Beijing pt 1

Last weekend Mike and I went to Beijing to see the things one has to see while in China- the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and that picture of Mao above Tienanmen Square. It actually ended up more economical to fly, unless we were to sit 12 hours both ways in hard seats. We flew in pretty late, and got into the Lonely Planet recommended hostel without any troubles. The hostel had a comfortable living room that always had a movie playing, a great kitchen, and was less than a kilometer from Tienanmen Square on a popular hutong. Beijing is famous for its back streets of old houses and shops found throughout the city. It is quite the sensation to see the vast development that has happened and walk behind a few buildings to see people living like it was decades ago.

The next day we decided to stay within the city. Beijing, although the second biggest city in China, seems more spread out than Hangzhou. The roads are wide, the buildings are not too tall, and there is just a comfort of having space. Comfort also comes from it being the most developed city; one can easily tell the city has been scrubbed clean for the Olympics. It does not have the busy, messy, on top of you sensations of Shanghai. Beijing feels modern but has the historic importance and presence to maintain character. I liked Beijing.

We walked through Tienanmen Square, the largest public square in the world, and got the obligatory pictures. At least two or three groups of people asked to take pictures with us.


Right behind Tienanmen Square is the Forbidden city. During the Qing and Ming dynasty royalty would rarely leave its premises, and peasants of course were forbidden to enter. It is a massive complex that would take days to see all on display. There are countless palaces and gardens and courtyards in which the inhabitants would play chess or drink tea or hold meetings. The squares and gates were massive. The entire time inside reminded me of how prosperous China has been, and its extravagence reminds me of its recent efforts in the Olympics.
After the forbidden city we went to a recommened resturaunt to eat the famous Peking Duck. While looking for it we were approached my a pair of women trying to 'practice their English' who insisted our destination was miles away and we should eat at their place. Once we got rid of them we found it right around the corner. Peking duck is a whole duck roasted, and then sliced in front of you. You are given garlic, a sweet sauce, and thin pancakes to roll it all up in. The result is quite tasty, and is the definitive specialty of Beijing.