Hutongs part three, Yan Dai Xi Jie, Tobacco Pipe Lane

After farewelling the teachers and student I walked on a little further, reached the required road and crossed it. I was now close to Qianhai Lake, the southern-most of three connected lakes which used to be part of the Grand Canal and now part of a lively and fairly attractive oasis  amidst Beijing’s concrete and steel.  It took a little while to get my bearings, but a few “you are Here” type maps soon had me continuing to head in the right direction.

This was across the road and part of what seemed to be a large temple complex.  It was too late for it to be open and I had insufficient time.  Until recently it was part of residential housing and has been renovated.  Some of the locals were using it as to enjoy a relaxing time together.

This critter was carved into the stonework leading from Qianhai Lake to a bridge.

Sunset over Qianhai Lake

Some of the rental bikes available on the lakeside.

The Vietnamese restaurant where I was to meet someone later for dinner.  As predicted by reviews it provided small serves of good food at expensive prices.  The food was delicious.   Unlike the reviews it was practically empty so a Sunday night in winter was not a money spinner for them.

My other destination, Yan Dai Xi Jie, Tobacco Pipe Lane.  I had seen it on a documentary and being accessible thought I should visit.

More of the lane and the back of the Vietnamese restaurant.  It has a rooftop eating area which is supposed to be good but the weather was too cold for such dining.

This area dates back to the Ming Dynasty, from the 1300s, and appears to have more high end shops than Nan Luo Gu Xiang.

Ducks hanging in a window ready to be roasted for Peking Duck.

A shop selling pipes from which the street gets its name and also from the shape of the street which is said to resemble a pipe.

When I saw the bird I realised I’d been before back in July 2009.  He was in a shop window with his own heater.  I stayed in the area and spent a couple of days roaming around and visitng a few house museums once belonging to notable people.  I left one of them before I saw it all because it was so hot and crowded with thousands of people I couldn’t stand it any more.  I couldn’t get in to see particular areas and it was impossible to take photos, with at best. parts of people intruding into them. The second house was much less popular and quite easy to get around.  The sky was always a very thick grey and most unattractive.   

One of the side alleys.  People hang their bedding or washing in the streets when the weather is fine.  Not sure about the blue building as it is quite out of place.

Another side alley.

Men renovating a property in one of the side streets. So many Chinese  have the capacity to work in such appalling light situations that its amazing.