A fascination with Beijing that started over thirty years ago

Of course my introduction to Beijing was not just sightseeing for it was also a culinary adventure. I soon realized that the 'Chinese cuisine' I had grown up with and really enjoyed since my student days was considerably different from what I was then sampling every day in Beijing! The range of vegetables really amazed me, many varieties completely new, fresh and delicious. Then there was the Peking Duck experience in a leading restaurant at Qianmen.

Before leaving Beijing on a two night train journey south to Guangzhou there was a quick visit to the Friendship Store. It is still there today on the edge of the Jianguo Embassy District. Travelling to it from Chang'an Avenue my bus crossed Jianguomen Bridge over No 2 Ring Road ('Erhuan'). That expressway, now so busy was at that moment virtually empty of traffic!

Beijing has changed profoundly since 1987 but much still remains for me, not least the warmth and friendship of the local people. My fascination with the city has not diminished, it continues even after almost thirty two years!