Beijing - Day 5

Day 5 was spent exploring Qianmen. 

At the place, there was a talk regarding fengshui of the buildings at Beijing.

Qianmen Street (this is where the first railway station is) 

Some of the sights taken along Qianmen Street

You will see a mixture of old and new buildings here. 

This is where we found the famous Peking duck. See Quan Ju de

After which, we had our last meal for the tour. 

We were then brought to Yaxiu, which was the last stop of the tour. 

This is where our free and easy begins...

Quan Ju De (全聚德)

Quan Ju De (全聚德)
30 Qianmen Street
+86 10 6718 5935

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This is must try place for Beijing Peking Duck.
The restaurant was established in 1864 during the Qing Dynasty!

I have heard many reviews about this restaurant and that every duck is labelled.
Hence, you can imagine my excitement when we came across the restaurant during our 1 hour loitering time at Qianmen.

Will I come back?
Definitely! 
Although it is not as crispy as the peking duck in Singapore, the peking duck in Beijing is more fatty. Cant forget the fatty bits of the duck.
For my next visit, I want to try having fried noodles with the remainder duck meat.
Also, it will be nice to ship some ducks back to Singapore for consumption...

This is the takeaway section where you purchase the Peking duck home. 

There is a separate entrance for dine in customers. 

The Peking Duck cost RMB 288 and each duck has a unique number. This is provided in the form of postcard. Understand that there will be a lucky draw held in 2014. I wonder what is the prize if our number gets drawn...

Chef at work

The peking duck in China is slightly different from Singapore. It is less crispy but more fatty. Look at the fats beneath the skin. Its so heavenly. 

Also, the chef slices duck skin & meat for us to wrap.  

Also, the chef proceeds to cut the meat out for consumption as well. 

There are two types of skins provided

Pancake

Cornmeal

Condiments to wrap with

Beijing - Day 4

The first stop today was Temple of Heaven.  This is where the Emperors visit for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. 

At the park next to the Temple of Heaven, there were many old folks gathering with their friends playing games like chess, card games etc. 

After which, we went to the Tea shop 北京金茎贡茶院, where there was a talk on the different type of teas and their advantages. 

After which, we went for a Trishaw Ride at Old Beijing Hutong

We took Trishaw No 28 and he is very good, in the sense that he told us a lot of history regarding Old Beijing. 

Lunch at a Princess house

At the end of the Trishaw Ride, we then went to Olympic Bird Nest and Water Cube 

After which, we went to a Jewellery shop 龙脉名石.

The tour guide refunded us the money so that we have more time for shopping at Silk Street (秀水街).

However, there was a huge jam there and we ended up having enough time to do either shopping or eating. 

Hence, we chose EATING.