Tiananmen and the Forbidden City

We are now experiencing the ten hottest days in Beijing, or so our tour guide told us, a great time to visit China's most famous series of outdoor courtyards. Tiananmen Square and the great gate that stands at its edge is an icon of Beijing and a must see for many travelers. Through the giant doors, gold nails signaling importance and closeness to heaven, lies a vast open space, broken only by streams (still now, but running swiftly in the fall and winter seasons) and carefully constructed details buildings.

A tortoise and a crane signal longevity and a throne room shines gold. Tiny vases footed by elephants and gold painted pillars demonstrate the incredibly wealth held in the Forbidden City. The students walked through dwellings meant for concubines and the royal family, enjoyed the flowers of the imperial garden, and walked where once only royalty was allowed.

It was unbearably hot, but our discoverers handled themselves with their usual aplomb. We spent the trip with the Beijing Language and Culture CIEE program, so it was a big group. Tova and Connor made friends with LC students, while Ana and Leilani focused on enjoying this new place. We also saw a model of Beijing created by Chinese college students in the museum attached to this historic location. It was quite the day!