One day Beijing Express Tour Part 1

and I am the only tour member and I am my own tour guide!

Yes! I managed to visit a few places in Beijing, of course not the Great Wall nor the Summer Palace as they are too far away from Beijing City itself and I don't have enough time as my flight out of Beijing is at 12am.



I took the train everywhere. It's quite convenient but it was hot inside the train.



the train map, not too complicated

First stop! The Olympic Stadium!

dragon shape hotel beside the stadium


look familiar? Yes the infamous bird nest stadium!


The weather was sunny but it was very dry and windy! check this out


portable washroom for the visitors


signature tourits photo taken by a stranger


water cube stadium

I did not go into the stadiums because..its an express tour alright! Made my way to my next destination: Temple of Heaven. This is a place specially built for the Emperor to hold praying ceremoy to Heaven.


map of the Garden- It's a pretty huge area


There are many elderly relaxing,singing and playing poker there


animal killing pavillion- animals are offered during the praying ceremy



Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿)- what a magnificient building!



love the colours combination



whats inside, can only picture at the entrance



engravings on the stairway


me


the side hall


walking to the other sites


beautiful contrast of colours


nine dragon tree



Imperial Vault of Heaven (皇穹宇)-

This is similar to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest but smaller.It is surrounded by a smooth circular wall, the Echo Wall, that can transmit sounds over large distances. The Imperial Vault is connected to the Hall of Prayer by the Vermilion Steps Bridge, a 360 meter long raised walkway that slowly ascends from the Vault to the Hall of Prayer.


The interior, check out the details of the ceiling


The Circular Mound Altar (圜丘坛) is the altar proper, located south of the Imperial Vault of Heaven.


getting out from The Temple of Heaven.

The temple of heaven is definitely worth going as a tourist, I've spent around two hours walking around. Entrance ticket costs 30RMB.


Part 2 coming up! Stay tuned!