Sid and I took a much needed break in Beijing during our spring holiday. We stayed at the Hutong Inn in the center of the XiaoJingChang Hutong. It was a truly authentic hutong experience.
Sid on front steps of the Hutong Inn
View from the roof bar
View from our room
Breakfast in the bar
It was a beautiful spot overlooking the city's hutongs. Hutongs are a type of narrow street or alley formed by lines of siheyuan (traditional courtyard residences). The main buildings are often set in quadrangles, a complex formed by four houses around a courtyard.
The hutongs of Beijing were built in concentric circles around the Forbidden City during the Yuan (1206-1341), Ming (1368-1628) and Qing (1644-1908) Dynasties. In order to establish supreme power, the emperors arranged the residential areas of the city according to the social classes of the Zhou Dynasty. The imperial kinsmen and aristocrats lived in more elaborate hutongs near the Forbidden City to the east and west. Merchants and ordinary people lived in more simple hutongs located far to the north and south of the palace. The XiaoJingChang Hutong where we took up residence for the week was north of the Forbidden City. We're just plain old ordinary folk!
Overlooking the roof tops of the hutong.
We wandered through the local hutong to soak in the culture.
This gentleman was tending his bees under the bright blue sky on the roof of his hutong.
The street that takes us "home."
As we explored, we met these two delightful ladies who promptly shared their crocheting skills with us. The woman on the right had crocheted quite a few trinkets, so Sid and I bought a few for memory's sake.
Laundry day in the hutong
The main street that led us to the nearest Beijing Metro stop.
Off we go on the Metro to explore Tiantan Park and The Temple of Heaven.
I loved strolling through Tiantan Park just outside of the Temple of Heaven. The atmosphere was vibrant and the people were happy to be alive. Dancing, singing, playing games, and people simply loving life ensued all around us!
Line dancing
This dear old woman was "singing" at the top her lungs.
This gentleman had everyone in stitches (pardon the pun). An adorable man crocheting hats, telling jokes, and smiling the most contagious toothless smile I have ever seen! I LOVE this picture.
Sid being attacked by vendors outside the Temple of Heaven. Once you show the slightest interest to one, you're surrounded in seconds.
Hey Sid, it's spring!
Sid was having fun playing with this little guy as they ran down the Long Corridor toward the Temple of Heaven.
"Knock, knock, knocking on Heaven's door..."
Now that's a knocker!
There she blows...the Temple of Heaven with a spaceship like cloud in the Heavens to boot!
Spectacular! We were so lucky to be here on such a beautiful day. This rarely happens in Beijing.
Sid taking a picture of...
...me taking a picture. : )
And here's the picture...
Holding up Heaven
It was so spectacular, I couldn't put down the camera.
The blue tile symbolizes the sky.
Seventy Year Old Door...love this story.
Hey, Sid, you're not seventy!
Green tile symbolize the common people.
My favorite...wisteria.
The Danbi Bridge connecting the Altar of Circular Mound with the Altar of Prayer for Grains, the oldest overpass in the ancient capital of Beijing.
The Imperial Vault of Heaven
The wall surrounding the Circular Mound
Nine steps to the Circular Mound
The Circular Mound, a round platform on three levels of marble stone constructed in 1530, served as a place for holding the ceremony for worshipping Heaven during the Winter Solstice each year. The number of various element of the the altar, including the steps, are in multiples of the sacred number nine.
Kimberly on the nine steps
The Circular Mound is surrounded by three levels of marble stones decorated by carved dragons.
Heading out the South Gate and looking back toward the Circular Mound and the Vault of Heaven
We wandered this wonderful hutong just outside the gates of the Temple of Heaven...what a contrast!
Within the narrow streets, we found this gentleman cooking away and purchased a yummy bread with egg and green onions baked inside.
Lunch time!
I am now a very brave eater.
Just outside of the gates to the Temple of Heaven we also found this sweet shoe store.
I really wanted these cute shoes, but my big American feet were just not cooperating!
Then it was off to the Dirt Market...one of my favorite places in Beijing. We met this adorable man who wanted to sell us everything he owned.
I love the displays at the Dirt Market, everything from canteens to dial telephones.
Suitcases proudly displayed
Mooncake molds
Buddha
After exploring the Dirt Market and buying gifts for friends and family back home, we hopped in this rickshaw in order to make our way back to the Metro. It turned out to be one crazy ride!! This gentleman nearly ran us into a bus and had us literally in Heaven!
Looks quite sedate...but don't let appearance fool you.
The worried passengers...are we gonna make it??
Thankfully, we arrived safely at the Metro with only a couple close calls. The guy was happy, but we, on the other hand, were a little frazzled!
Then it was off to meet Sid's dear friend Xiao Wei for dinner at a traditional Chinese restaurant in the heart of Beijing.
Xiao Wei and Sid
Sid and Kimberly
Dinner...veeeeerrrrrryyyy spicy!
Gotta love my Buddha Bellies!
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