Beijing Trip (Final Chapter): Gastronomical Hunt

Beijing is rather famous for its choices of exotic food. During my trip, I can't help but to encounter shops that sell dog and donkey meat (there is even a stall selling solely donkey meat), in which are too exotic for me. Insects are rather common in other parts of south east Asia though, so I wasn't taken by surprise when they have scorpions and such on the street.

Scorpions at Wangfujing Snack Street (and you can see starfish next to it)

I believe when people talk about Beijing food, the first thing that comes to mind must be the Peking Duck. I didn't get to try due to its serving size and the cheapest I could find was RMB98, which could be a bit much. I didn't leave Beijing with regret for not trying the famous dish but I did have a quite less than exotic yet interesting food hunt.

Zhajiangmian @ Wangfujing Snack Street

Literally means fried sauce noodle, basically a mix of soybean paste and noodle. The serving is pretty dry and the one I had was pretty salty. Not a fan of this one. Perhaps I picked up the wrong place to try.

Suan Nai  (Sour milk).

Afraid not, just because it tastes sour doesn't mean they are spoilt. (I don't think Chinese are that extreme).  In fact, this one is mixed with honey flavour so it is rather sweet. You can see them selling these everywhere. My favourite drink to quench my thirst. Most shops/stalls didn't allow you to take away the bottles though. So you must finish drinking it on the spot before you can leave. (or need to pay extra for take away, I can't remember but usually you will see a lot of leftover bottles at the place selling them).

Cao Gan (Bao Zi on the left) @  Yao Ji Cao Gan 

Located nearby Bell & Drum Tower, I love this one at my first taste of it. I'm not really a fan of liver due to the distinctive taste but in this dish it is compensated by the thick meaty gravy. Kind of reminding me the gravy of Loh Mee in Malaysia.

Bao Zi @ Bao Zi Pu

This one full basket of bun is suffice to recover all that energy lost after strolling along Nanluoguxiang.

Zhaguan Chang and Dalian Huoshao @ Zuo Lin You She

Walkable distance from National Art Museum, this top choice eatery  is located at the North-East of Forbidden City. It is very famous for the finger-shaped dumplings. I noticed the locals ordered half to one dozen per person. Judging by the size, I dare not to try that much since I wasn't sure if I'm going to like it. You are encouraged to order by the serving of 3 or 6 and so forth. I ordered one with pork-filling and it was very satisfying. I also had crispy deep friend garlic crackers to top my lunch. Noticed the bowl of yellow liquid in the photo? That is not for dipping. It's plain corn drink, which is rather bland, good enough to neutralize the taste of the meals.

Bing Tang Hu Lu @ Donghuamen

I heard of this sweet often from Chinese Series. It is sweet, very and sticky. Not the kind of sweet you can munch from one to another.

This post concluded my entries for 9-day trip in Beijing. I underestimated its size (may be due to I relied mostly on public transport) and it remains one of the most bitter-sweet adventure I ever had this date, exposure to its culture and people.

   

Beijing Trip Journey:

1. Beginning of Maternal Ancestral Journey

2. Trespassing The Forbidden City

3. A Summer Escapade

4. A Great Scam at the Wall
5. Mao's Legacy
6. Temples Hopping
7. Walks in the Parks
8.  Gastronomical Hunt

Next adventure: Annyeonghaseyo!

Beijing Trip: Walks in the Parks

We have been to palaces, temples and walls. If you have been doing researches on traveling in Beijing, I believe you will come across a lot of parks to visit. A lot. Even without these parks, major tourist sites in Beijing are surrounded by parks. These parks, nonetheless, are still distinctive in their own ways. Some parks are accessible with fee.

Jingshan Park

Direct translated to "Golden Hill Park", this man-made-hill park is located right behind Forbidden City which is immediately accessible after exiting the palace museum at the north gate. From top of the hill, you can have an overview of Forbidden City. 

Pavilion at one of the peaks at the park

Can't help but to be amazed by the symmetrical structure of the city.

This park is also known as the place where the last emperor of Ming Dynasty, Chongzhen committed suicide by hanging himself at one of the trees.

Entrance fee to the park is RMB2. It was only my first day in Beijing when I visited the park (right after touring the Forbidden City) and I came across the rudeness (which didn't came as a surprise as my friends have warned me) of the local worker when she was yelling at the tourists in front of me while I was entering the park.

 Olympic Park

I bet no one could forget the grand Olympics opening and closing ceremonies that was held in Beijing back in 2008. This park can be reached using Line 8 to stop at Olympic Green station, The two iconic buildings, Bird's Nest and Water Cube are located within vicinity from each other.

Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest)

Bird's Nest by night

Olympic Torch

Ling Long Pagoda

Beijing National Aquatics Centre (Water Cube)

It's free to view these sites from the outside. Fee is imposed to enter these buildings.

Beihai Park

"Northen Sea Park" was once one of the imperial gardens (I have to say, there are plenty of imperial palaces back in the ancient days). It is believed to imitate the scenic spots outside of Beijing. The major landmark at this park is the White Pagoda which is located on top of Jade Flower Island. Entrance fee is RMB20. The park is located on the left side of Jingshan Park. Nearest subway station is Beihai North Station on line 6.

You can see the peak of Jingshan Park from here.

Houhai Park

Not to say a real park per se but the lake is surrounded by hutongs. Apparently it is famous for nightlife with all the bars and cafes. This lake is located further north of Beihai Park, after Qianhai Lake. No entrance fee required. Didn't enjoy any beer here but had a quiet time at Starbucks after a long walk for the day.

Sacred Way and Ming Tombs

I am going to be honest about this site. It is one of the places I don't find it's worth going if you cannot appreciate the history.(Or may be because I have been to too many parks prior to this trip). Not to mention it is quite a distance from the city. No subway that can lead you here. Taxi aside, you can use bus to get here with a fare of 6RMB in which you can hop on from Deshengmen Station on line 2. It was quite a scenic place, nevertheless.

This path is known as Sacred Way, the path where Emperor came to Earth from heaven, the same way they used when they returned. That explains the 13 tombs that are scattered at further north of this Divine Road.

There are a number of tombs you could visit in which all are mausoleums of Emperors from Ming Dynasty. I visited Chang Ling with a fee of RMB50. Ding Ling comes with underground chamber, in which I missed that.

Beijing Trip Journey:

1. Beginning of Maternal Ancestral Journey

2. Trespassing The Forbidden City

3. A Summer Escapade

4. A Great Scam at the Wall
5. Mao's Legacy
6. Temples Hopping
7. Walks in the Parks
8.  Gastronomical Hunt