Asia Adventure 2012: Beijing

Beihai Park (meaning Northern Sea) is one of the oldest, largest, best-preserved ancient imperial gardens, was initially constructed in 938. A new statue of happiness in Chinese script greets visitors. There is a white Dagoba in the centre (otherwise known as stupas in other countries). To the Dagoba’s northern side, we enjoyed walking in a stone pathway towards the Qiong Hua cave. This is a very popular park for citizens of all ages who danced, exercised, performed tricks, and sang along the banks of three lakes that consume 39 hectares of this 69 hectare park.

Jingshan Park located directly north of the Forbidden City is another large well-used park. Five pavilions are located on a 47.5m artificial Coal Hill over which the Wanchun Pavilion towers over all others. The artificial hill was designed to meet the feng shui requirements of the Forbidden City as it is favorable to site a residence to the south of a nearby hill. It also provides a fantastic vantage point for Forbidden City photos. There was a young mixed-marriage couple having their wedding photos taken at the Wanchun Pavilion and I’m sure they will be incredible. Inside the Wanchun Pavilion was a Buddha figure called Vairocana meaning “universal brightness” but photos were forbidden, darn! Citizens of all ages take a lot of pride in demonstrating dances, exercises, and other entertaining activities. One fellow encouraged Greg to try the rhythm ball and he managed quite well, I must say!

One thing we noticed about Beijing is that it is a very serious city. Generally speaking, the only ones who seem to smile are the very young and the very old.

We watched Invictus this evening. We’ve seen it before, but it is such an inspiration.