I used miles with Sky Team and flew China Eastern Airlines, which included a stopover in Shanghai. Pickled critters for souvenirs in the airport.
This year’s Golden Week trip to Beijing is my third visit to China. My first visit was in 2002 when I visited Beijing, Nanking, Shanghai, and Hangzhou. In 2007 I returned to Shanghai. This trip was mostly inspired by the fact that my friend Ken has been living in Beijing for five years and is planning to move on later this year. Thus, I felt I could get an insider’s experience and knowledge of a fascinating city. Since this is my second visit I skipped the main attractions that I visited the first time I came to Beijing: The Great Wall, Tienanmen Square, The Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace. This time I planned to visit the less famous attractions and of course eat great Chinese food. A lot has changed in Beijing since 2002, most notably it held the 2008 Summer Olympics and gone under significant economic change and gentrification. Fewer people spit in the streets and fewer people smoke in restaurants, and most motorbikes run on electricity. However, it is still an overwhelming and intense place to visit.
The Shanghai airport.
The facade of Traveler Inn Hauquiao Hotel in Beijing where I stayed. Centrally located in a traditional hutong with lots of great restaurants with tables outdoors.
Here are some statues in the neighborhood.
Local lager.
Seafood restaurant.
Dumplings.
Public men's room.
Detour restaurant: many excellent original Chinese-based dishes in a funky atmosphere.
Ken, a friend I met in Tokyo who has been living in Beijing for 5 years (main purpose for the visit) at Detour restaurant. His language skills were invaluable as were his recommendations throughout the trip.
A mushroom based dish-spicy goodness.
Mountain vegetables aka "salad."
Spicy chicken-excellent.
Fish cooked in a sour sauce.
After dinner cocktails at Modernista.
Followed by a nightcap at Great Leap Brewery.
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