Hongqiao

Went to Hongqiao with my S'porean friend today. She is a veteran expat in Beijing, having based here for more than 12 years.
I was here about 3 years ago and so my memory of this place is abit vague. But after being here for about 2 hours, I came to this conclusion:

3 reasons why I will come to this place again:

A. There is a famous roasted chestnut shop near to this place and the nuts are heavenly.

B. There is this Aladdin's cave of jewellry in the 5th and 6th level of the market.

C. I can do my wet marketing at the same time.


3 reasons why I will not come to this place again:

A. The place stinks of fish because it has a wet market at the basement.

B. The variety for clothes and shoes are more limited than Xiushuijie and Yaxiu.

C. It is further than most shopping markets on my list.


It is near the Tiantang (The temple of Heaven) which is world heritage site. It is under construction presently to be ready for the 2008 Olympics. As the car approached it, I just suddenly felt a pang in my chest. I realised that I missed that place cos it is really quite heavenly. It is by far the most unique in architecture and beauty in Beijing. I hope they complete it quickly so that I may visit it again in slowmo this time. What you see in these pictures are taken 3 years ago. The intricacy of the design in the temple is breath-taking. Not a single nail in the whole big dome. The colours are aptly gaudy.