Thursday, June 9, 2011
Mao Zedong, also transliterated as Mao Tse-tung, and commonly referred to as Chairman Mao (December 26, 1893 – September 9, 1976), was a Chinese communist revolutionary guerrilla warfare strategist, poet, political philosopher, and leader of the Chinese Revolution. He was the architect and founding father of the People's Republic of China (PRC) from its establishment on October 1, 1949, and held authoritarian control over the nation until his death in 1976. His theoretical contribution to Marxism-Leninism, along with his military strategies and brand of policies, are collectively known as Maoism.
This is another view of the square and government buildings.
On the side of the building, you can see a faint picture of Mao.
Here is a cool little ride for the police…
The Forbidden City. It got its name as no commoner was allowed to enter the city. It is divided into the inner and outer courts.
The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost five hundred years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government.
Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings with 8,707 bay of rooms and covers 720,000 m2 (7,800,000 sq ft). The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
Since 1925, the Forbidden City has been under the charge of the Palace Museum, whose extensive collection of artwork and artifacts were built upon the imperial collections of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Part of the museum's former collection is now located in the National Palace Museum in Taipei. Both museums descend from the same institution, but were split after the Chinese Civil War.
The pictures that follow are all taken in various areas of the Forbidden City. In addition to the wonderful photos we took over the course of the 2 weeks the kids were here, there were countless photos taken of us that will be forever in a vacation album on some coffee table in a Chinese home. We had pictures taken of us taking pictures for those not brave enough to ask for a photo and plenty of photos where they either wanted one with the kids, of the kids, or with some combination of the family. For some of these people, they have never seen westerners and here we are, three generations together. They live in provinces rarely, if ever, visited by westerners. They are here for the first time to visit their capital city and pay homage to Mao.
Just outside… the moat (in the background) surrounds the Forbidden City.
Con't...See China Day 4, part 2
Itinerary: (Note to self… we may have been a bit over ambitious on the schedule)
- The world largest city square--Tiananmen Square
- The No.1 permanent residence of the emperors among the world's Top 5 as well as the world's largest, most complete wooden structure of the ancient buildings-- Forbidden City
- The cultured pearl farm
- Lunch
- The biggest Royal Garden in China--Summer Palace, which is well known for its large and priceless collection of cultural artifacts
- The world largest architectural complex for worshipping Heaven--Temple of Heaven
- Kung Fu Show
- Taken to a famous restaurant to have Peking Roasted Duck for dinner
We passed the China railway museum on the way to Tiananmen Square.
We’re here… yea!!! The bus stops at a corner of the square and dumps us out. Let the walking marathon begin…
These are the last remaining towers to the original entrance to the city. And to right is the corner of Tiananmen Square.
The building with the line of people is actually a mausoleum. It is where the body of Mao Zedong is laid to rest. The people travel from great distances and far off provinces and make the pilgrimage to walk past his body.
Mao Zedong, also transliterated as Mao Tse-tung, and commonly referred to as Chairman Mao (December 26, 1893 – September 9, 1976), was a Chinese communist revolutionary guerrilla warfare strategist, poet, political philosopher, and leader of the Chinese Revolution. He was the architect and founding father of the People's Republic of China (PRC) from its establishment on October 1, 1949, and held authoritarian control over the nation until his death in 1976. His theoretical contribution to Marxism-Leninism, along with his military strategies and brand of policies, are collectively known as Maoism.
This is another view of the square and government buildings.
Massive big screen TV in the square. Who is up for a viewing of the Super Bowl on this bad boy?
Here is a cool little ride for the police…
Oh my… the sun is in my eyes… it was already hot and very bright outside!!!
The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost five hundred years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government.
Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings with 8,707 bay of rooms and covers 720,000 m2 (7,800,000 sq ft). The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
Since 1925, the Forbidden City has been under the charge of the Palace Museum, whose extensive collection of artwork and artifacts were built upon the imperial collections of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Part of the museum's former collection is now located in the National Palace Museum in Taipei. Both museums descend from the same institution, but were split after the Chinese Civil War.
The pictures that follow are all taken in various areas of the Forbidden City. In addition to the wonderful photos we took over the course of the 2 weeks the kids were here, there were countless photos taken of us that will be forever in a vacation album on some coffee table in a Chinese home. We had pictures taken of us taking pictures for those not brave enough to ask for a photo and plenty of photos where they either wanted one with the kids, of the kids, or with some combination of the family. For some of these people, they have never seen westerners and here we are, three generations together. They live in provinces rarely, if ever, visited by westerners. They are here for the first time to visit their capital city and pay homage to Mao.
Next Stop: The Summer Palace Cultured Pearl Farm and Gift Shoppe. We wound through street after street until we suddenly were at the Pearl place. This is one of those places on the tour that is a deal worked out with various companies. They spend 15 minutes giving you a spill about farming pearls and then escort you into the showroom to sell you something.
Below some pics as we made our way to the Pearl farm.
It never ceases to amaze me what they can haul on a bicycle with a cart. I believe this time it is toilet paper. But I have seen them peddling with mattresses on those things or couches.
Back to the Pearl Farm… we were given our demonstration by the manager of the store. He was taken with Brooklyn… he selected her to pick the oyster he would open for pearls. Brooklyn was caught by surprise when he tried to kiss her on the cheek… she was not too happy about that!
Well… Jennifer got a pearl necklace, Bailey got pearl earrings… and MawMaw got both… happy anniversary to me!!!
Convenient… the restaurant was right next door. But the food was really good. They served us a variety of dishes and all were delicious. As we entered this carved piece was right at the door… beautiful
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