Cycling in the Hutongs

With URBAN ADVENTURES (one of the Anton's travel company) and the Guide Jerry, we went by bicycle discovering the Hutongs quarters. It was a wonderfull day, even if it was pretty cold. But it was a brilliant day!

We discovered the signification of the lions in front of a door and their curly hair... More they are curly, more the family has power...

 

The signification of the number of steps, 3, 5 or 7... a question of level in the society.

                       Decoration in the streets... very nice!!!

Détail de cette magnifique entrée...

After, we discovered the oldest bridge in Beijing: the Yinding Bridge on the Hou Hai Lake in the North of the Forbidden City. A great place to have a fun time all around the lake: bars, restaurants, places where to relaxe... very pretty. And during the winter you can skate on the lake ice...

Around this place we also visited a temple named GuanGhua Si, the Temple of the Great Change... a very nice place too!

And finaly, after a homestay lunch, Jerry and Wendy, a chinese girl, teach us how to play MAJONG...

I cannot explain exactly, because it was pretty complicated for a first time to copy all the rules... BUT Anton won the two games we did!!! ^^

A full day and very interesting day! 

Thanks to Jerry who well explained to us the Hutongs and who shared with us his passion for his so pretty city and the interest and necessity to preserve the old quarters.

:))