May 21, 2023
Mandarin Immersion (Part 7)
By Simon J. Lau
I spent time exploring the morning street market. Unlike the night market, the food here is seen as a necessity and is heavily regulated by the government. Some vendors were uneasy when I photographed them. However, these photos were from the more accommodating ones.
I concluded my two-day Chengde tour with a Muslim breakfast, enjoying lamb soup with meat and intestines. My guide, Helen, was excellent! She thoughtfully curated an itinerary that included many hidden gems not found on TripAdvisor.
I’ve discovered that these private tours suit me well. Not only do I get to explore the city, but more importantly, I get several hours of intensive language practice. By the end, I found myself a bit mentally exhausted, but in a good way. I’m being challenged, and I can feel my Mandarin improving.
Finally, I enjoyed my last night in Chengde at the beer garden. I’ve come to really enjoy this place. Surprisingly, I had never heard of it before planning this trip. Now, Chengde is one of my favorite places in China. I’d love to bring Jean here with me next time! 👫🏻
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