Interesting Decors at Xidan Road, Beijing, China

Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China

When viewing Tiananmen Square from the Tiananmen Gate Tower, the following landmarks come into sight: on the left, you'll find the National Museum of China, while in the center stands the Monument to the People's Heroes, with the Monument of Mao Zedong situated behind it. The National Museum of China graces the right side of the Square, with Mao's portrait prominently displayed on the front of the Tiananmen Gate Tower, leading the way to the Forbidden City.

 

 

Changan Avenue lies between the Tiananmen gate tower and the Square

Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China

Tiananmen Square, located in the heart of Beijing, China, derives its name from the Tiananmen gate, also known as the Gate of Heavenly Peace. As the fourth largest city square globally, it covers an expansive area of 440,000 square meters (880x500 meters or 109 acres, 960x550 yards). This square holds immense cultural significance, having been the backdrop for numerous pivotal events in Chinese history.

Since its inception, Tiananmen Square has served as a colossal gathering place, characterized by its vast expanse, juxtaposed with the 38-meter (125 feet) high Monument to the People's Heroes and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Flanking the west side of the Square stands the imposing Great Hall of the People, while the National Museum of China, dedicated to Chinese history preceding 1919, graces the east side.

Changan Avenue, often used for grand parades, stretches between the Tiananmen gate tower and the Square. While trees adorn the eastern and western perimeters of the Square, the square itself is open, devoid of trees or benches. Large lampposts, equipped with video cameras, illuminate the area, and it is closely monitored by uniformed and plainclothes policemen.

Lake Needwood in the Fall

When you least expected, that evening all was quiet and still with many colors.

The Capital Column at the US National Arboretum

I've always cherished visiting the National Arboretum in spring, but this time, I decided to experience its beauty in fall. As I walked in, I braced myself for the usual sight of brown hues. However, to my astonishment, I was greeted by a breathtaking display of vibrant colors right in front of the Capital Column. It was a delightful surprise!

The National Capitol Columns at The US National Arboretum

The United States National Arboretum is an arboretum in Washington, DC., operated by the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service as a division of the Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. It was established in 1927 by an act of Congress after a campaign by USDA Chief Botanist Frederick Vernon Coville. It is 446 acres in size, 9 miles of roadways wind through and connect the numerous gardens and collections on the campus. The National Capitol Columns originally supported the old East Portico of the United States Capitol (1828). The columns were removed during expansion of the Capitol in 1958.

Best of Switzerland - On the way from Lieshensteinshe to St. Moritz

Best of Switzerland - On the way from Lieshensteinshe to St. Moritz