Monday, October 26, 2009

The GREAT WALL






The Great Wall of China was my best experience of my time in China. There are rebuilt sections in Badaling, very touristy, but I was able to do a 10 km trek on the Great Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai (130km NE of Beijing) over the original wall. The wall was begun 2000 years ago during the Qin dynasty essentially to keep the Mongols out of southern areas. The trek passes 24 towers, some in total ruin, some in surprisingly great condition. The trek takes 3+ hours and you cross a suspension bridge to Simatai at the end. Some sections are a bit precarious with 70 degree slopes and steep ascents and slippery descents. All in all it is one of the most amazing experiences I have had.

This concludes my blog for China and Beijing. I hope you enjoy seeing this interesting country through my eyes. Feel free to leave a comment or send an e-mail.

Zaijian,
Neil

Food was great!






From Peking Duck, steamed buns, to scorpions and snake, to the best soups with beef and fish balls in restaurants and night food markets, the food experience is the best. Of course I found a few Starbuck's for a bit of home!

More interpretation needed...






Try these too

Interpretive Signs!!






Take a read through these...

Neil

Hutongs and streets





I met a pilot who has been flying to Beijing for years. He said that 15 years ago, there were virtually no cars, mostly bicycles, carts and rickshaws in the downtown core. Back then people worked for 3 things - a bicycle, a TV and a fridge. Now there is a growing middle class who work hard for 3 things - a car, a computer and a cell phone! The congestion in the core and resulting dreadful pollution is creating health problems for everyone.

Old Beijing was known for the HUTONGS - narrow alleyways throughout the city but now are fast disappearing. These neighborhoods are where most people live - in tight spaces, have their markets, courtyards and do their day to day business.

Next, some focus on FOOD!
Neil

Tiantan - the Temple of Heaven




The Temple of Heaven is said to be the best example of Ming design. I have to say that it was the most impressive structure I saw in Beijing! There had been a wind storm the night before which blew all the pollution away so we had beautiful clear blue skies. As with all the other sites, many tourists, mostly Chinese, were everywhere. It is tough to get photos without many people.


Ming Tombs and Jade




About 40km from Beijing is an interesting site of 13 tombs of the Ming-dynasty Emperors entombed in underground vaults. It is in a valley at the foot of the Yellow mountains where apples are grown.

Jade is an important commodity to the Chinese and nearly every home has a jade cabbage placed with the leaves facing the entrance for good luck.

More later,
Neil

The Forbidden City







Ni Hao (hello) from Beijing - after 18 hours of travel I found my way to a hotel in the city centre only 300 meters from the Imperial Palace (Gugong) known as the Forbidden City. This was where many Emperors held court and ruled their empire. Although this area was begun by Kublai Khan and the Mongols, it was mostly built during the Ming dynasty in the early 1400's. Absolutely huge, 2.5 km north to south, I found it to be almost overwhelming in size and features.

A short walk under a huge avenue, you gain a view of the impressive Tian an men Square, again impressive for its size, the Mausoleum (where Mao's body is on display daily) the Great Hall of the People and thousands of visitors, mostly Chinese.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

One day to Beijing


China has always fascinated me. Air Canada offered a great deal on flights to Beijing back in June so I decided to take the plunge and check out the big city of over 15.5 million people. I have booked a hotel (Red Wall Hotel) near many sights including the Forbidden City. I also plan to visit the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall and Ming Tombs. Beijing duck is supposed to be very good. I will try to keep this blog up to date, but internet is not as readily available as it is in many other parts of the world. We will see.

Hwayto jyen (see you later)
Neil