Beijing Tour

Yesterday (Friday) was our first full day in Beijing, and our tour brought us to several famous locations in the city. Our first stop was the Temple of Heaven, followed by the Hutongs (traditional Chinese courtyard homes), then Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Although the fog did not make for ideal picture-taking conditions, the "live" views were very impressive.

Our guide had us visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning because this is the time when many people gather in the surrounding park where we entered. This is especially popular with retired people, where they will dance, play games, and listen to music live music.

Exercising near the Temple of Heaven

Cleaning the roof by hand

We took a rickshaw ride around the Hutongs. This part of our tour included a very delicious lunch at the home of one of the residents there.

Our rickshaw in the Hutongs

Lunch at Mrs. Li's home in the Hutongs

Next stop, Tiananmen Square. For an explanation of why Deirdre is holding up a red striped sweat sock in Tiananmen Square, check the following link:

http://groups.myspace.com/dudewheresmysock

She tried to get closer to the guys in uniform, but was told "No further!" by them as she approached.

Note Chairman Mao in the background

Next stop, the Forbidden City. In person, it was still quite amazing to see, but the fog takes the edge of the photos.

Halls of Middle Harmony and Preserving Harmony

Lions in the Forbidden City