Beijing is in a mad rush to modernise, and while some things are welcome – e.g. the massive subway extensions – in other places it feels like they’ve been in too much of a rush to modernise, and the place can sometimes seem anonymous, lacking in soul.
First view of Beijing, from the hills at the western edge. Not too happy at that air quality.
I was pretty happy to make it to here, the centre of the Chinese universe.
I found the Forbidden City somewhat less inspiring than I had thought it might be. Nevertheless, I will still bore you with many photos.
Of course many things are still restricted here – no cars on fire allowed down this street!
My hostel was quite close to the Lama Temple, a large complex that somehow survived the Cultural Destruction. All very nice, but after a while a bit repetitive. Lots of Chinese people praying, presumably for prosperity and a male child.
A few random parts I saw on the way out of town. Presumably scheduled to be replaced by an anonymous shopping mall.
