Baoguo Monastery - Chengdu, China

We stayed 2 nights in Baoguo, a Buddhist monastery in a garden setting where the local monks live and pray. We awoke at 5 a.m. to chanting, the smell of insence and the dim light of candles burning. 

The monastery closed to the public at 6 p.m. so we had it to ourselves throughout the evening and night to view several large golden Buddhas, witness the monks praying, chanting and striking the gong and to contemplate enlightenment in our own way.

Pandas - Chengdu, China

We visited the 'Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding' that was established to promote breeding of this endangered species that has existed for 8 million years. The facility includes large expanses of natural yet protected habitat where pandas roam and feed, as well as designated feeding areas, mating areas and birthing areas. Adult pandas eat up to 42 kgs per day of mainly bamboo shoots plus some fruits and vegetables. Newborn baby pandas weigh only 1/1000th their adult weight and look like a small pink mouse when they are born.

Xi'an, China

We stayed within the walled area of Old Xi'an, constructed during the Ming Dynasty. In the afternoon we rented bicycles and rode the 14 kms  along the top of the wall that encloses the old part of the city enjoying Chinese instrumental music played quietly from speakers along the way. 

Gold prayer wheels were spun with a silent prayer.

A very beautiful and camera friendly girl we met along the wall.

The Drum Tower and Bell Tower illuminated in the evenings are absolutely gorgeous. They were originally used to signify the time once each morning and once each evening.

Terracotta Warriors - Xi'an, China

Over 8000 Terracotta Warriors have been discovered outside Xi'an, each with an individual face and originally all hand painted. The warriors are all facing away from the yet unopened tomb of the Emporer as it is theorized that they were constructed to protect the Emporer in his afterlife. 

Shanghai Museum

Shanghai Museum, a museum of Ancient Chinese art, is considered the finest museum in China.

It contains extensive exhibits of porcelain, fabrics, calligraphy, paintings and coins.

Shanghai - China

Shanghai's population now exceeds 24 million! 

The Bund (Wai Tan) is a walkway extending over a km along the Huangpu River, that separates old Shanghai from modern Shanghai, and offers excellent views of the 100+ storey ultra highrises especially at dusk.

Old Shanghai is home to historic buildings including the 1909 Opium Commission building, now converted into a luxury hotel, as well as the Peace Hotel.

Yuyuan Garden, a Buddhist garden, is a serene retreat away from the rest of the city.

Mahjong is played by men in the streets.

Modern Shanghai hosts ginormous multi-storey shopping complexes.

Beihai Park - Beijing, China

Beihai Park is a recreational area enjoyed by emperors past and locals today. The area is based around a series of interconnected lakes stretching for several kilometres in the heart of Beijing. 

People stroll around the lake, have a meal, play Chinese chess, swim or go out in small boats.

Hutongs - Beijing, China

Hutongs are old family courtyard homes built along narrow winding pathways, originally owned by wealthy families. As time moved on the wealthy moved to other areas of Beijing. 

Poorer families moved in to the area, divided the homes and now several families share a courtyard, cooking, eating and washing areas.

Forbidden City - Beijing, China

Built in 1420 at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, the Forbidden City consists of several palaces and over 9000 rooms. It was home to Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties for 500 years plus their Empresses, Imperial consorts, family, staff and Imperial guards.

I love the names they gave to the various palaces such as the Palace of Earthly Honour, the Palace of Myriad Tranquillities and the Palace of Gathered Elegance.

Tian'anmen Square - Beijing, China

Vast numbers of people at Tian'anmen Square - the world's largest square.

Chairman Mao, founder of the Chinese Communist Party, still oversees the activities. 

The 70th anniversary of the end of WW2 was celebrated here recently with a strong military parade.