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Best Photos of China Travels (March 2011)

China is awakening and emerging as a great country, as well as the one with the longest history and the greatest fascination of them all. It is a huge and seeped in an ancient culture with the largest population on earth. It is one of the great travel destinations with divergent panoramas contrasted by gleaming new cities. From the modern, boisterous (and polluted) cities of Beijing and Shanghai to the clean and bucolic views of Mount Huangshan, to the exotic Tibetan monasteries, China is a country of great diversity and contrasts. One visit is not sufficient to experience the richness of China, since there is so much to experience and explore there. It cannot be ignored. China is ascending, and the world should take notice.
Best Photos of China Travels cover page.
Best Photos of China Travels cover page.		 Map of China with the star indicating Beijing.
Map of China with the star indicating Beijing.		 Old Chinese woman sitting in front of a shop in Beijing.
Old Chinese woman sitting in front of a shop in Beijing.		 Vendor roasting chestnuts near the Summer Palace in Beijing.
Vendor roasting chestnuts near the Summer Palace in Beijing.
A night view of the Beijing National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest Stadium, which was built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
A night view of the Beijing National Stadium, known as the "Bird's Nest Stadium," which was built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.		 The Ling Long Pagoda or Olympic Tower (meaning Delicate Tower in Chinese) is located northwest of the Bird's Nest Stadium.
The Ling Long Pagoda or Olympic Tower (meaning "Delicate Tower" in Chinese) is located northwest of the Bird's Nest Stadium.		 Inside this large oyster, there were at least 8 small pearls.
Inside this large oyster, there were at least 8 small pearls.		 Silk cocoons and silkworms. After the worms are removed, they are eaten (not by me, thank you)!
Silk cocoons and silkworms. After the worms are removed, they are eaten (not by me, thank you)!
The Beijing Acrobatics Show is a special treat which is not to be missed.
The Beijing Acrobatics Show is a special treat which is not to be missed.		 Moat surrounding the Forbidden City with a Chinese man contemplating the Northwest Tower.
Moat surrounding the Forbidden City with a Chinese man contemplating the Northwest Tower.		 Rooftop details and a sinuous cypress tree off of the courtyard.
Rooftop details and a sinuous cypress tree off of the courtyard.		 Beast figures are widespread on the buildings in the Forbidden City. The more beasts, the more important the building.
Beast figures are widespread on the buildings in the Forbidden City. The more beasts, the more important the building.
More beast figures on the roof. On the far left is a dragon and on the right an immortal rides a phoenix.
More beast figures on the roof. On the far left is a dragon and on the right an immortal rides a phoenix.		 Palace of Heavenly Purity is the largest construction in the Inner Court of the Forbidden City.
Palace of Heavenly Purity is the largest construction in the Inner Court of the Forbidden City.		 Bronze female lion situated in front of Gate of Heavenly Purity. The lion cub symbolizes fertility of the royal family.
Bronze female lion situated in front of Gate of Heavenly Purity. The lion cub symbolizes fertility of the royal family.		 A cute Chinese boy at the Forbidden City.
A cute Chinese boy at the Forbidden City.
View from the Gate of the Supreme Harmony looking at the Meridian Gate.
View from the Gate of the Supreme Harmony looking at the Meridian Gate.		 View of the Great Wall. It was hazy the day that I went there.
View of the Great Wall. It was hazy the day that I went there.		 Before picture. On the Great Wall with tourists swarming behind me!
Before picture. On the Great Wall with tourists swarming behind me!		 After picture. I took the tourists out in Photoshop!
After picture. I took the tourists out in Photoshop!
View of me with more of the Great Wall below.
View of me with more of the Great Wall below.		 Entrance to the Lama Temple, built by Prince Yong starting in 1694. It served as an official residence for court eunuchs.
Entrance to the Lama Temple, built by Prince Yong starting in 1694. It served as an official residence for court eunuchs.		 Buddhist worshippers praying and making offerings of incense.
Buddhist worshippers praying and making offerings of incense.		 Exterior view of the Hall of Harmony and Peace, which is the main building of the temple.
Exterior view of the Hall of Harmony and Peace, which is the main building of the temple.
The Hall of Harmony and Peace is adorned with statues of three Buddhas.
