From fresh air on the
farm to the most suffocating city in the world - Beijing is stop number four in the Asian saga. I visited the sprawling metro on three separate occasions which afforded me enough time to see a substantial amount of the city. The first time I was there coincided with the dragon boat holiday which meant the bustling city was even more crowded than usual. The summer heat and humidity were intensely overbearing. A white haze blanketed the city during my first two visits and I don't think I saw blue sky once. I walked most places and since everything is so spread out I found myself dehydrated and exhausted at the end of the day. I'd try to cool off at night with my window open only to be feasted on by dozens of aggressive mosquitoes. How is it in a concrete jungle like Beijing, mosquitoes still find a way to thrive? Already bruised and worn down, my wallet was stolen on the subway. No good.
Beijing and I got off to a rough start but things improved on my subsequent visits. The weather was cooler, the holiday crowds were gone and I was a bit more savvy than to be leaving my wallet within reach of pickpockets. By the end of my three trips I found the city less oppressive and more likable. Yes, much of the city consists of bland mid rise blocks, but the enclaves of cultural and historic areas are truly unique and offer relief from the gray and drab vernacular.
Pics are from the Bird's Nest and National Aquatic Center at the Olympic Park, the 798 arts district, the Forbidden city, Lama & Confucius Temple, the Drum and Bell Towers, the Temple of Heaven, Tianamen Square, Jin Shan Park, Wanfujin Night Market, Panjiayuan Antique and Book Market, Little Moscow - New (copy) watch alert: Hublot, Maliandao Tea Street, Huohai lake, Sanlutin and several Hutongs.
Three times in Beijing and I never saw the great wall
Still not sure how I botched that.
This is one of the heavier threads I've made and I probably should have split it into two, but I'm pressed for time. Enjoy!
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Next, I'll get sophisticated in Shanghai.