The easiest way I can describe Beiling Park is to compare it to the Asian exhibits in zoos in America, minus the animals. You know how the plants always grow dark green and close together over your head? Beiling Park was like that. There were thick, waterproof green trees growing everywhere.
This was super surprising, at least to me, because a) I've never seen a zoo exhibit look close to reality before, and b) this was a very quiet, natural oasis in a bustling city of 8 million people. It went from being a fast-paced city to a peaceful garden in a few seconds.
The thing about Beiling Park is that it's not just a park. It is also a cemetery for important people. For example, there's a big tomb there with a bright red star (the symbol of the Communist Party) of a communist general.
But the most important tomb in the tomb of the Hong Taiji Emperor, the second Qing dynasty emperor, and his empress. The tomb is also a fortress, with places for soldiers to stand guard. It is a magnificent place, with beautiful architecture!
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| The entrance to his tomb |
And... one of the cool things they have for you to do at Beiling Park is dress up in a costume and take pictures for souvenirs! I picked the costume of a princess.
More to come! Lots more to come!
It looks like you're having a blast. Are you missing home?
ReplyDeleteIs there any sense for you of being in a tighter-controlled society in China? Do you get a feeling of a government watching your every move?
It's portrayed as a police state in the western world, I wondered if the reality feels different.