Wow, what a day. Our guide, Lily, met us in the foyer at 8:30, and after a quick confirmation of details, we were off.
First to the underground, heading to the Temple of Heaven and Pearl Market, which are across the road from each other. Pearl Market was okay, and gave Lily a chance to see the type of things we were interested in. Then across the road to the Temple. The outer area is parkland, and the older Beijing people come here every day - there is no charge for them to get into the park area. There were hundreds of senior citizens doing activities like: dancing (from traditional Chinese to disco), Yoho diablo (Chinese Yoyo), gymnastics, cards, dominos, Chinese chess, knitting ............. Considering Lily says it can get to 20 degrees below zero in winter, they must be VERY dedicated to go every day.
It was great to have a guide with us, Lily was able to tell us all about the Temple, and how ceremonies used to work. The temple and several of the other major buildings in the compound area built completely without nails - quite an amazing feat considering how old they are. They are beautifully restored too.
From here we caught a cab to the Zoo Markets - so named as they are near the zoo. Lily says they are the cheapest around, and many of the locals shop here. There are no label brands, but some items will be genuine, even if they don't have labels. Only bought one top.
Into a cab again, and off to Da Dong Duck - guaranteed to have the best Peking Duck in the city. We expected good food, but it was such an elegant restaurant too. The duck is cooked in wood fired ovens, using a specific type of wood (Chinese date). There is a raised kitchen area in the middle of the restaurant, with an oven on each corner. This area is surrounded by a fish pond 'moat', and the tables are arranged around this. All other food is cooked in a regular kitchen which I assume is 'out the back'. After much cajoling, Lily agreed to join us, and the full meal including drinks cost 280 RMB, about $47.
We then headed for the subway again, and after 3 different trains for short distances, came to Yashou Market - definitely the place for brand names. After some serious instructions on how much to pay, and how to barter, Lily left us to our own devices while she went to organise our tickets for the acrobatic show. We had a great time, and Errol really got into the fun of the banter with the vendors! Lily saw me through a couple of final purchases, then we walked over to the show. Lily left us there, with instructions on how to hail a cab and how much it should cost to get back to the hotel.
Acrobats were wonderful, wish I had a video camera. Finding a cab was a little more difficult, but we managed in the long run, and Lily had been right on with the estimated cost. By the time we were back at the hotel, it was after 7, and we hadn't had tea (not that we were hungry!)
We wanted to get photos of the night food market anyway, so strolled down a few blocks, took a few photos, then found a coffee shop in a shopping mall. Back to the hotel to shower and crash. Another full day, and tomorrow promises even more.
Temple of Heaven
Da Dong Duck
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