Day 6 - Markets & Hutongs

Our last full day, we were all exhausted, so we had a late start before heading out. We wanted to check out the market street that is antiques and other goods. We didn't end up buying much except for a handmade Chinese musical instrument, but it was an enjoyable visit and Juliana kept sitting on all of the shopkeeper's stools!

The instrument is called a Xun, one of the earliest instruments in China with a history of over 7,000 years. The one below is similar to the one we bought, but a different design, however they were made with different materials over time. The sound it produces is elegant and graceful, harmonious with nature. Jia pingwa, a well-known Chinese author, described the music played by Xun as the "Sound of the Earth."

After this, we wanted to walk through the Hutongs, which are traditional narrow alleys and lanes lining both sides of the streets with courtyard houses. The "hutong" and "siheyuan", with their unique atmosphere and scenery are a major part of the city's tradition, architecture and culture. Of the traditional narrow lanes, which housed communities of close-knit families for many generations, many have disappeared, being flattened and rebuilt with markets, department stores, widened boulevards and commercial streets. Another walk through the park on our way back to the hotel at the end of the dead, ready for food!

This was the one and only day we ended up eating at the hotel since it was getting late and our little girl was so tired. I must admit though, it was pretty good food!