Thursday, January 20, 2011

"Beijing Day 1 Part 3"

We leave behind the Hall of Supreme Harmony...
Beijing 2010 Trip 459 (Large)
to move to the remaining two halls:

Beijing 2010 Trip 470 (Large)
Hall of Complete Harmony

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where the Emperor prepares himself before going into the Hall of Supreme Harmony

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and the Hall of Preserving Harmony.

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This hall has many purposes, to hold banquets, exams...

Beijing 2010 Trip 472 (Large)
Both these halls are also seated on these marvellous 3-tier marble terraces.

Beijing 2010 Trip 509 (Large)
This is also where you can find the largest stone carving in the palace..

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And finally we reached the end of the Outer Courtyard...

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Guarded by a pair of these lions

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Ornate red wall separating the courtyards

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By this time we were starving, so we grabbed a quick (and pricey) bite in one of the shops inside, before continuing our journey further!

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