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* * *Pictures Of Chinese Dragons* * *
August, 1987 Summer Palace Beijing Overlooking Kunming Lake At the entrance to the grounds of the Summer Palace there were bronze statues of mystical lions, cranes and dragons, all showing signs of the thousands of hands which had touched them for luck, and now protected by rails or mesh. We were told that only the Emperors' dragons had five claws although I am not sure how many a live one would have ! It was certainly much cooler at the Summer Palace with lots of trees to provide welcome shade appreciated by everyone of whatever nationality, and on the lake, families were
enjoying themselves in their hired rowing boats, in sight of the infamous Marble Boat reflected in the water and built on the orders of the Empress Dowager, financed by navy funds.
Gallery At Summer Palace With Pictures Of Chinese Legends
 Alongside the lake at the Summer Palace was a paved walkway lined with trees, then came the Long Gallery nearly half a mile long. An open, all wood structure about three Metres wide having trellised sides half a Metre tall topped with wide planks which were being used to sit and chat, or to have a nap. The Summer Palace gallery was spectacular enough but it was also ornately decorated both inside and out, and on the solid trusses under the roof, were painted pictures depicting stories from Chinese legends. It was all very beautiful and in later years I would return to the Summer Palace with Zhong and he would interpret the stories for me.
The Group's visit to Beijing also included the Ming Tombs, The Forbidden City, a theater performance given by jugglers and acrobats, and inevitably a dinner with "Peking Duck" on the menu. At the end of our visit, my uneasiness on arrival had dissipated, even when we were told that we should be leaving the city from a military airport ! I would return to Beijing many times in the following years, to be amazed at all the changes that had taken place, but for now, we must fly to Xian. If you are searching for any of the following topics, then just click them ! B-Jing 1:- Chairman Mao Portrait Overlooks Tiananmen B-Jing 2:- Beijing Sees Many Changes B-Jing 3:- Police Escort Speeding Coaches Of VIP's B-Jing 4:- Certificate And Medal Gained After Wall Climb * * * Beijing Summary * * *
Crystal Clear Water At Golden Pebble Beach, Dalian
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