Day 2 started with breakfast at the hotel. It was offered to us at SGD10 per pax, so we figured we would try it.
No surprises. But for SGD10 and fresh fruits, no complaints from me. There was a salad bar, pastries and cereal, egg tarts, fries and sausages, so the usual spread.
There was also a live station for a few things, but it was not very impressive. Only the beef noodles was good. If you go, go for the noodles.
Xianyukou, And The Hutong Across The Street
Remember we stayed right in the heart of Xianyukou (鲜鱼口)? We took 10 minutes to walk through it and turned back. Really nothing. Please don’t waste your time there unless you are really passing by. Lol.
What was interesting was crossing the street. Walk in from there and you find a hutong that is not commercialised at all. Just everyday people staying. There is a canal with willows, and people sitting out by the water.
We wanted to check off visiting a hutong this trip, and this one was conveniently located.
Then there is the public toilet. Check this out. A world without strangers…
It was fun exploring.
Temple Of Heaven
Since the weather was good, we took a trip to the Temple of Heaven (天坛).
The number of people was crazy. Unfortunately, that takes away the awesomeness of the place.
Some practical tips. Tickets were bought on the day itself. No pre-booking required.
There are 4 gates. The South gate requires you to walk the longest way in. I also think the traffic jam is the worst there. So don’t try to go in or out via the South gate.
This is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿).
Dinner At Da Dong, SKP
For dinner, I booked Da Dong (大董) at the SKP mall. Very posh setting.
The mall itself is really nothing much. All luxury goods.
The duck is carved at the table.
The skin tasted better than Ju Qi’s (the one from Day 1). But of course, the overall cost is also higher.
The plum pork ribs and the tomato with mushrooms were all very yummy.
The duck soup came complimentary. We also ordered a layered pancake with duck liver pâté. A bit too much for 2.
Worth the splurge. All in, we paid about SGD120.
Wangfujing At Night
The SKP malls felt like a ghost town to me. Not worth the time to go. So we took a cab to Wangfujing (王府井) walking street.
It is a lot more happening here, and buzzing with activity. Groups of aunties were square dancing out in the open.
In the middle of the square there is a beer garden. The prices move like the stock exchange! We just chilled in the nice weather.
Supper: Lamb Skewers
We ended the night with supper at APM mall. Long Long Time Ago (很久以前) lamb skewers. I have been to this chain a few times, and it is always good. They also open until late.
It satisfied my craving for skewers 🙂
So that was Day 2. Day 3 is Great Wall day!!!
Restaurant: Da Dong (大董), SKP mall, Beijing
Damage: About SGD120 for dinner for two