The Hall of Harmony and Peace is adorned with statues of three Buddhas.		 This man was spinning the prayer wheel outside of Hall of the Dharma Wheel. It can be likened to Buddha's Dharma Wheel.
This man was spinning the prayer wheel outside of Hall of the Dharma Wheel. It can be likened to Buddha's Dharma Wheel.		 In the Hall of Infinite Happiness, is a huge sandalwood statue of Maitreya (future Buddha). It is 26 meters (85 feet) high.
In the Hall of Infinite Happiness, is a huge sandalwood statue of Maitreya (future Buddha). It is 26 meters (85 feet) high.		 Tourist map showing the layout of the Ming Tombs.
Tourist map showing the layout of the Ming Tombs.
Ling'en Gate to the Changling Tomb, Emperor Yongle's tomb (1360-1424). He is buried there with his wife, Empress Xushi.
Ling'en Gate to the Changling Tomb, Emperor Yongle's tomb (1360-1424). He is buried there with his wife, Empress Xushi.		 Statue of Zhu Di, who became emperor in 1402 and was renamed Emperor Yongle. He moved China's capital to Beijing.
Statue of Zhu Di, who became emperor in 1402 and was renamed "Emperor Yongle." He moved China's capital to Beijing.		 The turquoise, jewel-studded crown of Empress Xushi, the wife of Emperor Yongle.
The turquoise, jewel-studded crown of Empress Xushi, the wife of Emperor Yongle.		 The Sacred Way leads to the imperial tombs. The Great Red Gate to the Sacred Way is the outermost gate of the mortuary complex.
The Sacred Way leads to the imperial tombs. The Great Red Gate to the Sacred Way is the outermost gate of the mortuary complex.
An office inside the grounds of the the Beijing Zoo, which is often referred to as the Panda Zoo.
An office inside the grounds of the the Beijing Zoo, which is often referred to as the Panda Zoo.		 This happy little Chinese girl seemed to be reading the brochure that she was holding.
This happy little Chinese girl seemed to be reading the brochure that she was holding.		 A sleepy panda getting ready for a nap.
A sleepy panda getting ready for a nap.		 The gift shop at the zoo sold lots of panda souvenirs and memorabilia.
The gift shop at the zoo sold lots of panda souvenirs and memorabilia.
This sign suffered in the translation from Chinese to English!
This sign suffered in the translation from Chinese to English!		 View of the East Palace Gate, the main entrance of Summer Palace in Beijing.
View of the East Palace Gate, the main entrance of Summer Palace in Beijing.		 Close-up of guardian lion. It is a male lion because his paw rests on a ball.
Close-up of guardian lion. It is a male lion because his paw rests on a ball.		 An unhappy Chinese boy at the Summer Palace.
An unhappy Chinese boy at the Summer Palace.
Small tourist boats docked at Kunming Lake. They were not in service yet, since it was March.
Small tourist boats docked at Kunming Lake. They were not in service yet, since it was March.		 Empress Dowager Cixi dined here on rainy days, to stay dry and to gaze upon the distant hills.
Empress Dowager Cixi dined here on rainy days, to stay dry and to gaze upon the distant hills.		 Tourist boats with the Knowing Spring Pavilion in the background.
Tourist boats with the Knowing Spring Pavilion in the background.		 Tourists were flocking along the pathway.
Tourists were flocking along the pathway.
View of the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, which was Empress Dowager Cixi’s residence.
View of the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, which was Empress Dowager Cixi’s residence.		 There, I saw a pond, a bridge and landscaping of the imperial garden.
There, I saw a pond, a bridge and landscaping of the imperial garden.		 Exquisite ceiling decorations inside the corridor.
Exquisite ceiling decorations inside the corridor.		 This cute Chinese girl was making bubbles at entrance of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.
This cute Chinese girl was making bubbles at entrance of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.
This old Chinese man must have had a good hand.
This old Chinese man must have had a good hand.		 The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, is where emperors offered sacrifices to Heaven. It is made entirely of wood with no nails.
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, is where emperors offered sacrifices to Heaven. It is made entirely of wood with no nails.		 View from the other side of the doorway looking back at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.
