This morning we joined a couple of collegues of Paul and walked around the Hou Hai Lake. A beautiful, relaxing area. I still have to receive our shipment with my guide book to tell you exactly what this used to be, but I beleive it was an area used by the Emperor's leisures. I imagine him boating with his courtisanes. The Forbiden City, the Emperor's Palace, is not far from there.
Around the lake you find a series of bars and restaurants, and a good selection of tourist shops. It is surrounded by
hutongs, the old traditional courtyard houses. Consequently alot of people just go about their regular activities beside the tourist businesses. You find people playing Majong, playing cards and gambling, exercising, strolling with their babies, walking their dogs, playing ping pong (Paul showed off his skills), and even swimming.
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De Hou Hai lake 12-oct.-2008
It is the second time I go there. My friend Kerstin had taken us there during our first trip last June. But each time I find myself wanting to back. It feels to me closer to my idea of China and to the poeple than the CBD and its tall bright buildings... |
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