It’s our third day in Beijing and I’m riding along the streets on our bus still feeling amazed by everything Chinese culture has to offer. Watching everyday life is so different in some regards, yet so similar to American life in other ways. People are riding down the road going back and forth to work like any typical American, yet when I look around I see the Chinese language written on all the road signs which reminds me of where I am. It has truly been eye-opening.

Today we visited the Forbidden City. The architecture of each building was beautiful, covered with intricately painted designs of vibrant red, gold, blue, and green. My favorite part was walking through the entrance beneath the picture of Chairman Mao. I have seen so many pictures of this and the moment was surreal to be standing right below it as I walked into the Forbidden City.

Later, we went to the Temple of Heaven. All of the buildings and stone work were so detailed in design it was breathtaking. My favorite part was walking around and seeing all the people dancing and singing in large groups. It was interesting to observe the array of activities people were engaged in such as playing hackey sack, card games, and flying kites.

Today was so amazing I cannot wait to continue on this fabulous adventure. - Abigail

The AACe group inside the Forbidden City with our guide Cindy. She is a graduate student at the University studying English literature.

The nine dragon tile wall is one of the most beautiful sights.

We had lunch at QuanXinYuan restaurant; another delicious meal!

Ribbon Dancers at Temple of Heaven Park. Temple of Heaven was constructed between 1406 and 1420 during the reign of Ming Emperor YongLe who also had the Forbidden City built during the same period. Learn more here about the Temple of Heaven.

Abigail, Writer of the Day

The beautiful detail at the Forbidden City was repainted for the 2008 Olympics.

We are comfortable moving through the city on our small bus.

At the Temple of Heaven Park many people gathered to play music, dance and enjoy the beautiful day, there was even a chorus of about 50 people.

Students on the dragon and phoenix staircase leading up to the Temple of Heaven; a large circular building.

Left: Charlie takes Abigails photo on the mount altar at the Temple of Heaven, where the emperor prayed for good weather and a good harvest. The circular stone is surrounded by 9 stones, an auspicious number. Each ring of stones is a multiple of 9.