Beijing

In May 2002, I visited China on two trips. Here are some photos from the visit to Beijing.

This trip was take after visiting the Three Gorges region. It was educational to see the contrast between the two places. Beijing is presented as the shining jewel of China's modern economic growth and development. But that growth is not everywhere, and there are great contrasts in the country. When we were there, they were preparing the city for the 2008 Olympics. Unfortunately, these pictures don't tell that story, they just show the pristine face of Beijing.

Beijing Park

Beijing park

Lama temple lion statue

Our second stop was at the Lama Temple, well guarded by lions.

Lama temple

The Lama Temple is the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet.

Lama temple buildings

It once served as a royal palace.

Lama temple

Closeup of the buildings

Prayer wheels

Bell

Bell at the Lama Temple

The Forbidden City

Well preserved architecture

The Forbidden City

Grand designs for the Emperor

The Forbidden City

Classic Ming architecture

The Forbidden City

Now filled with tourists

The Forbidden City

Intricate design on the ceiling

The Forbidden City

The Forbiden City north wall looking south

The Forbidden City

Roofs of the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City

Modern life outside the gates of the Forbidden City

Beijing street

Typical Beijing street, where bicycles still abound...

Ride and park

...and parking is a nightmare

Tour bus

Unique wing mirror design on a tourist bus

Great Wall

The base of the Great Wall at Juyong Guan

Great wall

Many people want to climb the wall

Great wall

The wall from the top

Great wall

The wall continues in the distance

Great wall

There are less crowds at the top

Tianamen Square

Monument in Tiananmen Square

Food market

Food markets (for the tourists)

Rehersals

Practising for a parade

Tiantan

War museum

War museum. In the foregrould is the same model plane that hit the US spy plane (this was just weeks after that incident). Frankly, this is the worst war museum ever - it is the only one I've been to that promoted the glories of war, rather than recognising its tragedy and human cost.