As the holiday drew to a close, it was appropriate to have a traditional hotpot dinner, something I have a real passion for. This would be in a long established restaurant near the Donghuamen Gate of Forbidden City. It was fascinating how the establishment had changed to reflect modern times. Although refurbished and very comfortable, its interior design had managed to retain a sense of its original appearance. The copper hotpot was using gas instead of coal, while robots were delivering utensils and dishes to the table. Amazing! Behind me a couple had placed an iPad on their table to rewatch the Spring Festival gala while dining. Of course, payment was digital using the popular Weixin app. Leaving the restaurant I walked back down Nanheyan where once the walls of the Imperial City stretched. A feeling of the city’s history gripped me.

Next day, back in my apartment near Sanlitun, it was time to watch the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, another great, indeed memorable, moment in my Beijing staycation.