Finally, a sunny day in Beijing - Marc goes Traveling

Finally, a sunny day in Beijing

2007-05-04

After many months of winter and then early spring rain, the weather in Beijing finally turned really nice today, with sun, pleasant temperatures, and blue sky as far as the eye could see.

I decided it would be fun today to just go get lost inside the second ring roads, in the old housing areas called Hutongs (胡同). There are narrow roads and alleys and you can just ride for hours, an activity I've now come to call "Hutong Hopping". It's a great way to see the locals and spend a day.

In the end, I found this new neighbourhood that seems quite "up and coming" called Nanluoguxiang (南锣鼓巷), the south Drum and Bell alley (the drum and bell towers are close to here). It's got tonnes of cafés and restaurants, and is just a great place to hang out.

[Click on any photo for a larger view]

In the winter in Beijing, it actually -does- snow. Sadly, usually just once, about 3cm, and then it melts the next day. Weak	But for a few hours, I get lots of snow joy!	I decided to start with the Hutongs near the Yonghegong (Lama Temple).
There are always lots of people out and about here, checking out the various temples and the like.		These traditional gate things are cool.
	A lot of these Hutong homes have been purchased and completely renovated and turned into expensive mansions, effectively. Nice living, if you can get it.	Defend your parking to the death, however.
	I have no idea what this dude is about, and after asking the store owners where this was sitting ... still no idea.
	Three-wheeled bicycle party!
	Parents here in China use these pants with no bums on them. Makes it easy to go to the bathroom with the kids. Really, it just looks like it would be cold!	Lots of shops and yummy restaurants.
		Good Luckly Rest Aurant!
There are public toilets every hundred metres or so in China. They smell bad, but at least they're there.
	Cute kids playing.
They do these little rickshaw tours through the Hutongs, since they're slowly disappearing as corrupt land-management officials sell them to developers.		This is the north entrance to Nanluoguxiang. Cool.
		Telephone! They have public call office type phones here all over the place, since most people's home phones don't do long distance.
Cool doors!	There are always lots of people on this street. And lots of cars who wish you would just get the hell out of the way NOW.