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people were once again allowed on the Square. Our tour guide took us back so we could take better pictures of the buildings. This ten-story obelisk is a national Monument to the People's Heroes, to commemorate the revolutionary martyrs during the 19th and 20th centuries. |
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This is where the National People's Congress is held, where state leaders hold diplomatic meetings, and the masses stage political activities. On the day of our visit, dignitaries were being greeted; thus the beautiful floral arrangements, flags, and barricades. |
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depicting peasants, soldiers, workers. |
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Construction began in 1976, after Mao's death, and was completed in 1977. People line up for hours to have a glimpse of Mao's remains, which are displayed in a crystal casket. It is raised from a freezer for viewing during the day and then lowered again at night. There are five parts to this building: the Courtyard, the Memorial Hall, the North Hall, the Viewing Hall, and the South Hall. |
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The base of the monument is made up of two layers. The upper smaller one is carved with a pattern of eight garlands made up of peony, lotus, chrysanthemum and other flowers. The larger one is beset with ten white marble bas-relief, eight of which reflect revolutionary events in China's modern history. |
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centre is the Great Auditorium and the Central Hall. It seats 10,000 people. The northern section is the State Banquet Hall which seats 5000, and the Salute State Guest Hall. The southern part is the administrative building of the Standing Committee. |
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the first visit by an American president to Beijing? He was served Peking Duck at this banquet hall. The duck became famous world-wide! |
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They were a popular attraction during the Olympics and are probably used to good effect during National Day parades. |
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we headed for Tiananmen Tower, Gate of Heavenly Peace, entrance to the Forbidden City. |
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