"Female" lion, Forbidden City, Beijing, China

The following is an excerpt from the diary of our trip to China July, 1995.  We were traveling with three friends, spending five days in Beijing and then three days in Xian.  China has changed greatly since our visit but many of the places we went to are still among the popular tourist spots.

Tiananmen Tower and Gate to Forbidden City

Day 3:  On the morning of our second full day in Beijing we met our guide, Amy, after breakfast at our hotel and proceeded to Tiananmen Square.  Amy told us that she had been in her first year of college in 1989.  She had been in the square during the day, but at night her mother made her stay home because she thought it was too dangerous. When we got to the square it was crowded with people, including thousands of Chinese in a huge line snaking its way toward the monument where Mao is entombed.  Apparently, all Chinese learn a saying from the time they are very young: "Once in my life I will visit Beijing to see Chairman Mao."  So these people were making their once in a lifetime pilgrimage.

Hall of Preserving Harmony.  The carving along the stairs weighs 250 metric tons.

The Square was made of stone blocks about a foot and half square.  Amy said that if one person stood on each of these, the Square would hold a half million people.  We than walked across to the gate to the Forbidden City, where we received tapes for our tour.

Bronze turtle, Forbidden City

This large bronze turtle is a symbol of longevity and stability.  It is also an incense burner–the smoke comes out of its mouth.

Roof carvings, Forbidden City

These elaborate roof carvings inside the Forbidden City tell a story of a cruel tyrant who was hung from the eaves of a roof.

Large water pot, Forbidden City

Fire was a constant threat in the Forbidden City.  This is one of many water pots in place to use for dousing fires.






After lunch, we drove to the Summer Palace.  Among the more interesting things was an exhibit of photos of the Dowager–in one case with an American woman who apparently lived at the palace. We saw a picture of a traditional wedding dress–which includes an elaborate headpiece.  I asked Amy if she would be wearing such a dress for her wedding in the fall.  She said she might rent one for a photo, but that it would be too expensive to rent one for the whole day.  The actual date for her wedding is not yet set.  She will consult a soothsayer who will look at all the factors and determine the most propitious day.

Summer Palace

At the Summer Palace we saw another example of recreated hills as well as "borrowed scenery"-- where a distant landscape is incorporated into the whole panorama. The long corridor and walk beside the lake was quite refreshing because of the breeze off the water, but the stone boat at the end was a bit anticlimactic.  Although one could go for a ride across the lake on a brightly painted real boat, we didn't do that.

Marble boat at the Summer Palace

That evening we were on our own for dinner.  We went out to a local noodle shop and ordered by pointing to dishes on other people's tables.  We were the only Westerners in the restaurant.  The meal was inexpensive and quite tasty.