Week of 1st Jul, on film

7788 done with packing of my luggage for London. Because I've still got a summary report to write (thanks to watching movies on the flight back instead of working!) no detailed reviews yet but here's a picture post:

Shamian park, Guangzhou

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Alternative Beijing: 798 Art District

A picture post for a lazy, relaxing weekend. 

798 Art District or, simply '798', is located in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, a short 20 minute drive from the airport. It houses a thriving artistic community- most famously, 50-year old now-defunct military factory buildings of particular architectural style. Majority of the galleries are free to enter-making it an excellent place to browse for contemporary art and support local talent. 

How to go: Public transport to this area is scarce- taxis are your best bet. It would cost you roughly 160RMB from Beijing city center to 798. The drive is shorter from the airport as the area borers alleys number 2 and 4 on Jiǔxiānqiáo Lù (酒仙桥路), south of the Dàshānziqiáo flyover (大山子桥), which is linked to the airport flyover. For driving directions, refer to the map here. 

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Explore Beijing: Nanluogu Alley, BeiHai, Houhai

They often say, 不去长城非好汉 - if you haven't been to the Great Wall, you're not a good man. Well, having been there twice myself, I'd say Beijing isn't all about the Great Wall, or even the Forbidden Palace. If you're the sort who likes to go to those must see attractions, then you can stop reading here. However, if like me you like a bit of strange and quirky, or peace and quiet in your itinerary, I'd be more than happy to share them with you.

Last winter, work brought me once again to the capital of China. This time, instead of the standard stuffy business hotel, I choose to stay in a no frills bed and breakfast called Hutongren (review at the end of this post) as a base to explore the touristy-but-quirky Nanluogu Alley 南锣鼓巷, Yandai xie jie 烟袋斜街 and Shichahai, North lake 什刹海北海.

How to go: For direct access to the shichahai area, get off at metro Xisi station, or Beihai north station. It also makes for a nice walk from nanluogu alley (get off from nanluoguxiang station and walk over) or from Tian An men (get off at Tian An Men west or east- west is nearer to the shichahai area). Yandai xie street is also connected to the Beihai area. For a comprehensive map of the entire area, refer here or here. 

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Beijing and Shanghai: A different place, a different time

A last minute business trip and suddenly I was whisked off a plane to Beijing for work.

It was last fall, in the third quarter, and it was cold, grey and dreary.

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