Day 2

  Just got back from the Great Wall of China and I'm exhausted.  It was absolutely gorgeous.  By far the best weather thus far so I guess I lucked out.  I just tried to take a nap before checking out the Sanlitun bar street for my last night in Beijing, but for some reason can't sleep. 

 Anyways, for those not familiar with China, here's a map.  The two cities are about 650 miles apart.

Remember that any of these photos can be clicked for a higher resolution.

And here's the districts of Beijing. (5 and 6 are supposed to be switched).  The first day I went to the central business district, or section 4.  The second day I checked out the Olympic Park to the North, and the Summer Palace which is the lake on the top left.

So I headed out on the subway again to see what was built for the 2008 Olympics.

It even had it's own subway line...

Easy to figure out.

I can't even explain what it felt like to walk out of the subway being surrounded by these mega-structures.. so I'll let the pictures do the talking.  With the heavy smog and the time around noon, it was probably the worst conditions possible for photography.  But I made the best of it.

Remember that any of these photos can be clicked for a higher resolution.

China National Convention Center

Bird's nest.  The walkway that surrounded all of the buildings reminded me of "War of the Worlds" with the lights.

National Indoor Stadium

Bird's Nest

Guy selling kites with the Olympic Tower in background.

Water Cube

So after being overwhelmed with these structures I went to see some more historical places.  The subway got me kind of close, but I still had a 45-minute walk from the station.




Passed by the gate of the old summer palace celebrating 90 years of something.

Nike or "Li-Ning?"

Turned down a random alley to go exploring.

Great food

"The Summer Palace in northwest suburban Beijing is the largest and most complete imperial garden existing in China.  It was first built in the 12th century as an imperial palace.  Rennovation and extension in the following several hundred years till the end of the 19th century led it into the scale we see today, and was officially names Summer Palace." -china.org

Unfortunately the place was packed, even with the poor weather.  After being convinced by a girl that I needed a tour guide, I ended up having a personal one while I explored.  (It was very cheap).

The "Long Corridor".  Thousands of these beams are complete with a unique artwork on each.

Gate of Dispelling Clouds with the Tower of the Fragrance of the Buddha in background.  (The main attraction)

Second Palace Gate

Going up with the tour guide

Hall of Dispelling Clouds.  9 Dragons on each corner of the rooftops means Emperors only.

An excellent view on a clear day.

Clear and Peaceful Boat.  (Made out of marble)

Went on the boat ride to the South Island.  Tower of the Fragrance of Buddha atop Longevity Hill in the background.   Kunming Lake takes up 4/5's of the area.

Hall of Embracing the Universe on South Lake Island.

Count em... The Seventeen-Arch Bridge.

Last but not least, my background picture, the Xiuyi Bridge.

Remember that any of these photos can be clicked for a higher resolution.

I ended up taking too long here and missed going to Fragrance Hill and the Botanical gardens.  I saved that for the next day.  This post was originally supposed to be for both days, but I need to go...

So until next time

Zaijian