From Mao to lots of shopping

We rented a tandem again from the same small shop - but for 50 yuan. After all, we are becoming good loyal customers :) We set the direction towards Tiananmen Square, where Mao rests. Cycling in Beijing is relatively easy. There are good wide cycle paths. But remember to take into account the right-turning cars, they will not stop for a cyclist going straight out. Many do not believe that it is the "real" Mao who lies and rests in this mausoleum. He also looks very waxy. But that doesn't stop the Chinese from making pilgrimages to this place. It's also free to enter to see the old grand leader. Heavenly Peace Square is fenced in, so you have to go through a security check to even be allowed to set foot on the square. Many people are heading towards the mausoleum and the big queue. Camera and bags can be handed in/stored for a small fee, as they may not be taken inside. The long queue is constantly moving, as you must not stand still and look at the lying Mao. So the wait doesn't feel long. The Chinese are almost euphoric the closer they get to Mao. They eagerly try to slip in front of each other, lift their children up high so that they can see the great Mao, who is behind glass lit by a lamp so that you can see his face. They forget everything about not talking. If you were born with a good shopping gene, you have come to the right city - the city of copies. Here you can find a copy of everything - shoes, bags, clothes, jewellery, electronics etc. We threw ourselves into the wild shopping spree and started by cycling to Panijayuan Market, which is a weekend event with an enormously wide selection of different crafts - masks, statues, tools, jewellery, pearls, silk and pashmina scarves etc. When we jumped on the bike we had 4 silk scarves (80 yuan) and 10 silk gift bags (30 yuan) with us. The next stop was the large shopping center with the misleading name "Silk Street". Here is a copy version of ALT. The price depends only on your charm and your ability to negotiate the price. These are some experienced sellers :) We had our hands full when we left: The latest model of Peak Performance women's jacket and men's jacket as well as a Helly Hansen vest for 450 yuan. iPhone 4 220 yuan. 2 Billabong T-shirts 50 yuan. Burberry dress 100 yuan.