Day 5 - Lama Temple & Beihai Park

On our way in to the Lama Temple, a very sacred place for the Chinese people...
This temple is also known as "The Temple of Peace and Harmony." It is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. The building and the artworks of the temple combine Han Chinese and Tibetan styles.

Inside each building, where pictures were not aloud, were all different styles and sizes of Buddhas for the Chinese people to pray and pay homage to their Buddha. They would light incense and burn it as well as give money offerings at the foot of many of the statues.

This was funny, because while I posed for this picture, about ten Chinese people took my picture!!

Jacob standing in front of the beautiful buildings. We walked away wishing we understood more about the beliefs of Buddhism and the meanings of their sacrifices. Of course, now that I'm home, I've been reading about it and it's quite fascinating.

Next up was the Beihai Park - 北海公园 - is an imperial garden to the northwest of the Forbidden City which was built in the 10th century. It is one of the city's largest parks, containing numerous historical structures, palaces and temples. More than half of the park is covered with a lake. Beihai literally means "Northern Sea" and the structures and scenes in the Park are described as masterpieces of gardening technique that reflects the style and the superb architectural skill and richness of traditional Chinese garden art.

The stones lining the staircases were amazing... Up at the top...

After a late night, Juliana and I stayed at the hotel for her to sleep while Jacob headed out to see the city at night time and explore the antique market. He picked up a nice chess set as well as a Chinese chess set. For those of you who don't know Jacob, he collects chess sets from all of the trips we've taken. Someday when we have the space, we'll get to display them all!!

All of the city's buildings are lit up at night and I wish I could have seen it...