CHINA GIRL

Bei Gao village poultry shoppe.

Getting grounded. Outside of the police station in Bei Gao.

Hong Kong airport connection in the early morning is a beautiful transitional space, infused with west and east.

Lunar landing on the Bei Gao loft floor.

Neighbor in Uggs with wood.

Beijing's Tuan Jei Hu park is a haven for humans young and old, gathering for everything from Tai Chi, dancing and singing to skating, smoking and playing music.

Tuan Jei Hu lake skate.

Order was an accidental, lost in translation scenario but delicious. Noodles with sesame paste, pickled vegetables (I think).

Tuan Jei Hu street market gem: White pomegranate.

Like eating tiny rubies.

Today Art Gallery

Beijing sunrise, low pollution day.

Gorgeously adorned group of Tibetan tourists in Tiananmen Square.

At the imposing entrance of The Forbidden City. It is said that the eyes in this portrait of Mao Tse-tung follow you, regardless of where you stand.

Inside the expansive walls of the Forbidden City, the red paint yields to the elements and the passing of time.

The Forbidden City was once home to thousands of concubines, there to, ahem, serve the Chinese Emperors and ensure an heir.

The ascent to the Great Wall of China.

Selfie on the Great Wall, y'all.

Lanterns dance with a crescent moon silver above the night market in the neighborhood Nanluogu Xiang.

Hot pot initiation at Haidilao- just pick your favorite ingredients, hit the sauce bar and get cookin'.

Special occasion noodle-pulling performance @ Haidilao.

On the catwalk: Sanlitun Village boasts outposts of many luxury brands from Marni to Maison Martin Margiela.

Haidilao matchbook.

Tuan Jei Hu corner store.

Beijing's 798 Art Zone is home to well-curated galleries, cafes and shops. Even the trash is artful.

Hoops of China: Pick-up game at 798.

Pu-erh tea ceremony at a tiny tea shop in 798 provides respite from cold, and propels conversation.

The Italian Galleria Continua features works from both local and international artists from Ai Wei Wei to Serse.

Tuan Jei Hu butcher shop. Many of the men wear these ubiquitous army green trench coats.

These elegantly carved swirly pineapples can be found everywhere.

Eggs at the street market are bountiful and rich. Note the deep orange yolk on display next to the brown 100-year old eggs (preserved in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime and rice hulls for several weeks or months).

Cold chicken.

Peking duck feast at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant. Almost like a taco, but not.

Meat roll-ups. Perfect for hot potting.

Aromatic sandalwood incense smoke fills the air at the Temple of Heaven.

Sweat like a Swede is the tagline for Hey!Robics- one of the fastest growing ways to stay fit in Beijing. Get down to Beyonce and Ludacris while staying in time with a gym full of folks from around the globe.

On high: this buddha, at the Temple of Heaven is 90 feet tall, and is said to have been crafted from a single piece of sandalwood.

Orange you glad: These tiny mandarin oranges are sold in giant bushels for good fortune and long life. They are also delectable.

DTF: With locations around the globe, including Bellevue, New York, Hong Kong and more- this was the first time I didn't have to wait for Din Tai Fung's mouth-watering soup dumplings.

Bikes of all kinds abound.

The mandarin and the palmello plot their escape.

Chang eyes a giant catfish buried deep in a chewy pile of spicy glass noodles (made from sweet potato starch), vegetables and chillies.

Out to dry.

The language of brunch is universal.

All you can heat.

A market egg atop a slice of bamboo charcoal bread.

White tie: Annual gala at Today Art Museum.

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