View from the other side of the doorway looking back at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.		 As I exited, I saw this mysterious-looking, hooded Chinese girl checking her cell phone.
As I exited, I saw this mysterious-looking, hooded Chinese girl checking her cell phone.
Front view of the Imperial Vault of Heaven. The round wall surrounding it is the Echo Wall. It reflects sound all around it.
Front view of the Imperial Vault of Heaven. The round wall surrounding it is the Echo Wall. It reflects sound all around it.		 View from the Circular Mound Altar. Its balusters and steps are either 9 or divisible by 9, symbolizing the 9 layers of heaven.
View from the Circular Mound Altar. Its balusters and steps are either 9 or divisible by 9, symbolizing the 9 layers of heaven.		 Close-up of the arched door of the gate looking back into the Temple of Heaven.
Close-up of the arched door of the gate looking back into the Temple of Heaven.		 View of Tian'anmen Square from Nanchang Jie Street in Beijing. It is the largest city square in the world.
View of Tian'anmen Square from Nanchang Jie Street in Beijing. It is the largest city square in the world.
Soldier guarding the Tian'anmen Tower and Mao Tse-tung.
Soldier guarding the Tian'anmen Tower and Mao Tse-tung.		 View of the Great Hall of the People where the National People's Congress is held.
View of the Great Hall of the People where the National People's Congress is held.		 Close-up of the communist logo over the Great Hall.
Close-up of the communist logo over the Great Hall.		 Some unusual light fixtures that adorn Tian'anmen Square.
Some unusual light fixtures that adorn Tian'anmen Square.
These electronic billboards in the square exemplify China's emergence as a technological force in the 21st century.
These electronic billboards in the square exemplify China's emergence as a technological force in the 21st century.		 Revolutionary worker's statue which stands in front of Mao's mausoleum in Tian'anmen Square.
Revolutionary worker's statue which stands in front of Mao's mausoleum in Tian'anmen Square.		 My first stop in Xi'an was at a factory that makes contemporary terracotta warriors.
My first stop in Xi'an was at a factory that makes contemporary terracotta warriors.		 Some of the magnificent terracotta warriors in Pit No. 1.
Some of the magnificent terracotta warriors in Pit No. 1.
Close-up of the warriors.
Close-up of the warriors.		 Behind the foot soldiers were chariots drawn by horses.
Behind the foot soldiers were chariots drawn by horses.		 Head of a terracotta warrior infantryman.
Head of a terracotta warrior infantryman.		 After viewing Pit No. 1, I went to lunch where I witnessed this chef making Chinese noodles.
After viewing Pit No. 1, I went to lunch where I witnessed this chef making Chinese noodles.
Display behind plexiglass at Pit No. 2 of a middle-ranking officer.
Display behind plexiglass at Pit No. 2 of a middle-ranking officer.		 Tunnel leading to the Xi'an city wall, which is one of the oldest and best preserved city walls in China.
Tunnel leading to the Xi'an city wall, which is one of the oldest and best preserved city walls in China.		 Steep stairs going up to the city wall. It's the most complete city wall in China.
Steep stairs going up to the city wall. It's the most complete city wall in China.		 Construction of the first city wall began in 194 BC and lasted for four years.
Construction of the first city wall began in 194 BC and lasted for four years.
City wall view with defensive weapons and tower.
City wall view with defensive weapons and tower.		 Close-up of the defensive tower.
Close-up of the defensive tower.		 A chubby Chinese boy who was on the city wall that day.
A chubby Chinese boy who was on the city wall that day.		 A cute Chinese girl making bubbles in Xi'an.
A cute Chinese girl making bubbles in Xi'an.
Female lion sculpture with a baby on her back.
Female lion sculpture with a baby on her back.		 A large metal urn in front of the Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an.
A large metal urn in front of the Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an.		 The Wild Goose Pagoda was built in 652 during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
The Wild Goose Pagoda was built in 652 during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (618-907).		 Beautiful design going up the stairs.
Beautiful design going up the stairs.
Beautiful bell at the Wild Goose Pagoda.
Beautiful bell at the Wild Goose Pagoda.		 That's my tour guide, Jenna, making an offering with candles outside of the pagoda.
