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Peaz in the Ancient City of Beijing } June '04

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Beijing , the capital of China, is an ancient city with a 3,000 year old history. It was also the capital city for two powerful dynasties, the Ming and the Qing.

There are various historic places in Beijing, and The massive architecture found in Beijing is just spectacular. Of course, Peaz enjoyed the trip with me, encountering various adventures and culture shock.

Actually, I was in Beijing because I went to visit a good friend in ShenYang. On the way back, I decided to extend my stay in Beijing.

北京 } Beijing written in Chinese Chracters

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.01 Forbidden City

The palace is where the emperors of both the Ming and Qing Dynasties reside in. It was built in 1406 and contains 9,999.5 rooms. Right here, Peaz is standing at one of the ornate doors of the emperor's room.

Resting away from the multitudes of tourists at the palace.
The bridge is made of marble stone.

.02 Neighbourhood

This is the neighbourhood of the 'bed and breakfast' where both Peaz and I stayed in. It was an early morning walk, as the sun rises pretty early during summer.

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The fruit stall beside the school is not opened for business yet, and Peaz is waiting anxiously.

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.03 The Great Wall
This portion of great wall is built by the Ming Dynasty. The Ming great wall is about 7.8 metres in height and is used to keep away the enemies.
Presently, this portion of Great Wall is the most commercialised portion teaming with heaps of tourists.

There is a saying that:

" If you climb the Great Wall,
You can then be considered a noble man"

Well, that makes Peaz a noble blythe ;)

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.04 Temple of Heaven

The circular structure is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. This is where the emperor offer sacrifices to the gods in heaven. It is important as any natural disasters, bad harvest are signs that the emperors had loss favour.

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This place is also where the emperors asked the gods for rain during drought seasons. Coincientally, the weather grew stormy after Peaz and I visited the Temple of Heaven.

.05 Tiananmen

Tiananmen is the place where Chairman Mao proclaimed the founding of new China in 1st October 1949. Several buildings of power are found in this place, including the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao.

Contrary to its name which means 'Gate of Heavenly Peace', it is the venue of the Massacre which took place in 4th June 1989. Putting bad memories behind, Tiananmen is a place where one can relax. I spent an evening flying a kite at Tiananmen alone. It was really awesome.

In this picture, Peaz is sitting on the sign which discourage people from stepping on the grass.

Resting against the lamp post. It's being a wonderful day.