In 1989, a series of demonstrations known as the Tiananmen Square Uprising (天安門大屠殺) were led by students from Beijing University and intellects who were then skeptical of the Chinese Communists Party and wanted full-fledge democracy and broader freedom. The uprising left many civilians dead.

Many of such big containers surrounding the palace; in the past filled with water just in case of fire

This instrument used to predict the time of the day (called ri4 gui3 in Mandarin)

景山 situated in the Imperial Garden in the Forbidden City. Concubines were never allowed to leave the palace. So once in a year, the emperor would allow them to ascend this tower to gaze in the direction of their homes.

The Summer Palace served as a summer resort for Empress Dowager Cixi who diverted 30 million taels of silver, said to be originally designated for the Chinese navy (Beiyang Fleet), into the reconstruction and enlargement of the Summer Palace.

The Tower of Buddhist Incense - highest point situated on the Longevity Hill

Long Corridor (长廊) built by Emperor Qianlong for his mother who preferred taking a stroll alone without servants tagging along in the park - so as to shelter her from rain or shine

Kunming Lake in the Summer Palace

Chess board at a Hutong (胡同) - a living quarter in Beijing

Labels: Beijing