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about taking the subway to the Summer Palace and other places not on our agenda. When he found out we didn't speak Mandarin, he definitely discouraged us. So, we contacted a China Tour company and booked a one-day tour of Beijing. It included 4 locations. This is the first: The Summer Palace. This is Joseph, our guide for the day. He and his driver picked us up in a luxury vehicle at 8:30 am, and we are off! |
Joseph purchased tickets for the Summer Palace. |
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We wondered how many times he's given this talk. |
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then take a cruise to another gate where the driver will meet us with the car. |
The lions, or shi, are always presented in pairs, for mystical powers to protect those within the buildings. This is the female with the playful cub under her paw, representing the cycle of life (nurture). |
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The ball represents supremacy over the world. |
The Summer Palace, or Gardens of Nurtured Harmony covers 2.9 square kilometers, 3/4 of which is Kunming Lake. The site began in 1122, and the gardens were commissioned in 1644, by a Jin Dynasty Emperor. It was given its present day name in 1752, in honour of his mother's 60th birthday. |
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and where we will end up. |
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Wonderful craftsmanship. |
a concept held dear by all living things. |
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in front of the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity. |
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head of a dragon, body of a tiger with scales, hooves of a horse, tail of an ox. Its appearance is thought to bring serenity and prosperity. |
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No...it's a very, very old Bonsai tree. |
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The Chinese word "yun" is a kind of aromatic plant that can protect books from moths. |
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Bill
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Brandon, Manitoba, Canada