. I even found a Tibetan shop with Buddhist prayer wheels, jewelry, thangkas, clothing, etc.
One day while walking back through Tiananmen Square, I noticed huge numbers of police and army present at the north end across from the Forbidden City. A truck with bombs, nails and 3 Uyighur separatists drove into the crowd at the Golden Bridge, which is the only entrance now to the city. I had been on that bridge only a day before! 5 people were killed, the 3 separatists and 2 tourists! It was cleaned up in less than 4 hours - typical of the Chinese wish to hide any incidents - saving face!
It was fun to walk Wangfujing street, the main shopping street and see the changes over 5 years since being here. There were several days of level 3 Smog warnings...Don't go outside, don't run or breath outside was the recommendation. However, it seemed to move off and allow relatively clear air. I suspect that smog ends up in the Canadian North via the jetstream! Ugh!
Most Beijingers are friendly, helpful people. I found good food, saw many farms, and an understated feeling of desperation, especially in the old, disappearing Hutongs in and around Beijing. Hard to describe the discomfort behind every person, never showing how they truly feel. Nevertheless, a very interesting place to spend a week!
The view from Jingshan park of the massive Forbidden City -
The Forbidden City was built in 1420
My main goals were to connect with the Yoga Yard, a well -known yoga studio and go to classes. I did meet the owner, Robyn, an American married to a Beijinger.
In addition, I wanted to trek another section of the Great Wall as I have done Badaling (very touristy) and the best was a 10km trek from Jinshanling to Simatai. This trip resulted in doing a trek on the Mutianyu area of the Great Wall and visiting the Ming tombs. Unfortunately it was very hazy from fires in the area, but the fall colors were quite good.
Ming Tombs -
Great Wall at Mutianyu
I stayed in the Shatan area just north of the Forbidden City, next to Jingshan park. I walked everywhere, so much that my feet and knees hurt - lots of pavement. I took some time to figure out the Metro system and found it fast and cheap - 2 yuan per trip (= 30 cents).
I went south to the Tiantan, temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, east to the Silk Market in Yonganli area, northwest to Dongzimen and walking to the Embassy area of Sanlitun (very western bars and restaurants), north to the Lama Temple in Yonghegong, drank lots of Costa Coffee and Starbuck's when I could find one!
Tiantan - Temple of Heaven
One new area I spent some time in was Xicheng, which was newly renovated old buildings housing unique shops and restaurants. I even found a Tibetan shop with Buddhist prayer wheels, jewelry, thangkas, clothing, etc.
Note the Portrait of Mao at Forbidden city entrance, near Golden Bridge below!
One day while walking back through Tiananmen Square, I noticed huge numbers of police and army present at the north end across from the Forbidden City. A truck with bombs, nails and 3 Uyighur separatists drove into the crowd at the Golden Bridge, which is the only entrance now to the city. I had been on that bridge only a day before! 5 people were killed, the 3 separatists and 2 tourists! It was cleaned up in less than 4 hours - typical of the Chinese wish to hide any incidents - saving face!
It was fun to walk Wangfujing street, the main shopping street and see the changes over 5 years since being here. There were several days of level 3 Smog warnings...Don't go outside, don't run or breath outside was the recommendation. However, it seemed to move off and allow relatively clear air. I suspect that smog ends up in the Canadian North via the jetstream! Ugh!
Most Beijingers are friendly, helpful people. I found good food, saw many farms, and an understated feeling of desperation, especially in the old, disappearing Hutongs in and around Beijing. Hard to describe the discomfort behind every person, never showing how they truly feel. Nevertheless, a very interesting place to spend a week!
