The Royal Gardens Behind the Forbiden City
Our arrival in Beijing was accompanied by the, now familiar, feelings of excitement and trepidation as we acclimatise to a new set of views, a new scale and new rhythms.
Beijing exists on a radically different scale to Jinan. Although this scale shift works both ways. Our first meal in Beijing took place in a dumpling bar where the whole restaurant was smaller than our table had been the night before.
The city seems more ordered and much more western or, at least, more international than Jinan. The roads are less lawless (although certainly not safe) and the fact that we are no longer being constantly stared at and having our photos taken show that Beijing is a fully cosmopolitan city. We are also being gently moved into tourist mode. Whilst it would be inaccurate to say that we experienced real China as we travelled between expensive restaurants in our chauffeur driven car, in Bejing we are much more aware of the face that China wants to show to western tourists. This is the China of ancient mythology, of powerful emperors, of vast palaces, of the Olympic games and of exotic landscapes and manicured gardens. This is escapist fantasy China and I, for one, am looking forward to it.
Beijing exists on a radically different scale to Jinan. Although this scale shift works both ways. Our first meal in Beijing took place in a dumpling bar where the whole restaurant was smaller than our table had been the night before.
The city seems more ordered and much more western or, at least, more international than Jinan. The roads are less lawless (although certainly not safe) and the fact that we are no longer being constantly stared at and having our photos taken show that Beijing is a fully cosmopolitan city. We are also being gently moved into tourist mode. Whilst it would be inaccurate to say that we experienced real China as we travelled between expensive restaurants in our chauffeur driven car, in Bejing we are much more aware of the face that China wants to show to western tourists. This is the China of ancient mythology, of powerful emperors, of vast palaces, of the Olympic games and of exotic landscapes and manicured gardens. This is escapist fantasy China and I, for one, am looking forward to it.
Beijing at Sunset
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