Beijing - Dec 2007 - 雍和宫 (Tibetian Buddhist Lama Temple)

Another place I missed in my previous trips to Beijing is the Tibetian Lama temple, so decided to make time as it could be my last business trip to Beijing, of course hopefully not. Took a cab from the WTC, and arrived at the main entrance almost 45 minutes later with moderate Beijing traffic.

Until today, it is still the biggest lamasery in Beijing, standing since it was built in 1694 as the residence of Prince Yong (雍正) of Qing dynasty. Emperor Qianlong (乾隆) later converted this palace into a Lama temple in 1744.


About 100 metres from the main entrance looking at the 昭泰门


雍和门, Yonghe gate hall (made some adjustments to give a more temple look)


This is the original colour.


Some folks praying


Even children knows how to pray


The Lion-like creature guard by the Yonghe gates


The Esoteric Hall (密宗殿) on your right and YongHe Hall on the left.


Wishing / donation mini tower.


The hall on the right is called the 时轮殿.


Coming out of the Lama temple and saw this small public transport, never have the courage to try it out and also no idea what is it called. Took the metro back to WTC instead to avoid the peak hour traffic.

Beijing - December 2007 - 金鼎轩 (Dim Sum)

Decent dim sum, good value, spoiled with choices, long queues, chinese paintings auction while you dine and opens 24 x 7, where else but 金鼎轩? This is one dim sum chain of restaurant that never seemed to stop surprising me. They serve anything from japanese grill squid to south african abalone, and of course decent dim sum. It's a place you go when you feel hungry and can't decide where to go, what to eat and after midnight.


This is the restaunrant near to the Lama temple. Have been to at least 4 of them in Beijing in my previous trips, and I think is comparably bigger than the others.


Honey flavoured char siew bao.


Shrimp dumplings.


Sesame balls with yam.


Errm.. this is either the yam roll or apple roll.


This is the one that took center stage - the 榴摙酥 (Durian flavoured ...thing)

Beijing - December 2007 - 幺店子 Sichuan Restaurant

It was a night after a long day at work, we discussed about food and audio CD, so my colleague suggested we visit this famous Sichuan Restaurant called 幺店子 nearby Holiday Inn hotel, where we can satisfy our music needs and taste buds. So we got onto a nice Sonata cab and arrived in front of it in about 25 minutes time.


Look a little traditional eh?


Inside, they have done some decoration for Christmas too. Because many expats lives nearby, so you can see many of them in here too.


Started off with a chrysanthenum tea.


Some beancurd dish, and we decided not to order 水煮鱼 this time, as I am having some throat problems.. so no spicy food that night.


Ordered some veggie dishes but I don't remember I took any pictures of them, so the other interesting picture I took was this, the 松鼠桂鱼. I must say this is a highly recommended dish, Crispy fish with sweet and sour sauce, and it is also 'boneless'. This dish costs about RMB90.

Beijing - Dec 2007 - 日本料理

There are not that many Japanese restaurant that made an impression on me. One of the few, is this Gyoen Teppanyaki restaurant in Nikko hotel, Beijing. So my December 2007 trip is no exception.


Preparing my dinner.


Simple salad.


Sashimi


Cod fish with scallop


Scallop


Beef's the main dish


Mushrooms and onions..


Fried rice just after the main dish.


A simple dessert of slices of fruits.

This is another japanese restaurant that is easily accessible from where I stay during this trip.


Typical Japanese restaurant.


Honey Lemon, a default through November and December..


Octopus slices.. this is really nice!


Salmon roll


Japanese beancurd..

Beijing - Dec 2007 - Steak Factory

Steak Factory, at World Trade Center, Beijing... let's see what kind of food we have there.


Menu


Some Christmas decor for December.


Mocha..


Escagots..


Nothing below medium-well for me...


Medium-Well too.. on my second visit, 7 stands for 70% done.


Cheesecake with some local fruits.

Beijing - Dec 2007 - HRC Beijing

HRC is located between my workplace and hotel while I was in Beijing, so a colleague decided to bring me there as he promised. Of course went home with some bags of HRC tees.


Inside HRC


Ordered a mocha..


Forgot what steak was this, but will definitely go back for more if I have the chance.


Some fish burger my colleague ordered...


Yes, Kidz eat free on weekends..

Beijing - Dec 2007 - 什刹海

After visiting 恭王俯, it was almost 5pm, so decide to hang around 后海 area till dinner time to have dinner there before calling it a day.


Throughout the whole three to four weeks, there were no snow, but lakes were frozen.


Somebody playing Tai Chi here


Streets around 后海


Took a short walk around the alley and bought some souvenirs.


Taken around 530pm..


And this is about 615pm


This was taken on the second or third day, while walking past 中南海 on a misty night.


Streets were dimly lit, quiet and wet.