Sunday, January 22, 2012

A few more highlights…

… and must-sees we hit before we said ta-ta to Beijing.

Temple of Heaven

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Like the Dome of the Rock, but in China and not Muslim. Believe it or not, it is bigger than the Forbidden City. But smaller than the Summer Palace with an area of about 2,700,000 square meters. The Temple was built in 1420 A.D. during the Ming Dynasty to offer sacrifice to Heaven. As Chinese emperors called themselves 'The Son of Heaven,'  they dared not to build their own dwelling, 'Forbidden City' bigger than a dwelling for Heaven.

Tiananmen Square

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The Summer Palace

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The Summer palace of some emperor in some dynasty. Yes, I stopped trying to keep track. It is the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China, even bigger in the Forbidden Palace. If that is possible. It greatly influences Chinese horticulture and landscape with its famous natural views and cultural interests, which also has long since been recognized as 'The Museum of Royal Gardens'.

Rickshaw Tour

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Drum Tower

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Ahhhh. Beijing. You were fun and exciting, and really, a dream come true. But now it is time to good-bye.

1 comment:

Ragvir said...

Beautifull PIC's!!!

Thank you sharing them and will wait for more!!!!!!!!!!!