Never underestimate the power of central planning Chinese communist style. We’ve marvelled at the sheer modernity of Beijing’s vast flyovers, kick-ass Olympic architecture and crazy TV headquarters. Been charmed by delightful ancient hutongs, the majestic Forbidden City and soaring Temple of Heaven. And enjoyed incomparable authentic Beijing duck. Plus strolled along a rather big wall.
Beijing/Peking is truly Imperial. From the International Airport’s Terminal 3 (built in less than four years and five time bigger than Heathrow’s new Terminal 5), to the eight lane freeways ringing the city, to the vast and slightly menacing Tiananmen Square, to the ever more impressive temple complexes inside the Forbidden City, this is a city that screams Big Power!
We stayed at the absolutely gorgeous boutique hotel Cote Cour S.L. We ate on the streets and at the Beijing Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant. We shopped at the enormous Panjiayuan Market. We didn’t have enough time. We didn’t buy enough stuff. Can’t wait for the Olympics. China is streets ahead of us…