Solo Beijing Trip 2016

Air quality was much better this time compared to last time. Out of the 12 days I was in Beijing, I got to see blue sky a couple of days. Several days had minor pollution, 2 days had moderate pollution.

1. Any trip to Beijing had to start with Chao Gan and Bao Zi.

2. The neighborhood Chao Gan place. A big bowl of Chao Gan cost 9 RMB (8 last time), and Bao Zi cost 1 RMB each (same price as last time, but I could tell the quality wasn't as good).

3. Delivery boys outside a popular restaurant. You can see them zooming on their mopeds everywhere in Beijing this time.

4. A good day in Beijing.

5. Beijing University of Technology.

6. Beijing University of Technology.

7. Many trees were blooming.

8. Beijing University of Technology. The big cafeteria next to Dorm #1 and Dorm #2 had been torn down. A tall building was being constructed.

9. Beijing University of Technology.

10. Having lunch with my high school classmates. They laughed at me for ordering dish like pork kidney :)

11. Attending Mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Wangfujing Street.

12. A minor pollution day in Beijing.

13. A restaurant decorated with stuff from the Cultural Revolution-era.

14. Drinking cup for the customer. I am serious.

15. A restaurant decorated with stuff from the Cultural Revolution-era.

16. My new favorite breakfast option: Tofu Nao.

17. They have many other things to try.

18. This was the restaurant.

19. One of my high school classmates is involved in 'green' farming in Anhui Province. He gave me some eggs to try. A box of 10 miniature eggs is selling for 40 RMB on their website. And to buy other stuff (pork, beef, lamb etc.) on their website, you have to become a member first, which cost 15,000 RMB!

20. Roast duck at a small restaurant near friend's home.

21. Haven't seen this in a while. Do you know what it is?
It is making popcorn the old way.

22. Birthday cake for my Dad.

23. At a Sichuan restaurant.

24. If you love Chao Gan, you know this place.

25. Their Chao Gan (9 RMB for a small bowl).

26. And Bao Zi (4 RMB for 3).

27. Girls wearing Qing Dynasty clothing walking near Qian Men Pedestrian Street (a tourists hot spot) to provide photo ops.

28. Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant at Qian Men.

29. Personally I don't think their ducks are any better than the other roast duck restaurants in Beijing. But their price wasn't too bad considering the location. We spent 500 RMB (just under $80) for lunch for 4 people, including mandatory service charge which I had no idea what was the % since they never bothered to show you a check, only told you how much total you should pay them.

30. Starbucks at Qian Men Pedestrian Street.

31. The same girls we saw earlier on Dang Dang bus at Qian Men Pedestrian Street.

32. Eating at a dumpling restaurant with my friend. Do you know what this is?
It is color coded order number.

33. Freshly made dumplings, yum!

34. Last day in Beijing

P.S. $1 was about 6.45 RMB in Apr, 2016.