The last leg of our festive adventure; Beijing.
 |
| From the spiritual to the sacred. |
 |
| In whatever light, the forbidden palace looked majestic. |
 |
| Through the first of three entrances - the further into the palace you advanced, the more important you were. |
 |
| If you are the Emperor you live in this ornate palace. |
 |
| The Palace to administer affairs of State. |
 |
| Emperors Throne |
 |
| The more animals on the roof line, the more important you are! Guess who owns this roof?? |
 |
| Making sure we put our rubbish away! |
 |
| The huge frozen moat right around the palace. A great place to skate on!!! |
 |
| Temple of Heaven: Apparently the largest complex for worshipping the God of Heaven in the world |
 |
| Worth a photo!! |
 |
| The Summer palace The largest, most beautiful and exquisite imperial garden in the world - apparently Closed for winter! |
 |
| Seventeen Arch Bridge Connecting the Eastern shore of Kunming Lake with the beautiful Nanhu Island |
 |
| Yes - we are visiting a tomb! |
 |
| Underground Palace - Ding Tomb. |
 |
| Headstone of the last Ming emperor: Zhu Youjian (1611 - 1644) The inscription on the head stone explains what he did for the Chinese people!!! |
 |
| Tiananmen square Over a million people can gather here during important occasions - our visit was not one of them! |
 |
| 100 meters from the square : typical Beijing back street. |
 |
| Another typical Chinese scene: Jianzi (Chinese hacky sack) Played with enormous skill throughout China by men, women, young and old. Note the statue in honour of this skillful and athletic pastime. Can you spot the "Kinja" - four feathered shuttlecock? |
 |
| Finally found a place to skate |
 |
| The Chinese will ride a bike anywhere!! |
 |
| The middle of Beijing: a fighter jet and Father Christmas!! |
 |
| Yum, what is for dinner? |
 |
| We tried - but the response was "What is the problem?" |
 |
| We think the opera performer ate one of the above! |
 |
| Hanneke looking suitably civilized and safe. |
 |
| Where is Humpty Dumpty?? |
 |
| Looking west |
 |
| Looking East |
 |
| Looking amazed! |
 |
| Up to watchtower number 5. |
 |
| We were so lucky with the weather and the absence of fellow wall walkers. |
 |
| Hanneke just off to find the end of the wall!! |
 |
| Still searching!! |
 |
| Just mind blowing - the scale and terrain the wall covers. |
 |
| Even nature appears impressed with the Wall. |
 |
| Another gratuitous Wall shot. |
 |
| Had to get a selfie somehow!! |
 |
| Finally looks like we found the end!! Wrong; we found the way down from the wall is via toboggan!! |
 |
| A great way to end a unique experience. |
No comments:
Post a Comment