eflsummerschool

A postcard from Qianmen Street and Wangfujing Street, Beijing

Here’s an open letter to my 6-year-old nephew, Bertie. I sent him a postcard from Qianmen Street and Wangfujing Street in Beijing with a link to this blog post written on the postcard. If he receives it, it will give him some fun themed activities he can access himself or with his class mates if his teacher thinks it might be relevant. I sent the postcard to him via his school.

This blog is part of a series on a similar theme. If you would like to read another blog post in this series, click here: A postcard from the Liangma River, Beijing

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Dear Bertie

I hope you and your friends are well. The other day, I went for a walk around Qianmen Street and Wangfujing Street in Beijing.

The are both pedestrianised shopping streets but with a difference; Qianmen Street is a like a window into the past. It has been a shopping street for nearly 600 years and was recently renovated, so we can all experience it as it was during the Qing Dynasty.

I found a traditional Chinese snack called Tanghulu, which is a slightly sour tasting fruit, covered in a hard sugary glaze. If you’ve ever had a toffee apple, it’s similar only smaller. Anyway, I liked it as I’m sure you would have, too.

Tanghulu sweets

Later, I went to Wangfujing Street, which is also a famous shopping street in Beijing. While Qianmen Street is very traditional, Wangfujing Street is very modern with shops selling luxury brands. If you need a Rolex watch and a pair of expensive trainers, this is where you might go. It’s also the busiest street in the city with around 600,000 people a day coming to do a bit of shopping.

I was particularly impressed with the clock tower at Wangfujing Department Store.

I walked up and down both streets and loved how they contrasted with each other – one traditional and the other modern. Here’s a video from the day:


Video link: https://youtu.be/H8-ytNQCyyQ?feature=shared

Have you ever walked down a pedestrianised street before? One where cars are not allowed to drive. I think it’s an excellent idea because the space which would normally be taken up by the road can be used for over purposes.

If a street was going to be completely pedestrianised, what would you do with the space? Personally, I would plant lots of trees, have mini-parks with benches for people to rest and relax. People might also be hungry, so I would make sure there were some places to buy food. Have you ever seen any street entertainers such as living statues or even magicians? I think they would be a nice addition to my pedestrianised street. As for the shops, I’m not sure what they would sell. Do you have any ideas?

In fact, would you like to design your own pedestrianised street just like Qianmen Street and Wangfujing Street? You will need a piece of paper, a pen, and maybe some colouring pencils if you have them. If you can get someone to print it, I have a street template you can use. Click here: A pedestrianised shopping street

Before you start, think about what you would like to have on your street. Will all your shops be shops selling things or will you use some of the space for entertainment such as a cinema or a theatre? If you are doing this activity at home or with a friend, discuss your ideas first. Once you are ready, get started!

Take care and I’ll send another postcard soon!

Uncle Oliver x

Are you a teacher? If yes, you might be interested in these adaptable games and board games, including a language dominoes template: Games and board games

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