CHINA - BEIJING

 Beijing

The modern face of Beijing includes steel-and-glass high-rise buildings, fancy cars and traffic jam.

Traditional part of Beijing includes Beijing opera. Surprisingly we found out that this tradition is already foreign to the young generation. But we enjoyed this cultural experience.

Temple of Heaven

People dance, play badminton or practice marshal arts in the large park surrounding the Temple of Heaven.

Imperial vault of Heaven. The "Temple of Heaven" consists of several temples and religious buildings. Unfortunately, when we visited, Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the main prayer hall was closed for renovation. 

Forbidden city

Mythical lion guarding on of the entrances in forbidden city. 

Forbidden city is going through enormous reconstruction, most likely directed towards improving its image before the 2008 Olympic games.

Buildings of the Inner Court.

Arbor in the garden of the forbidden city.

Qianhai lake

We finished our sightseeing day with a great dinner with Tony and Eleana at a restaurant by Qianhai Lake.