That's my tour guide, Jenna, making an offering with candles outside of the pagoda.		 Buddha image as seen from the outside looking in.
Buddha image as seen from the outside looking in.		 Buddhist monks in orange robes worshipping.
Buddhist monks in orange robes worshipping.
Procession of monks leaving the Wild Goose Pagoda in the rain.
Procession of monks leaving the Wild Goose Pagoda in the rain.		 A magnificent happy Buddha was also on display, protected by plexiglass.
A magnificent "happy Buddha" was also on display, protected by plexiglass.		 Another Buddhist statue on display.
Another Buddhist statue on display.		 Xi'an lion sculpture.
Xi'an lion sculpture.
Me standing in front of the statue of Xuanzang and the Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an.
Me standing in front of the statue of Xuanzang and the Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an.		 Many kinds of dumplings at the dinner show of Sunshine Grand Theater Restaurant of the Tang Dynasty Complex in Xi'an.
Many kinds of dumplings at the dinner show of Sunshine Grand Theater Restaurant of the Tang Dynasty Complex in Xi'an.		 Ornate ceiling of the Sunshine Grand Theater.
Ornate ceiling of the Sunshine Grand Theater.		 The folk dancing is based on the customs of past Chinese dynasties.
The folk dancing is based on the customs of past Chinese dynasties.
These women were playing ancient Chinese musical instruments.
These women were playing ancient Chinese musical instruments.		 The dance was unique and striking.
The dance was unique and striking.		 These women danced like ferry nymphs.
These women danced like ferry nymphs.		 Close-up showing the head ornament.
Close-up showing the head ornament.
Women lined up together to form a hydra-armed Buddha.
Women lined up together to form a hydra-armed Buddha.		 In the blink of an eye, his face changed from red to green.
In the blink of an eye, his face changed from red to green.		 The feather dance is the most famous dance from the Tang Dynasty.
The feather dance is the most famous dance from the Tang Dynasty.		 Photo of a sparse Shanghai skyline in 1994, the year that the Oriental Pearl Tower was completed.
Photo of a sparse Shanghai skyline in 1994, the year that the Oriental Pearl Tower was completed.
Photo of an impressive Shanghai skyline in 2010, with the Oriental Pearl Tower surrounded by many new skyscrapers.
Photo of an impressive Shanghai skyline in 2010, with the Oriental Pearl Tower surrounded by many new skyscrapers.		 View from the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower.
View from the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower.		 Man-made lake in Shanghai's Old Town, which is part of Yuyuan Gardens, a traditional Chinese Ming-style private garden.
Man-made lake in Shanghai's Old Town, which is part of Yuyuan Gardens, a traditional Chinese Ming-style private garden.		 Decorative statue on a building in Old Town.
Decorative statue on a building in Old Town.
I went to the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse, which was was built in 1784 and became a teahouse in the late 19th century.
I went to the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse, which was was built in 1784 and became a teahouse in the late 19th century.		 Exotic tea brewing in a glass. It looks like a science project.
Exotic tea brewing in a glass. It looks like a science project.		 Rooftops of Old Shanghai.
Rooftops of Old Shanghai.		 The new district of Pudong has the tallest buildings in Shanghai.
The new district of Pudong has the tallest buildings in Shanghai.
Strollers and spring flowers at the Bund.
Strollers and spring flowers at the Bund.		 Chinese flags flying over colonial-style buildings.
Chinese flags flying over colonial-style buildings.		 Ornament on the Bangkok Bank Building.
Ornament on the Bangkok Bank Building.		 The spotlights of the flowered wall illuminate the Bund promenade at night.
The spotlights of the flowered wall illuminate the Bund promenade at night.
Front façade and entrance to the Jade Buddhist Temple in Shanghai.
Front façade and entrance to the Jade Buddhist Temple in Shanghai.		 Girl praying in the southern Heavenly King Hall, located on the southern-edge, or front of the temple.
Girl praying in the southern Heavenly King Hall, located on the southern-edge, or front of the temple.		 Statue of Wei Tuo Bodhisattvais, one of the eight divine protectors in Chinese Buddhism. He appears as a general in his armor.
