Beijing - Day 3

Today's adventures started with a visit the Hutong District of Beijing, "Old Beijing", traveling the narrow roads and alleys in a pedicab with our guide riding alongside on her bicycle. We visited a home in the area where the lady of the house told a bit of her story. Her niece, an artist, was also there and we were able see her specialty, painting exquisite pictures on the inside of bottles. Unfortunately, it seemed she was not allowed to sell to visitors as she didn't offer when we asked where we could buy her work. :o(

We visited the drum tower in the same area and were there for the playing of the drums. Pretty cool.

After that we were driven to the Olypic Park where we were able to walk the grounds and tour inside the Birdnest Stadium. WOW!!! What an amazing facility!!
In the afternoon we strolled around the area of our hotel, which turned out to be more of the Hutong District. Many parts of it reminded us of a compressed (size and space of buildings, not the overall area) Corydon Village area - lots of shops, restaurants and bars - and made for an interesting walk.

In the evening, through arrangements made with another tour company, we went out for a Peking Duck dinner and an acrobat show.

Overall, a great day.

For tomorrow we've arranged to visit and hike the Mutianyu area of The Great Wall on our way to the airport and flight to Xi'an.