mikes midlife round the world in 96 days

Another arrival at another strange and new country and luckily i find another traveller in bus queue who has returned to Beijing,so we join forces to explore the chinese culture.
First day was off to the Forbidden City and Tianiman Square.The Forbidden city must stretch to a mile long and half mile wide enclosing many temples,gardens and other Ming buildings.While Tianiman Square the scene of unrest and killings in 1989 is patrolled by many secret police and not so secret police.
Next day was off to the Great Wall of China for a 11km trek,which was pretty hard going as some sections have eroded away and the steps are more like rubble.Weather was a bit overcast which made some pics not so good,however it was a great expierience just to be walking on it and looking around in amazement.
Spent a few days at xi'an basically to go and see the terracotta army,and a few other attractions.I was a bit let down with the army,but still glad i went even though its a struggle to get through the masses of tour groups.
Back now in Beijing for 5 days to chill out and catch other attractions.Most of the atractions were the alcohol establishnents,however it did have its good views especially of catching celtic win the scottish cup ...
Last day here and ive been to the summer plalace with a local friend to show me round the last 3 days,handy having your own interpreter for food and directions..and other fun