There is a stark contrast between the modern Beijing with its masses of high rise apartment buildings and the narrow lanes and one level homes we visited today in the Old Town.

We stepped back in time and rode a rickshaw through the Hutongs (roads) …

We window shopped in Pipe Street, so named for where the British got the local population hooked on opium … not a sign of it here now though … and it’s funny how I always thought it was the other way around 🤔

And were fascinated by this shop grinding herbs for different ailments

I bought a mixture for sinus in its own cute little sachet and I’m hoping I can bring it home through customs. Its perfume has filled my back pack already.

Here’s some more random shots from today. I particularly love the views of the marble bridge, built over 1000 years ago and still carrying cars today. They sure don’t make ‘em like they used to!

I’m playing catch-up as all this happened yesterday. We’ve now left Beijing and experienced a 5 hour Bullet Train ride to Suzhou, sometimes travelling at around 350kph.

New hotel last night, another new one tonight …. but some amazing experiences in between to share with you.