China-A new life

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January 3rd 2016

Published: January 3rd 2016

Antarctic is done for the time being. Someday I may try to go back to that type of life and travels. But now a new adventure awaits me. It took two years and a forest of paperwork, but now I have a job working as support staff at the American Consulate in Guangzhou, China. Ive been in country for seven weeks now on the start of a two year contract. Every weekend I explore the sights, sounds, cultu... Read Full Entry

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Beijing - Xian, China May 2017-Tiananmen Square

A map of Tiananmen Square with the entrance of the Forbidden City in the background.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 -Tiananmen Square

Looking down the length of the Tiananmen Square with Mausoleum of Mao Zedong in the back ground.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 -Tiananmen Square

Some of the beautiful gardens on the edge of Tiananmen Square looking toward the Forbidden City.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

The entrance of the Forbidden City has a large portrait of Mao hanging on the wall. However I was able to take this photo at an angle that allowed me not to get the portrait in the photo.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

This photo was taken from inside the main entrance of the Forbidden City looking south thru the main gate. Just outside is a guard and in the background can be seen Stone column (huabiao) with depiction of dragons and phoenixes and furher in the distance is the Mausoleum of Mao.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

Tian'anmen Gate or the Meridian Gate (south entrance) is the principal entry to the Imperial Palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty—the years 1420 to 1912. It is in the center of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. It served as the home of emperors and their households as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government for almost 500 years.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

The buildings where the state affairs took place and official gatherings were held. It is divided in the Outer Court in the south and Inner Court on the north side. The Inner Court is enclosed by walls and is the older part. The Gate of Heavenly Purity is the main access to the Inner Court and is located on the south side of the Inner Court.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

The gate has five arches. The three central arches are close together in the main, central section; the two flanking arches are farther apart from the three central arches, and are located between the central section and the protruding arms. The centre arch was formerly reserved for the Emperor alone;

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

Most people enter the Forbidden city through Meridian Gate. However it has long lines and tight security. The best place to enter is via the Gate of Mutual Harmony on the south east corner. It has far less security and the entry line is almost non-existence. It cost 60RMB for entry into the Forbidden City.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

Behind me (Karl) is the outer courtyard that history tells us could hold up to 100,000 people for imperial ceremonies and events,

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

Beyond the square stands the Gate of Supreme Harmony. Behind that is the Hall of Supreme Harmony Square. A three-tiered white marble terrace rises from this square. Three halls stand on top of this terrace, the focus of the palace complex. From the south, these are the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

Entering through the gate into a large courtyard, you first encounter the Golden Stream, cutting across the space in the shape of a Tartar bow.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

This s the view from the gate, looking south over the entry plaza.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

Looking out one of the many arched doorways of the hallways running around the inside of the outer court yard.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

In the inner courtyard of the Forbidden City are these long hallways open to the weather. Many visitors were having their lunch in the shade away from the the heat pf the sun.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest, and rises some 30 meters (98.5 feet) above the level of the surrounding square. It is the ceremonial centre of imperial power, and the largest surviving wooden structure in China.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

Photo taken from top of wall surrounding the outer courtyard looking out over the roof tops of buildings in the inner court yard.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

This is one of the four coigns (corner towers) of lofty walls that were established in 1420, rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). As one part of the Forbidden City, they served as the defense facility just as the lofty walls, the gate towers and the moat.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

This is one of the four corner towers on the edges of the Forbidden City. They served as the defense facility just as the lofty walls, the gate towers and the moat.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Forbidden City

There are numerous signs stating NO FISHING in the moat around the Forbidden City. Not only were their people still fishing, but this older man was fishing with three fishing poles.

3rd January 2016

Di & Joe V.
non-member comment

Looks beautiful.... Happy to hear that you are enjoying it there. :) Happy New Year!! Di & Joe

18th August 2016

Derek Davey
non-member comment

Silly Submariner
I hope that you are doing very well in Guangzhou and you have fully acclimated. Enjoy yourself there. Extremely hot in Lewis County this summer and very humid. We have had a "drought" and tornado this summer. The corn still grows. Take care. Derek

24th August 2016

Audrey J Mills
non-member comment

AWESOME!!
So great to hear from you and about your amazing adventures! I'm now a subscriber to your blog so keep it up!

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