Day 3 in Beijing

Our final, half day in Beijing was spent first in Tiananmen Square, and then inside the Forbidden City. Commencing at 8:30 am, our driver deposited us at the entrance to the square where our private guide had arranged special, unfettered insider entry access. Amazingly, the day before, on the national holiday, we learned that the square had contained over 1 million people in it – but at the time of our visit, there might have been less than a thousand – although you could see the beginnings of the lengthy queues of Chinese lined up for access at the public entrances that would eventually flood the square. Our guide spoke to us comprehensively and reverently of the Chinese history made there, while our iphones clicked away documenting our visit. The portraits of Sun Yat Sen and Chairman Mao bookended Tiannamen Square’s expanse, and the square itself gave an enduring testimony, through its sheer size and grandeur, of the vastness of the Chinese people, its long history, and its power.

Moving on to the Forbidden City, again through private entrance, we were one of the first people to enter the initial square that day. At that time, only a wedding party graced the grounds, which was being photographed, with the bride in her beautiful, traditional Chinese wedding gown, and with her handsome groom at her side. Again, reverently, our guide continued his historical commentary, as each section of the Forbidden City gave way to the next, relating tales of Emperors, the Dowager, eunuchs, and untold treasures. We were easily and willingly taken back in time within its walls. Pausing often for reflection and picture taking, the experience is one we will never forget.

Sadly, our abbreviated visit came to an end at the conclusion of our Forbidden City visit and exiting its walls. However, for two and one-half days, we were transported first through centuries of Chinese dynasties, kingdoms, and emperors; then discovering and learning of the revolutions and statesmen of the Chinese twentieth century, and finally considering and enjoying the beginnings of modern China, complete with all manner of “Western” opulence, amenities and accommodations that rival any in the world. We will go back; and this time we hope to stay longer to better get to know and appreciate this vast and historically important country, its people, its cultures and its cuisines.