Beijing 1 day — Mika's Photos

Beijing has a beautiful, modern airport built for the 2008 Olympics. It is connected to downtown Beijing by this train.

The train is above ground most of the 30-minute ride, but it does go underground at parts. The fare was 25 RMB, or about $3.60.

Our first shocking look at the outside. Anyone care for a fresh cup of haze?

Alright! We made it to the subway system. Now we just have to navigate this ticket machine -- in Chinese.

A typical subway station. Beijing's subway system is expanding rapidly, with a few new lines opening each year!

The Chinese approach to subways: if people going in and people exiting push at each other hard enough, eventually everyone will end up on the right side of the door.

Looking bright and fresh at 9 in the morning, on 2 hours of sleep and an airplane meal.

I do have to give them credit for this handy subway map, which updates the train's location in real time.

Finally, we surface at Tiananmen Square, where a vacationing monk strolls by.

But first, we're going to go visit Chairman Mao and the Forbidden City.

Just inside the first gate to the Forbidden City, cleaning crews pedal around on three-wheeled garbicyles.

The Forbidden City (please see this image: http://bit.ly/b8Owcn) is composed of many nested gates, tall walls and palace buildings.

Just follow the sign and everything will be okay!

Two kids pose with a giant door. 99.9999% of the tourists visiting the Forbidden City site were Chinese.

Entering another layer of gated walls... and we haven't even gotten to the official entrance yet.

A particularly colorful parasol. All the umbrellas made an already crowded tourist site especially packed.

A wall full of Chinese snacks. Doubtful that any are vegetarian though.

A group of police do some marching. Not totally sure what it was about.

We're both alive in China! The only group shot, since the SLR is not particularly conducive to taking them.

The tour guides cleverly stuck bright flags on top of their umbrellas.

A subtle blend of old and new.

Yes! We got our golden ticket! Finally!

Two girls are already hot and tired.

Looking ahead to the "Gate of Supreme Harmony," through which everyone must pass to enter the rest of the gated palace.

Looking back at the "Meridian Gate" through which we just entered the complex. Note the walls on either side.

The color schemes are strikingly different from both Thai and Japanese traditional architecture.

Note the ornate ceiling and giant LCD screen.

Another grand red double-door.

Did I mention that it was a huge door?

Through the gate and looking ahead to the "Hall of Supreme Harmony."

All the (original) stairs leading up to (and down from) the Halls are ornately carved... usually with dragons.

Great, the guide book is indeed correct!

A crane majestically overlooks the throngs of tourists.

A very interesting dragon turtle. They do like their dragons.

Another gold-and-red door, this one more ornate than the last.

These were actually painted tiles. Apart from these, we didn't see too many examples of ceramic wall decorations.

A beautiful golden roof. Actually, I think they were painted yellow tiles.

More detailed gold (and silver) painting. Dragons, dragons, dragons!

Slightly different decor.

Next up: the more modest "Hall of Complete Harmony."

Evidently, the emperor could come and sit here on his couch, in peace and complete harmony.

More carvings on the stairs.

Beautiful detailing on a window frame.

A girl traces her finger along the already worn trim.

A random (dangerous) place to lay your baby -- on a 4-foot ledge.

The roofs are guarded by many little armies of friends.

Another extremely ornate ceiling... and a really classy yellow sign.

Okay, even by Chinese standards, this guy was crossing a line.

More golden shingles and a mountainous backdrop.

Taking a breather before moving onto the next part of the palace.

Hiding from the glare so they can review photos and send an SMS?

A giant golden lion...

...playing with his cute little lion cub.

A raised walkway that leads to the "Gate of Heavenly Purity." Are these names getting a little much?

Another ornate staircase dragon carving.

Everyone takes this photo! Here I am, with my photo buddy.

Another funny turtle-hybrid. This one with big nostrils.

These tiles look like they belong inside a NYC subway station or something.

Time for some refreshment! Who knows what the heck it is.

A peach popsicle. That'll do. (Note: these refreshment stands were scattered all throughout the complex.)

Finally, we reach the imperial gardens... which is filled with creepy crawly trees.

Just follow the sign.

The gardens were filled with these dramatic jagged rocks. Volcanic?

More cute little friends (an assortment) guard this roof.

One of two round pagodas inside the Imperial Garden.

It's famous for its ornate roof.

Most people came in tour groups, and had to wear some kind of distinguishing article of clothing.

Scary tree!

Some room that overlooks the gardens. Not sure what exactly it was.

The palace's lone elephant makes his appearance at the very back.

More very detailed dragons.

A mini-hall (or pagoda?) sits perched atop a mound of lumpy rocks. How grand.

Another rock star lion.

The detailing on a giant lamp. Or was it an urn?

This little guy is cuter than you can believe.

Look how cute they are! You just wanna poke their little faces!

What kind of drink you want? Good thing there's corporate branding!

More golden roofs and decorative paint jobs.

Heading back toward the entrance, this time via the side paths.

Still standing!

Guarding my huge red door. That's a huge red slide bolt behind me.

"Enter at your own risk."

I really like the color scheme!

More authentic Chinese backdrops.

Did I mention that this complex is HUGE?

A little moat that meanders through the entry courtyard.

And... visit is over. How sad. And exhausting.

Huh?

Bye-bye, Mr. Mao.

After crossing under a 12-lane road, we pass the National Museum on our way to Tiananmen Square.

Now, we have to cross over that same ring road to actually get to the Square.

Voila. Tiananmen Square. That's about all there is to see, folks.

A LONG, and I mean LONG queue of people wait to visit Mao's Mausoleum.

This is just a shot of the people closest to getting in. The line wrapped all the way around the giant mausoleum property.

Turning the corner to view the next face of the queue. (This line was the most exciting thing to see in Tiananmen Square.)

Do they look bored?

At the southern end of Tiananmen Square, Zhengyangmen Gate.

A famous monument in front of Mao's Mausoleum.

And across the street, Zhengyang Gate Jianlou... whatever that means.

And a rather western looking China Railway Museum and station.

Back in the comfort of the airport now, the pushy people don't even wait their turn for water!

My blue World Expo buddy.

And another frozen friend. Doesn't he look just golden?

Pleasure to meet you, too, sir.

After our sweaty morning in the humid, smoggy city, we spent an hour cleaning off at a pay-by-the-hour airport hotel. You can imagine the looks we got when we checked in!

It was really quite decent... and conveniently located across the hall from our departure gate.

Following the helpful signs to find some food.

Yes! This must be the Western Restaurant, instantly identifiable anywhere in the world.

Resting his sore feet and tired legs.

That's our plane! But surely a window washer is a little excessive?