Day 6 - Temple of Heaven and Forbidden City

Monday, April 9 - Today's tour were joined by Brian and Jane from the UK, a lovely couple heading back to the UK from being in New Zealand for 3 months. 

We got dropped off at the Temple of Heaven. We enjoyed walking around the parks seeing the local people dancing the tango, doing tai chi, playing games, exercising, etc.

Then we continued to the Temple of Heaven (Tiantam) This temple is completely made out of wood and constructed without using nails.  This temple was used to pray to the gods for good weather for good harvest.
Dragons represent emperors and phoenixes represent empresses.
4 pillars inside represent the 4 seasons, then 12 pillars represent 12 months and the others represent  12 hours in the day because that is all they had in the 14th century.

Jill in front of Temple of Heaven

Materials transported to Beijing to build the Forbidden City and the temples were moved during the winter months to use the ice to pull the heavy materials along.

in front of main entrance of Forbidden City

Entrance to the Forbidden City writing to the left of Mao says "Long live to the People's Republic of China" and on the right says "Long live to the great unity of the people of the world"

Tian'an Men Square

Jill, Tommy (guide), Jane (UK)

Forbidden City which goes on and on!

Entrance to the Forbidden City writing to the left of Mao says "Long live to the People's Republic of China" and on the right says "Long live to the great unity of the people of the world"

Jing Shan Park  - great views overlooking the expansive FC - however more steps! 

Bryan, Jane (UK), Vivian (Beijing), Joe (USA/Beijing), Jill, Amy (USA/Singapore)

Dinner tonight at Dali Courtyard - recommended by Kristy Kelly!