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08 Jun 2009
Our flight to Beijing was brought forward due to flight cancellations by Air China. This was unfortunate. We were supposed to visit the Tu people's (土族) cultural village where they are renowed liquor producers. According to our guide, 3 is an important number for them. When entering a Tu house, first one will smell the sweet smell of liquor before having to drink 3 servings at the start, 3 in the middle, and 3 before leaving. Furthermore, they have a culture of not snacking with their drinks.
Departing our Hotel in Xining
On the way to the airport, our guide shows us local handiwork by the Tu people. It's made of some thread that is tightly woven together. Shades are used to create a blur effect.
Meals on board our Air China flight. Thanks to them our trip was cut short.
Arrival at our hotel in Beijing after doing some shopping
Nice and clean rooms
Dinner time at our hotel
Trying out some of the local beer
09 Jun 2009
After breakfast, we headed to the Temple of the Earth (地坛, Dìtán). Built in 1530 CE during the Ming Dynasty, it is the earthern counter-part to the more well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of Heaven (天坛, Tiāntán).
After breakfast, we headed to the Temple of the Earth (地坛, Dìtán). Built in 1530 CE during the Ming Dynasty, it is the earthern counter-part to the more well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of Heaven (天坛, Tiāntán).
Breakfast, an interesting orange tart-like thing
The entrance to the temple
Unlike the Temple of Heaven, the Temple of Earth consists of gardens and a small structures with a large open altar in the middle for ceremonies.
One of the building housing some old artifacts
Fu Lu Shou stone, it is said to be good to rub your palm across the words etched on this stone
Incense pots
The ceremonial altar
Fake sacrificed animals
This tiger looks cute, I'm not sure what it holds
We get to watch a mock up ceremony
Here comes the officials and right at the end, the Manchu Emperor
"Long live the Emperor!"
"Down with the Manchu invaders!"
Perhaps this is the Cabinet
You can get up close and personal with the Emperor
Visiting the loo before leaving
Next, we visited the 2008 Summer Olympic Complex. Heard that this is a very expensive hotel, shaped like a Dragon. Looks more like a Dragon Boat to me.
The swimming complex
The Bird's Nest Stadium
Some arty icons are spaced out around the complex
Panorama of the Olympic Complex
. Note the huge street lamps.
A tall tower, I'm not sure what it is.
