Beijing

With only a week to go before getting on the bicycles in Shanghai, we played tourist in Beijing. First at the Temple of Heaven...



 The adjoining park area is well used...


Kung Fu practice

traditional dancing, with some dressed for the part

After the day's official touring, we walked to Tiananmen Square, arriving a bit before sunset, therefore getting a chance to see the daily flag-lowering ritual.



Sunset on Tiananmen Square - Soldiers march from
Tiananmen Tower for the daily flag-lowering

Flag lowering

Tiananmen Tower

The following morning we were back at Tiananmen Square and then at the Forbidden City.


Behind Tiananmen Tower, these People's Army soldiers are being
choreographed in what we think is a practice for their National Day
 celebrations on 1st October

The Forbidden City