We spent five days in Beijing, China
September 21-25, 1998
We enjoyed guided tours of the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace) and
Tiannaman Square aas well as the Summer Palace (below left)
Those who visited the zoo, told us it was very run down but the panda's were being cared for adequately.
We ascended the Great Wall and now according to the Chinese, we are complete human beings!
We enjoyed seeing how the famous Chinese enamel works... cloisonne are made. (above)
We watched a wonderful acrobatic show. The performers were very young. (left)
We found a thoroughly modern shopping center (Xi Dan), complete with chain restaurants. Never imagined we'd be shopping for shoes in China (made in Italy of course) :o)
We are happy to have had the privilege of visiting China but cannot recommend Beijing as a vacation destination due to the polluted air and water.