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This was the centre of the Middle Kingdom. The link between Heaven and the more mundane world here. This is where the Emperor would come to receive guidance on what to do only after the three days of fasting had attuned him to the frequency of the Gods (They probably sounded like Elvis or possibly Johnny Cash). During the procession from the Imperial Palace it was forbidden for commoners to view the court's procession so they had to stay inside with their windows shuttered. The whole of the main temple is wooden and there is not a single nail used in its construction. 
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These are the old residential districts of Beijing. Sadly(?) many, if not most, have now gone but the remaining ones seem to be protected from the developers. They are basically just streets but are charming and there is a sense of community in them. Well worth a gentle stroll. You won't see anything jaw-droppingly beautiful or spectacular.... They're just nice and peaceful, which is rare commodity in Beijing.  Hutong street This was about a mile long. A street selling all manner of edibles (well, probably!). Leading to the Forbidden City through Dong'ammen. Really interesting just wandering around and trying bits and bobs.  Obviously, Chinese staples like dumplings and these modern classics... the smoking drink.  The place was not as heaving as everywhere else had been and the stall holders were all very friendly. Lots of 'things' on sticks for sale.
Our first half-term holiday and we took the 35 minute journey on the High Speed train to Beijing. Only 6GBP per person in first class, so we splashed out. Very impressed with China's railway system... Very clean, efficient and cheap! First stop was the Forbidden City and then round to Tianaman Sq. They were a short walk from the hotel, so we thought would make a nice afternoon outing. The only problem was so did everyone else. According to the news the day we were there and the day before saw a total of 2.5 million people in the square.  Everyone else's pictures of this place show a vast deserted sq, it is (I believe) the largest public space in the world. So, even when there are a lot of people around it still looks empty.
Oh no! Not on the day we went.... It was heaving. A double holiday of Moon festival and National day. Apparently they will make sure they don't fall at the same time in the future as it was so busy everywhere. Still got the classic shot of the portrait of Mao though |
This will be a blog about my latest shots and what I liked or was trying to do with them
Me taking pictures of the Opera House in Sydney
AuthorI am a teacher of Economics and have worked in various schools in Europe & Asia. One of the things I love doing is getting out and about with my camera. Archives
January 2019
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