One of the nice things about being in Dongying is that we are only an hour flight from Beijing. We cashed in some hotel points and booked a tour with TheChinaGuide for 2 days.
As it turned out, we decided to go when all of China was preparing for the 70th anniversary of the end of WW2(V-Day). So a few things weren't available to be seen that normally would have been (namely the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square). But Katie and I were still going to have an awesome time.
Our tour Guide was Helen and she was awesome. Seriously, it is great having someone to show you around that speaks the language. Makes all the difference in the world. First thing on the itinerary was the Lama Temple.
We learned about the culture of China here.
From there we got to see a popular Chinese street market.
Extremely interesting to see all the shops. It was referred to as a centipede market, because on a map the streets sort of looked like a bunch of legs.
From there we took a rickshaw tour around a local Chinese neighborhood. This was seriously a lot of fun.
We made a few stops along the way.
And even got to see some of the small side streets.
Here we see what traditional Chinese housing looks like behind that door. The middle area is multi functional for growing food and to congregate with the family. It was kind of like a tiny courtyard with the rooms surrounding the living area.
We then ate at a restaurant out of someones house. It was some of the best food we've had in China.
After stuffing ourselves, we finished our rickshaw and got in the car, taking us to the Jingshan Park. This was a beautiful area, and at the top of the hill we would get a great look at the Forbidden City.
After that we were taken back to our hotel. That brought our first day to a close but we were pumped. Especially because the next day would be great.
Part two coming soon.
(Spoiler: there will be a video with it)
Our Hotel had some great breakfast too
As it turned out, we decided to go when all of China was preparing for the 70th anniversary of the end of WW2(V-Day). So a few things weren't available to be seen that normally would have been (namely the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square). But Katie and I were still going to have an awesome time.
Our tour Guide was Helen and she was awesome. Seriously, it is great having someone to show you around that speaks the language. Makes all the difference in the world. First thing on the itinerary was the Lama Temple.
We learned about the culture of China here.
From there we got to see a popular Chinese street market.
Extremely interesting to see all the shops. It was referred to as a centipede market, because on a map the streets sort of looked like a bunch of legs.
Or so they claim
Omg T-Rex
Read between the legs
Llama comic book
From there we took a rickshaw tour around a local Chinese neighborhood. This was seriously a lot of fun.
We made a few stops along the way.
And even got to see some of the small side streets.
Helen showing us around
These stones were way of telling you who lived in the house. This circular one was for a military officer.
The square signified a civil leader
And the door is just a door
Here we see what traditional Chinese housing looks like behind that door. The middle area is multi functional for growing food and to congregate with the family. It was kind of like a tiny courtyard with the rooms surrounding the living area.
We then ate at a restaurant out of someones house. It was some of the best food we've had in China.
After stuffing ourselves, we finished our rickshaw and got in the car, taking us to the Jingshan Park. This was a beautiful area, and at the top of the hill we would get a great look at the Forbidden City.
Commemorative bush for the 70th anniversary of V-Day
After that we were taken back to our hotel. That brought our first day to a close but we were pumped. Especially because the next day would be great.
Part two coming soon.
(Spoiler: there will be a video with it)
Well guys the smiles look authentic. So glad yall enjoying this assignment. Any idea about how much longer to enjoy ?
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