Nanluoguxiang（NLGX）

Nanluoguxiang（NLGX）

Image by ♂X'mas♂
Nanluoguxiang（NLGX）, an ancient alleyway (Hutong) in downtown Beijing and very close to Lake Houhai is getting more and more attention from media, local young generation and travelers. Located several kilometers north of the Forbidden City and just east of Houhai Lake, this North-South Hutong is filled with bars, cafes, clothing stores and handcraft shops all designed in classical Chinese ‘Hutong’ style. The northern end of NLGX can be found at Gulou Dong Street (Drum Tower East Street), with its southern end at Dianmen on Pingan Street. With 16 Hutong meandering east and west of off the central lane, giving each side eight Hutong. This was the typical Hutong layout of the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). It’s one of the best preserved old Hutong areas in downtown Beijing. Nanluoguxiang has a history of over 800 years. Many tourists enjoy taking ride through this 800-year-old Hutong that was once home to elites, celebrities, government officials, artists and well-off families.

Unlike the other two famous bar streets of Beijing, bars and cafes at Nanluoguxiang are quieter, providing food and drink at more reasonable price. Most of the bars and shops are decorated in a traditional Chinese style that matches well with their surroundings. At the central section of Naluoguxiang, you will encounter The Central Academy of Drama, the alma mater of countless Chinese TV and film stars such as Zhang Ziyi (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon).

A youth hostel call “Peking Downtown Backpackers” can be found at found at No. 85 Nanluoguxiang (phone number 8610-8400-2429). This hostel is serene and clean, with a standard two-bed room priced at 80 yuan (US). Bicycles can be rented at the hostel’s reception. This hostel also provides a popular cafe with a cozy environment, internet access, coffee and breakfast.

The earliest and most famous bars in the area are the Pass By and Here bars. The Pass By Bar was set up more than seven years ago. The owner of the Here Bar is a photographer, thus many interesting photos can be found in his bar. Old pictures are also exhibited, such as those of Chairman Mao. Fish Nation serves traditional British-style fish & chips, as well as pizza, pasta, and a big English breakfast. A spacious rooftop is the perfect hangout for an afternoon. Those who enjoy shopping may be interested to visit The Pottery Workshop to see the world famous work of Caroline Cheng. While browsing her art you can also enjoy a glass of wine or a range of other drinks on sale.

My Meme. Foto Meme. (Most not my photos)

Image by elh70
1. 12-24-05 Baltimore, USA, North America, Norma Tub, 2. Me and
Canon..., 3. Baltimore, 4. box_cameras, 5. A WINTERS NIGHT. KILKENNY, IRELAND., 6. 131:365 Dear 2007, Kiss My Ass., 7. tree picture 6794., 8. Tomb of Abélard et Héloïse, Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris, France., 9. Mike Ness, 10. 1957 Nomad Fins, 11. haunting blue, 12. Lawton

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

1. Screen name of person who introduced you to flickr.
Norma Tub. Norma has opted out so I left this blank.

2. Brand of camera
Canon

3. Favorite shooting location
At the moment I mainly take pictures around Baltimore, though there are plenty of wonderful places to take pictures elsewhere. Haven't had a chance to wander far from home lately.

4. First ever camera brand
Brownie Hawkeye. It was my mom's.

5. Favorite thing every photographed.
I loved the photos I took in Ireland.

6. Title of most popular image in your Fickr account
131:365 Dear 2007 Kiss My Ass

7. Number of images in your photostream.
At the moment 6794.

8. Location you would like to go to photograph
There are SO many answers to this question! One place I'd really like to photograph is Pere Lachaise, the tomb of Abelard and Heloise in particular.

9. Celebrity you would like to photograph
Again a question with MANY answers. Some of the 'finalists' for this one were Henry Rollins, Tim Curry, Sam Elliott and Mario Andretti. I ended up going with Mike Ness.

10. Any image from first page of "Your Contacts" page
1957 Nomad Fins

11. Name of group currently at the top of the list of "Groups you belong to"
An Awesome Shot.

12. The first picture you ever posted.
Lawton

Photographic meme

Image by Angelina :)
1. Gaze, 2. the ray gun, 3. High Vista Cafe, 4. Kodak Disc 3100, 5. Storm gathering at Death Valley, 6. Day 214/365 - Walking the line, 7. Picture2 1242, 8. High Lonesome Road, 9. Disguised as Christopher Walken, I sneak back home to rescue the platypus!, 10. oh mojo, where you go?, 11. 4/52 Green, 12. Audacity

QUESTIONS
1. Screen name of person who introduced you to flickr
2. Brand of camera
3. Favorite shooting location
4. First ever camera brand
5. Favorite thing ever photographed.
6. Title of most popular image in your Fickr account
7. Number of images in your photostream
8. Location you would like to go to photograph
9. Celebrity you would like to photograph
10. Any image from first page of "Your Contacts" page
11. Name of group currently at the top of the list of "Groups you belong to"
12. The first picture you ever posted.

ANSWERS

1. Me! (via Google)
2. Nikon D300
3. derelict places
4. No idea, like everyone else, probably a 110. Although I had a disc camera I thought was the coolest.
5. Death Valley
6. Walking the Line
7. 1242
8. Mexico, parts of the US, Botswana, New Zealand. I could go on for ever. I have a chubby for anything and all things desert at present though.
9. Cate Blanchett. Although Christopher Walken would be very cool, in a terrifying way. Love that man.
10. The talented, inspiring, effortlessly cool Ms Sabo
11. Plastic52
12. Audacity - first [public] photo posted.