Temple of Heaven – Where Emperors Come to Pay Tribute to Heaven
THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN IS THE LARGEST COMPLEX OF IMPERIAL SACRIFICIAL BUILDINGS: In the days of ancient China, where the emperor is regarded as the Son of Heaven bearing heavenly authority, the Temple of Heaven is a most sacred place, out of bounds to ordinary folks. This huge complex of imperial sacrificial buildings is where […]
Discovering Beijing – A Modern City Full of Ancient Treasures
BEIJING HAS OPULENT PALACES, IMPERIAL GARDENS, THE GREAT WALL AND LOTS OF TREASURES: An enduring memory from my first trip to Beijing in 1983 was the chaos at Beijing Airport. To claim our baggage we waited for the small baggage hall to be filled with bags and when the doors were opened, we all rushed […]
The Crispy and Aromatic Peking Duck
PEKING DUCK IS A BEIJING DELICACY AND CHINA’S FAVOURITE DUCK DISH: A highlight of our dinner tonight is a treat of Peking Duck, China’s favourite duck dish. Named after after its capital city, this crispy and aromatic specialty has been served on Chinese meal tables since the Southern and Northern Dynasties and it was recorded […]
Tiananmen Square – The Chairman’s Vision Lives On
TIANANMEN SQUARE IS THE FOURTH LARGEST CITY SQUARE IN THE WORLD: Tiananmen Square, Beijing’s main city square is where all important parades and events take place. We arrive at the square a week after the National Day Golden Week celebrations to find it still decked out in thousands of floral arrangements and celebratory colours of […]