Day 8 - More of Beijing

Today we had a rather interesting introduction to the new and old Beijing. Our day began at the Temple of Heaven, one of the largest temple complexes in China. The large park that surrounds the complex was filled with people of retirement age engaged in a variety of activities. Some of these are pictured below.

 Practicing Tai Chi

Playing Tai Chi Ball

Dancing

Playing Chinese Chess

Making Music

Exercising with Streamers

From here we spent the morning touring a home for the aged (a model home) and an agricultural facility that prepares seedlings for farmers, as well as carries out work on developing livestock breeds. Then we lunched at a restaurant that had an hourly stage show on cutting and slicing noodles.

Our afternoon was spent at the Summer Palace. I will write more about this imperial retreat tomorrow. I must finish packing and get to bed early. We will head out very early tomorrow (4:15 am) to see the flag raising ceremony in Tian'an Men Square. Then our day will be spent traveling to Lhasa, but we cannot go there directly, so we must first fly to Chengdu. We all will have some adjustment issues in Lhasa, so it may be a day or two before you hear from me again. Good night all! Onward to Tibet!