Joseph Hsieh, NU in China, Summer 2014
Two weeks have passed like a whirlwind. We visited many places, ate a variety of foods, and learned much about Beijing’s history and culture. While the days may have slipped away like the wind, the memories and experiences are here to stay like the Beijing smog.
We visited Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City on our first Saturday here. Aside from the grand buildings and historical artifacts, we also witnessed a colorful sea of umbrellas and “umbrella hats” as crowds of people fill up the square. It was a beautiful day with the air pollution level much lower than usual; the sky was actually blue! Seizing on this rare opportunity, we climbed up Jingshan Park (景山) north of the Forbidden City. From that vantage point we could survey the entire awe-inspiring panorama of the Forbidden City complex and much of Beijing.
The Forbidden City
The next day we had the famous Peking duck at Quanjude (全聚德), a restaurant serving the delicacy since 1864. The chefs sliced the duck meat right beside our tables, showcasing their years of expertise. The skin was crispy and the meat juicy. Wrapped in a thin slice of steamed pancake (春餅) with some scallion, the Peking duck did not disappoint. After the scrumptious meal, we watched a variety show at LaoShe Tea House (老舍茶館), featuring “face-changing” and “Chinese yo-yo” among many other jaw-dropping performances.
Delicious Peking Duck
Two weeks have passed like a whirlwind. I have experienced so much in this short two weeks already. Similar to the Beijing smog, my memories are blurry and fuzzy, even overwhelming at times. But like the pervasive blanket of smog covering Beijing, I hope to continue to be immersed in the culture and vibe of the city.