Statue of Wei Tuo Bodhisattvais, one of the eight divine protectors in Chinese Buddhism. He appears as a general in his armor.		 Guanyin statue at the northern entrance. Shan Cai is at her side. Sculptures representing the 53 teachers of his life are above.
Guanyin statue at the northern entrance. Shan Cai is at her side. Sculptures representing the 53 teachers of his life are above.
Outer passageway with Chinese lanterns at the eastern end of the temple.
Outer passageway with Chinese lanterns at the eastern end of the temple.		 A make-believe animal at the temple with coins tossed on him for good luck.
A make-believe animal at the temple with coins tossed on him for good luck.		 Close-up of the reclining Buddha statue.
Close-up of the reclining Buddha statue.		 Hydra-armed Buddha at the temple. It is protected by plexiglass.
Hydra-armed Buddha at the temple. It is protected by plexiglass.
Close-up of the hydra-armed Buddha.
Close-up of the hydra-armed Buddha.		 Jade Buddhas for sale in the gift shop.
Jade Buddhas for sale in the gift shop.		 A sightseeing train going down the Nanjing Road pedestrian shopping street.
A sightseeing train going down the Nanjing Road pedestrian shopping street.		 I admired this window with an impressive lighting fixture inside, which I saw on Nanjing Road.
I admired this window with an impressive lighting fixture inside, which I saw on Nanjing Road.
Shanghai skyline view at dusk, as seen from the cruise ship that I was taking that night.
Shanghai skyline view at dusk, as seen from the cruise ship that I was taking that night.		 Some buildings had billboards on them like the Aurora Plaza and Citi Tower.
Some buildings had billboards on them like the Aurora Plaza and Citi Tower.		 Close-up view of the Oriental Pearl Tower from the cruise ship.
Close-up view of the Oriental Pearl Tower from the cruise ship.		 People aboard the boat on the river cruise that I took.
People aboard the boat on the river cruise that I took.
An illuminated cruise ship coming towards the one that I was on.
An illuminated cruise ship coming towards the one that I was on.		 A maglev train uses magnetic levitation from a large number of magnets for lift and propulsion, which is faster and smoother.
A maglev train uses magnetic levitation from a large number of magnets for lift and propulsion, which is faster and smoother.		 Digital display inside my train indicated a top speed of 431 km/h (268 mph). It felt like I was riding on a jet!
Digital display inside my train indicated a top speed of 431 km/h (268 mph). It felt like I was riding on a jet!		 The Astor House Hotel (or Richards Hotel and Restaurant as it was first known) was established in 1846 by the Richards family.
The Astor House Hotel (or Richards Hotel and Restaurant as it was first known) was established in 1846 by the Richards family.
Red carpet leading into the elegant dining room.
Red carpet leading into the elegant dining room.		 Map of China with star indicating Mount Huangshan.
Map of China with star indicating Mount Huangshan.		 A passing cable car as we approached the summit.
A passing cable car as we approached the summit.		 Snow-dotted pine trees.
Snow-dotted pine trees.
More dramatic views from the Now-I believe-it Peak.
More dramatic views from the "Now-I believe-it Peak."		 People on a trail below.
People on a trail below.		 Lovers leave locks on the mountain to lock in their love.
Lovers leave locks on the mountain to lock in their love.		 A vantage point not for those who are acrophobic!
A vantage point not for those who are acrophobic!
This is called the monkey rock, because it resembles a monkey sitting on top of the peak.
This is called the monkey rock, because it resembles a monkey sitting on top of the peak.		 Dramatic mountain path. It must have been difficult to build.
Dramatic mountain path. It must have been difficult to build.		 Going down the mountain on the cable car, we passed this marbleized granite cliff.
Going down the mountain on the cable car, we passed this marbleized granite cliff.		 These are called the Grandfather and Grandmother rocks. They are looking away from each other because they are estranged.
These are called the "Grandfather and Grandmother" rocks. They are looking away from each other because they are estranged.
Paint brush store in Old Town.
Paint brush store in Old Town.		 Wooden pigs for sale.
Wooden pigs for sale.		 An interesting Chinese building on a corner in Old Town Huangshan.
An interesting Chinese building on a corner in Old Town Huangshan.

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Denny 25-Feb-2013 06:51
Great pictures
Thanks a Million
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