北京。Beijing.
A 72-hour layover on my way to Taiwan, my third time in Beijing.
With most of the sightseeing spots crossed off my bucket list and some questionable weather, I took to the streets.
Hutongs, the traditional Beijing alleyways, always offer pretty snapshots of everyday life, and small restaurants dotted around the city will make it impossible for you to go more than a couple of hours without a snack.
Beijing Blogs.
Beijing Travel Stories.
Beijing Taxi. Off we go.
Get Your Beijing Duck Fix at Siji Minfu (四季民福)
Neons and Puddles at Naluoguxiang (南锣鼓巷)
Just a Bear by the Lake. Houhai (后海)
Humble Dwellings. Fancy Restaurants.
Sichuan Spice at Pangmei Noodle Restaurant (胖妹面庄)
We Love a Good Glaze. Lama Temple (雍和宫)
When I'm Walking Down the Street.
First of Many.
Tangyuan and Preserved Mustard Greens. Stir Fried with Garlic and Chili. Crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside.
Guizhou Sour Soup. Fresh and Bright, Southeast Asian Aromatics.
Behind Bars. Apartment Complex in Dongsi (东四)
Watermelon "Cheese". Light and Fruity Pannacotta-like Dessert, Only Available in Summer.
Almond "Tofu". Another Pannacotta-like dessert that's refreshing and lightly sweet. A Favourite.
Kidney Bean Sweets. Not Sweet at all. Soft, Pillowy, with Hawthorn Jelly and Peanut Filling.
Fuhuazhai (富华斋饽饽铺) Pastry Shop. Old Beijing Desserts in a Quaint atmosphere. Beijing Opera Playing in the Background.
A Break from Selling Duck.
Boiled Offal is a Common Sight in Beijing. Tripe Dipped in Seasame Paste is Springy and Earthy. Colours a Bit Dull Though.
Millet Porridge With a Tahini-like Sesame Paste. Reminiscent of Polenta for a Warm Bowl Usually Served for Breakfast.
Convenience Stores Branching Out: Milk.
A taste of imperial China at Fuhuazhai Bobo, a traditional Beijing pastry shop. Flaky mooncakes, refreshing jellies and pillowy kidney bean rolls are served in a shop with a distinct Forbidden City feel. A dessert-fueled throwback to the Qing dynasty.