Alexis & Joe head to Beijing in 2005
In 2005, when Beijing was gearing up for the 2008 Olympics, Joe and Alexis decided to embark on a journey to the heart of China. Their adventure in this ancient yet ever-evolving city was filled with tales of history, culture, and an ever-present sense of discovery. Let's travel back in time and live through their captivating escapade.
The Magnificence of the Forbidden City
Joe and Alexis began their Beijing journey with a visit to the iconic Forbidden City. As they passed through the Meridian Gate, they were transported into a world where emperors once ruled and history was written. Walking through the vast courtyards and intricate hallways, they marveled at the rich tapestry of China's past.
A stone's throw away, they ascended Jingshan Park's hill to get a panoramic view of the entire Forbidden City. From this vantage point, the scale and splendor of the palace complex were even more awe-inspiring.
The Great Wall and Peking Duck
A trip to Beijing would be incomplete without witnessing the grandeur of the Great Wall. Joe and Alexis made their way to the Mutianyu section, slightly less crowded than the more popular Badaling. The challenging climb was worth every step as the views from the top, with the wall snaking across mountains and valleys, left them speechless.
Returning to Beijing in the evening, they indulged in a sumptuous Peking duck dinner at Quanjude, a restaurant with a lineage dating back to the Qing dynasty. The crispy skin, tender meat, and traditional accompaniments were a gastronomic delight, rounding off a perfect day.
Modernity Meets Tradition
Beijing in 2005 was a city in transition. The upcoming Olympics meant modern infrastructure was rapidly emerging. Joe and Alexis decided to explore the city's modern side, starting with a visit to the iconic "Bird's Nest" - the National Stadium, still under construction but already a symbol of modern China.
In the afternoon, they delved into Beijing's traditional side by exploring the winding alleyways, or 'hutongs.' Riding on rickshaws, they got a glimpse into the daily lives of locals, witnessing courtyard homes, children playing, and vendors selling their wares.
The Temple of Heaven and Night Markets
On their final day, Joe and Alexis visited the Temple of Heaven. Walking amidst locals practicing tai chi, they made their way to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, an architectural marvel symbolizing the relationship between heaven and earth.
As evening descended, they ventured into the bustling Wangfujing Night Market. Exotic delicacies, from scorpions to starfish, beckoned the daring. While Joe braved a skewer of silkworms, Alexis opted for the more familiar dumplings.
Final Thoughts
2005 was a unique time to visit Beijing, caught between its rich past and an ambitious future. Joe and Alexis' adventure captured the essence of this duality - where ancient temples stood proud amidst rising skyscrapers. Their trip was not just a journey across a city but through time, witnessing the soul of China as it prepared to welcome the world.
The Magnificence of the Forbidden City
Joe and Alexis began their Beijing journey with a visit to the iconic Forbidden City. As they passed through the Meridian Gate, they were transported into a world where emperors once ruled and history was written. Walking through the vast courtyards and intricate hallways, they marveled at the rich tapestry of China's past.
A stone's throw away, they ascended Jingshan Park's hill to get a panoramic view of the entire Forbidden City. From this vantage point, the scale and splendor of the palace complex were even more awe-inspiring.
The Great Wall and Peking Duck
A trip to Beijing would be incomplete without witnessing the grandeur of the Great Wall. Joe and Alexis made their way to the Mutianyu section, slightly less crowded than the more popular Badaling. The challenging climb was worth every step as the views from the top, with the wall snaking across mountains and valleys, left them speechless.
Returning to Beijing in the evening, they indulged in a sumptuous Peking duck dinner at Quanjude, a restaurant with a lineage dating back to the Qing dynasty. The crispy skin, tender meat, and traditional accompaniments were a gastronomic delight, rounding off a perfect day.
Modernity Meets Tradition
Beijing in 2005 was a city in transition. The upcoming Olympics meant modern infrastructure was rapidly emerging. Joe and Alexis decided to explore the city's modern side, starting with a visit to the iconic "Bird's Nest" - the National Stadium, still under construction but already a symbol of modern China.
In the afternoon, they delved into Beijing's traditional side by exploring the winding alleyways, or 'hutongs.' Riding on rickshaws, they got a glimpse into the daily lives of locals, witnessing courtyard homes, children playing, and vendors selling their wares.
The Temple of Heaven and Night Markets
On their final day, Joe and Alexis visited the Temple of Heaven. Walking amidst locals practicing tai chi, they made their way to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, an architectural marvel symbolizing the relationship between heaven and earth.
As evening descended, they ventured into the bustling Wangfujing Night Market. Exotic delicacies, from scorpions to starfish, beckoned the daring. While Joe braved a skewer of silkworms, Alexis opted for the more familiar dumplings.
Final Thoughts
2005 was a unique time to visit Beijing, caught between its rich past and an ambitious future. Joe and Alexis' adventure captured the essence of this duality - where ancient temples stood proud amidst rising skyscrapers. Their trip was not just a journey across a city but through time, witnessing the soul of China as it prepared to welcome the world.
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