22 Apr 2018
We met Sunflower Li in our hotel lobby at 9AM and set out on our full day visit of Beijing. A quick taxi ride to Tiananmen Square where we walked around and took in the historic enormity of where we were. Walked past the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao to the Tiananmen Gate and Chairman Mao's Portrait. Sunflower Li took care of all our tickets and we were able to pass through the lines quickly as she shared the proud history of Tiananmen Square and the Chinese people. At each vantage point she would suggest a picture to capture the moment and the significance of where we were. Once past the gate we entered the Forbidden City where Sunflower Li explained the almost 500 year history of the Palace of Emperors. After a walk through the Forbidden City it was off to a small restaurant for a delicious meal. After lunch we walked across the street and entered the grounds of the Temple of Heaven which seemed more like a quiet oasis in the populated city. We watched as people relaxed playing cards while others exercised or strolled along the many flower filled pathways. Once we arrived at the Temple of Heaven, Sunflower Li took time to explain the significance of the Temple from the early 1400's and how the Emperors visited to pray. Our time with Sunflower Li passed by so quickly and soon it was time to say our goodbyes. Thank you Sunflower Li for such an informative tour. You truly are a gem and your constant energy kept us moving allowing us to truly enjoy our experience visiting the beautiful sights of Beijing.