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Emperor Guagxu, who advocated reform of the outdated feudal system was put under house arrest here by Empress Dowager Cixi. |
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There are many of these distributed all around the wooden structures, for fighting fires. The urns are always kept filled with water. The base is hollow with an opening. Hot coal is kept there to keep the water from freezing in the winter. |
the Hall of Happiness and Longevity. |
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The time between April and May is peony and plum blossom time in China. |
one of a few still blooming, waiting for us! |
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These artists use a big brush attached to a water bottle at the top. One must catch this ephemeral art form s it is being created. There were several artists at work: traditional calligraphy, simplied characters, stylistic letters, or, animals as seen here. |
Seems such a shame to have this gone in minutes with the sun. His hand movements seem so effortless! |
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I told him he looked handsome, and he blushed and used sign language to say, "Silly woman! I am too old!" |
another symbol of the beauty of the classical Chinese garden. |
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these also draw many local vistors with their cameras. |
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a beautiful backdrop for many pictures. |
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