Forbidden City

National holiday in China - why did I not know that?

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October 2nd 2012
Today I met Peter my Beijing guide. I found Peter on trip adviser as I searched for local guides. He advertised as an independent guide and was thoroughly recommended by many other travellers. I initially emailed him in June and have remained in contact with himever since. We met at my hotel this morning. The opening exchange went a bit like this; Peter " hello Spencer, you from Autrailia?" ... read more

Asia » China » Beijing » Temple of Heaven

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For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing the rest of the world in the arts and sciences, but in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by civil unrest, major famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. A... ... read more