My accommodation was right on the corner of Dongsi West Street and pedestrian only Wangfujing Street in Dongcheng District. It is a prosperous shopping and business street. We walked on this street throughout our stay in Beijing. During the day it was filled with people – shoppers, retail workers and departmental stores including high-end brands, eateries which included Quanjude Roast Duck and the popular Snack Food Street. On arriving in the city, we headed for a delicious breakfast.

The iconic street was still filled with shoppers, workers, street artist and performers, high fashion, glimmering buildings and pedestrian only street. The glittering  neon lights were blurred in this cold and polluted evening. In the middle, in the courtyard of St Joseph Church, a smartly dressed couple danced with passion. We watched for a while before the aromas of cooked food persuaded us to keep moving. Later we watched a typical Chinese opera dance, with colorful costumes and music. It was a street show.

Peking Duck – there are several popular outlets throughout Beijing. We chose Quanjude Roast Duck at Wanfujing. This iconic dish is not only tasty but theatrical as well. Once cooked, the whole duck is delivered to the table. It is then  delicately carved by a skilled chef. First the crispy skin with accompaniment. Then the meat and followed by a assorted duck dishes including soups and stir fries. This dish is consumed slowly. I don’t eat duck, but my family confirmed that it was a worthwhile dish to taste.

Snack Food Street – a hundred meters of assorted food. From exotic to the outrages. To each his or her own, I guess. There seem to be no place to start or to finish. Just indulge on sight. It was crowded and the bright lights and aromas attracted people like bees to nectar. One problem, although welcomed, is selection – what to eat?

Dongsi area is also a great place for dining and connections on the efficient, but crowded Metro.