China Day 2: Tianamen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and more!
Ahoy to all the folks across the ocean!
Today we began with a visit to Tiananmen Square, which we all found absolutely spectacular – the sheer scale of the square and the colossal constructions ringing it were amazing, including the entrance to the Forbidden City and the Great People’s Hall of China, a huge artificial mountain that towered above us. Bustling with an immense mass of people, it was clear to all of us that this square was the heart of Beijing, and perhaps it seems the cultural heart of China. It was a remarkable experience for all of us to see this famous place in person.
Connected to Tiananmen Square by the looming Tiananmen Gate, the Forbidden City was a magnificent complex. We were all astounded at the sheer grandiosity and complexity of the many buildings, adorned with beautiful details: little carved animals, cauldrons for tea and incense, golden thrones, marble stairs and many other stunning architectural features. Coloured in brilliant red, gold and blue, this palace, having been home to 24 emperors and their extremely large families, was a truly awesome sight. We were all fascinated by the rich history of this amazing country. Stretching almost a kilometre from north to south, our breath was taken away by the expanse of these massive structures and the fact that they still stand strong after this extensive period of time, stained with years of conflict and reform.
After the Forbidden City, we took a short bus ride to the Temple of Heaven, where many Chinese emperors would go three times a year for fifteen days to pray for good harvest. Again the sheer size of the building was awe-inspiring, not to mention the intricate details lining the temple walls. Towering above us, the Temple of Heaven seemed to almost reach its namesake. We were all flabbergasted at how mathematically precise the layout of the temple complex was to the minute detail, especially since it had been built so long ago and without the use of a single nail.
Having been amazed by the Temple of Heaven, we then proceeded to the Pearl Market, so far the most bustling place we have visited. Perhaps it was also the most ominous, as the task of dealing with the marketplace was slightly daunting to most of us. With its range of preposterously overpriced and fragile watches and jewellery, we had to sharpen our haggling skills to avoid paying ridiculous prices. For many of us, this was our first experience of haggling, and it was certainly an interesting time for all of us.
To end the day off, after an excellent dinner of Peking Duck, we went to the see the Beijing Opera. Nothing at all like we expected, this opera was not whatsoever like any Western performance, and was an interesting insight into the remarkable culture of Beijing. Featuring outstanding acrobatic feats and displays of flexibility, the opera was a thoroughly enjoyable experience to end the evening.
Cheerio from Ashok, Liam and all of us here in China!
By Ashok Chandar and Liam Baker
