Monday in the Hutongs

It was another outstanding and beautiful day in Beijing!  The sky is trying to stay blue.

After a hearty breakfast at the large hotel buffet, a van picked us up for a trip to the Rear Lakes hutong area.  This large crescent shaped lake is exactly what you might think China looks like.  Almost the entire lake is surrounded by white marble railing broken up by lovely picturesque arched bridges.  Weeping willows gently sway and provide speckled shade.  It’s beautiful!  The lake was first formed during the Wei dynasty around 250 B.C. when water was brought to the area from the western suburbs as part of a conservation project.  In the 12^th century, the dynasty leaders adopted the area as their imperial playgrounds.

There is a lovely old street of charming shops in the area and there is evidence that they are building two additional shopping streets in the same ancient style.

After spending several hours enjoying the picturesque Rear Lakes, the van took us to Dashilaner Street, another interesting hutong style shopping street surrounded by fascinating hutong alleyways. 

We enjoyed dinner and a rest at McDonalds.  After “friendly” negotiations, getting in and out of taxis, we returned to the hotel tired but happy.

Tomorrow we are scheduled to spend the afternoon with five princesses pr*ying, encouraging, and Q&A.

 

Mary for the China Dolls