About ten miles from our Beijing hotel is the Summer Palace, a large park once the playground of the emperors. It was started as early as 1153 during the Jin Dynasty, but was really expanded in 1888 when Empress Dowager Cixi used billions of silver 'tales' to reconstruct the palace. The hill and lake were all built with human effort only to be enjoyed by the royal family. To reach the main grounds, we took a boat ride on this man-made lake.

Can you imagine digging this huge pond and transferring the dirt to make the surrounding hills? It must have taken thousands of people and several years to accomplish! Was this another feat by people who were either slaves or happy individuals who were inspired to be totally subservient to their empprpr, the one who was supreme and god like? Was this not like the Aztecs and Incas in the Americas?
History is a science of recall, a remembrance from documented or verbal transcriptions of what happened before. The history of China is a great example. Much has been written in scrolls and walls; however, much has also been passed along verbally and (almost instinctively by actions) to the people themselves. Was it indoctrination or simple discipline to instill so much love and obedience within the hearts of people for their leaders and their country? They all love to visit and see the shrines, monuments and palaces and perhaps it means more to them to see all of these wondrous places than it is for us westerners. They were there to enjoy.
And here is another thought: 'How would you feel when visiting Washington DC and had to wait in line to go to the top of the Washington memorial with numerous 'foreigners' in front?" Should you have priority? In China it was just like their driving courtesy, we never felt intimidated or considered 'outsiders' who don't belong. The usual shoving and pushing in line is common but certainly was not reserved for us foreigners.

When we landed, we were told about the 'marble ship', a solid (non-floating) place for royalty to dine on the lake. More impressive to me was the long promenade along the shore with its myriad of murals and painted beams.

The Temple of Heaven is another great monument in the southern part of Beijing. It was built in 1420 during the reign of Emperor Yongle. Throughout the the Ming and Qing dynasties it was used by the ruling emperors to pray and offer sacrifices to Heaven for a bountiful harvest and prosperity. It was significant that here Heaven was more important than the Emperor. Once a year, in a solemn ceremony, the Emperor would walk from his residence to this temple, fasten for several days and humble himself in prayer and sacrifices on top of a circular mound, the Altar of Heaven.

When we arrived at the entrance plaza, we saw numerous people doing their morning ritual of exercising and contemplative or artist endeavors. One played a flute, some played with tumbling sticks, others practiced their calligraphy with water. They all encouraged us to give it a try. There were decorations left over from the Olympics, so Sharon and Lani (both avid tennis players) showed their form. We also saw some who practiced a form of Tai Chi with swords. This is called Wudang and if you are interested in seeing a demonstation go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQGvm-7WYFY

We entered the compound through the gate to the right. The one with the red doors was reserved for the emperor. In front of us was the round, three tiered mound with numerous posts and gargantuan drain spouts similar to those seen on European cathedrals. We were told that all sections have nine posts, nine steps, etc. The number nine was the highest digit and reserved for the emperor; it could be found all around his domain. Also the round shape signifies Heaven and the square lay-out of the plaza meant Earth. Likewise the color blue, such as the roof tiles, was reserved for Heaven. On top of the Altar of Heaven and in the center was the Tianxi Stone, the spot where the emperor would make the sacrifices to Heaven. Again the marble pavings surrounding this center stone were multiples of nine. Three hundred years ago the two of us standing on this holy spot would be beheaded as the sacrificial lambs.

We continued north and after going through the gate shown below, entered a plaza surrounded by a circular wall, the Echo Wall. Off center was the Emperial Vault, essentially a storage facility for the various items needed for the rituals and ceremonies. It also used to contain memorial tablets of the emperor's ancestors. Just in front, or all along the wall, it was said that a wisper could be heard as an echo. Because of the numerous people there, the sound effect was lost to most of us.

Another gate led to a long plaza and yet one more walled area and two gates to enter the special square with the majestic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a round building raised on another three tiered platform. This is where the emperor would pray to Heaven for rain and a good crop.

The building was most impressive both from the outside as well as the quick peek we had of the interior. Most of the stucture is wood and fires have taken their toll resulting in several reconstructions, but the history and efforts to maintain this heritage of China is highly commendable. It was a great place to see.