China - The Middle Kingdom 

Beijing - The Northern Capital

Panoramic North Wall - Northern view of Beijing from the North Wall Guard Tower.  Lots of cranes, this city is preparing for the Olympic Games in 2008.  Lets hope they install flush toilets.  In the Imperial times this was the border of Beijing and an outer city wall would surround the city, most of the wall sections have been removed and there are two remaining Guard Towers one here and one at the southern end of Tiananmen Square behind Mao's mausoleum. 

Western View - View of Beijing to the West. More modernization of China.

  
Mao on the Automotive Revolution - Beijing streets are similar to Paris with grand avenues.  Cars have replaced bicycles, viva la nouveau riche.  VWs are mobilizing the masses, is it not the People's Car?  The more rich and powerful drive Audis. Beijing Parking Lot - I spoke too soon, off the grand avenues, the masses still use the ever popular bicycle.  The Flying Pigeon brand is my favorite bike.

  

Coal Power - China is one of the world's largest consumers of coal.  As you can see, you can get home delivery of it in small puck sized pieces. Whenever the wind stops blowing in from the Gobi Dessert you can smell the coal fires, while the city is layered in a thick gray cloud of smog.

 Killer Rabbits! - I couldn't figure if these were for pets or on the menu.  These rabbits were being displayed in front of a restaurant.

    

Forbidden Activities - Fragrant Hills Park, 17 km NW of Beijing. Looks like my parents are doing something the signs forbids, sitting.  I just love the "no rifle" and "no trumpet" icons.  This park also has several temples and a memorial to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the father of the Chinese republicanism.
  

House Arrest? - Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. I was able to stay in one of the state run villas in Beijing, normally reserved for foreign dignitaries. In the diplomatic off-season this compound becomes vacant for tourists.  Great facilities, friendly staff and security.

 The People's Army - Look out! Here comes the Red Army!!!  Morning marching exercises.  Two groups came marching by looks like this estate has its own garrison.  We were told that at 11:00 pm we could not enter or exit the compound.
  
Stately Grounds - Diaoyutai was an Imperial estate during the Qing Dynasty and was expropriated in 1959 by the state.  There are 18 different villas from Imperial buildings to 1960s Communist block houses.  We were stuck in one of the block houses.    Imperial Art - A very large painting of a cherry blossom tree in the waiting room of the the guest house.

  

Manchurian Princess - Hello my concubine.  The emperors knew how to live it up.  

 Tea Ceremony - We were given a tea tasting session. My dad insisted on the good teas that were harvested before the rains.
  
Feng Shui Planning - Beijing's modern architecture reflects both western and eastern design influences.  Here you see a modern design which include curved building at the Hyatt Regency. Beijing Lights - Along Wangfujing Dajie the main shopping district, the street is light up like Las Vegas.
  
The Silk Bunker - One of the most weirdest shopping experiences I had in Beijing was a silk store stuck in an underground bunker. In 1969, after the Sino-Soviet split Chairman Mao ordered every citizen to start digging.  Post-Mao China has converted this section into a tourist attraction and silk factory outlet.  I bought myself a silk quilt and a Chairman Mao silk poster. The Last Imperial Gate - One of two remaining gates from the old Beijing wall this one is located on the north side.  Inside they give you a brief lesson on Feng Sui (Chinese geomancy) and then they try to sell you some statues and sculptures to ward off those evil spirits. I already bought enough Chairman Mao charms to ward off all evil spirits.

© 2002 - 2005 Stanley Yee