New World Department store Beijing

Photo 1: the b version of New World dept. store, which is just 0.3km away from the genuine one (as in Photo 2).

G/F and 2/F of New World Hotel Beijing

天壇公園 Tien Tan garden Beijing

One of the nice things of visiting this place is to see some giant old trees of 500-600 years.  Some of them look as if they were alive.

天壇 Temple of the sky, Beijing

Passed by this place on the 2nd ring quite many times.  Finally I could get in here for a closer look.  It was first a place for paying respect to God in Ming dynasty but then became a temple for the sky in Ching dynasty.

王府井 (Wang Fu Cheng), Beijing

17 years ago this place was very muddy with coal fume around.  Not much to see, as it was sheltered in a grey moody sky.  It has been so much different but I somehow see that grey moody sky.

A super value dinner buffet, at Tian Tan (天壇), New World Beijing

Interesting that the hotel didn't show any promo. leaflet about their buy-1-get-1-free dinner buffet deal.  As I got curious about it and didn't feel like walking outside for dinner, I then asked and tried it.  It's a very good deal for CNY338 net for 2, including very fresh lobster (unlimited refill - and even when I got the table at 8pm with only 10-12 guests already stopping).  The other cold dishes were quite nice too, except the hot food getting a bit dried out but not a problem to me.  The dessert is a plus.  

老北京炸醬麵 (Old Beijing noodle shop)

15 years ago, I was brought to the mother shop of this noodle place.  Since then I haven't been to that original one for years.  So the blooming economy of Mainland China has led to many chain store of some established shops.  Noticed it has expanded very rapidly.  Anything going on chain or franchise has to cope with the food quality and service.  This one can't avoid this problem.  So I'd just hold  the fond memory of my 15 years ago....

Deluxe suite, New World Hotel Beijing

One of the benefits of booking through CX holidays or agent's CX package is that you can get some complimentary upgrade of the hotel room.  This room is very spacious.  I like the couch in front of the bed that you can watch TV at a closer distance when it's too spacious.  Everything is very modern but a bit too modern that the light control has to be on a master switch that all the lights would be either on or off, or you let the night light on.  Once again, too much of smart-control isn't really human, making us too robotic.