Touring with the conference group

While Bill was busy at the conference all week, Joy joined some of the tours organised by the conference. They were friendly and interesting and jam packed with activities. Unfortunately the famous Beijing smog descended for the first two tours on the first day, but it was nothing like the winter smog where visibility is only a metre or two.

The first stop was Jingshan Park, one of the Emperor's imperial gardens during the Ming and Qing dynasties(1368-1911). This is the entrance guarded, like most entrances by the two lions. One has a foot on a globe, representing the Emperor's power (which was enormous).

The other has a foot on a baby lion, representing his fertility. Considering we were told about one Emperor who had 3000 concubines, this must also have been quite impressive.

The gardens were very extensive. I liked the crepe myrtle bonsai.

There were five pavilions. We climbed to the highest spot, passing three pavilions. The first one was circular to represent heaven.

This is the roof of the second pavilion we passed. Blue and green are the preferred colours.

Our group approaching the third pavilion, the Pavillion of Everlasting Spring.

There was a great, if smoggy, view from the top. This side overlooks the enormous Imperal Palace (the Forbidden City). The hill, the highest point in Beijing, was built from the dirt excavated for the moat around the Palace.

It 's wonderful the way seniors are in all the parks playing music, dancing, doing tai chi etc. We could hear the sound of a large choir coming up from the valley in this park.

This one is for Alexander.

Another gate, this time into Beihai Park, anther Imperal garden. 

The Bai Ta (White Pagoda) is a 40m high stupa placed on the highest point. Its body is made of white stone. Sun, moon and flame engravings decorate the surface of the tower.

Steps down to the lake.

Boarding a boat for a trip across the lake.

 The ceiling of the boat.

Lotus peddle boats.

More dancers. It was tempting to join in.

This Nine-Dragon Wall was built in 1402 and is one of three walls of its kind in China. It is made of glazed bricks of seven-colors. Nine complete dragons playing in the clouds decorate both sides of the wall. It's really rather beautiful.

Detail of the screen.

Dressing up as the Emperial family. Yellow was a colour only Emperors were allowed to wear. Note - father was not amused and was on his mobile phone the whole time.

Charley was our great guide. Couldn't miss him!