Drum Tower

We moved from the working district around Xisu Station to the area around the Drum Tower and Bell Tower - a mix of trendy shops, hip bars and interesting restaurants. And just about everything you can imagine on top of that. Well maybe not refrigeration coils.

And the scenic lakes, complete with carved stone railings encircling the entire lake.

After a wonderful lunch we had intentions of a long, leisurely walk around the lake, but the heat of the afternoon combined with the still air cut that short. A siesta was much preferred.

 

Instead, while Bess and the kids rested, I went exploring the trendy shopping area. An incredible variety of things to see, eat, drink and buy. And an endless stream of people walking through.

Then on the way back I meandered through the hutong leading away from the shops. Once again having Google Maps handy to lead the way through the maze was very handy.

A back alley vegetable market lined the narrow alleys as I made my way back to the Drum Tower.

After dinner Bess and the kids retraced some of my steps, heading back to the trendy shops. And success! Bess found a Hello Kitty phone cover she'd been wanting. For only $4 at that! Sometimes it's the little things.