I’ve been looking at kites for over a year, after I saw some guys flying them in a nearby park. I was intrigued by the numerous designs, colors, and all the “gear”. They have special reels, and bags. I’m curious where the “kite market” is located, or did they make them. I googled “Beijing Kite Market”, and sure enough, there are a few specialized market areas for kites.

I’ve decided today is my day to actually go looking, and I settled on a location that’s supposed to be the best spot, but on the outskirts of Beijing. I have an address, but it doesn’t show up when I enter it into any of the map apps. Reading the description of the location, and scouring the map, I think I know where it is and head out. It’s a long train ride, and involves 3 different trains and routes. As we near the destination station, the train comes above ground. As we pull into the station, I can’t see any sign of the market, and I should be able to see it. I can see the area where the market should be, but it’s been leveled. Darn!

I get back on the train and head back into town. I’m almost glad I didn’t find the market. It was an outdoor market, and although the sky is clear and the sun is bright, it’s really cold, and the wind is blowing. I have a haircut appointment this afternoon, and there’s just enough time for a stop at Fatburger on my way.

After the haircut, I contemplated visiting one of the other kite markets, but the cold wind convinced me it was time to go home. Back at the apartment, I stopped at the wet market for some apples and carrots (I developed a yearning for fresh carrots when we were making the potato soup a couple of weeks back.) Lilly is still at the apartment when I arrive, and I ask her if she knows anything about the absentee market. “Oh yeah, it’s been closed for 5 or 6 years”. I guess the webpage I used was a little old?