Beijing, July 2010, Temple of Heaven

Beijing, or North Capital in Mandarin (Bei = North, Jing = Capital), is sweltering hot in summer and very humid as well. Smoggy and hazy almost always, consider yourself lucky if you can get a glimpse of the blue sky.

Beijinger and her pet. Lots of people have dogs here and almost always without a leash.

Passing in front of the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Tiananmen Square, the entrance to the Forbidden City, with Chairman Mao guarding the entrance.

Detail. Tiananmen Square became famous during the failed democracy movement from the People's Liberation Army in 1989...

Mao Zedong's Mausoleum.

The Square, always crowded, with cranes building China in the background.

Cat in a tree in the ancient gardens of the Temple of Heaven Park. The Temple grounds cover 273 hectares. The complex was built during the reign of Emperor Yongle, Ming Dynasty, in 1420. The temple served as a stage for rites perforemd by the emperors to ask for good harvests, divine clearance and atonement for the sins of the people.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the biggest and most famous Temple in China in the Temple of Heaven Park.

Details of one of the layers.

Inside view of the Hall.

The Double Ring Pavillion, where Urumqi people were dancing that morning.

The Imperial Vault of Heaven surrounded by the Echo Wall.

Dongzhimen Metro Station.

Duck or goose carcass drying on a lamppost in Beijing. The Chinese seem to have a knack for drying animals in front of their houses. Weird!