Physio Shane in Beijing, China
As a sports physiotherapist working with China’s Olympic Team, these photos give a look into the life of the Winter Olympic athletes and the beauty of winter in Beijing.
Sports Physiotherapist
Back in Australia
One of the busiest, growing and populated cities on earth, yet still one of the most traditional and ancient surviving cities. Among the crowds and smog of the city there is also beauty, history and tradition hiding within the city walls. Hutongs and palaces are reminders of this grand ancient kingdom of the East.
Walking through the hutongs in the north part of Beijing around the Dongcheng district escaping from the crowds and almost walking into the past. Among the small alleyways, there are ancient bell towers, city gates, and many coffee shops where you can sit down and watch the local Chinese families go about their daily activitites or old men playing mahjong. Afterwards, heading over to the nearby lake in the evening where young people can enjoy beers or romantic walks.
The traditional feel. It’s as if you are sitting down and watching China like it was in the ancient times.
The smog!
The fact that there is peace in the hutongs in the middle of such a busy and overcrowded city.
A dragon – on fire when awake, but peaceful when asleep.
Name:Shane Hayes
City:Beijing
Favorite place to eat:
Dumplings at Din Tai Fung
Favorite place to drink:
Local Tip:
The best sites are hidden, not on a map, and often with no road to them (including the best parts of the Great Wall.) Ask the locals as they know best. Get a bike and go exploring the hutongs, the countryside, and the wall – you never know what you will find!
Must Do:
Grab a coffee in the non-touristy hutongs and sit back and watch the Chinese go about their daily lives.