China 12/2016. Beijing

We saw (and smelled) how bad the air can be in Beijing as soon as we arrived that first night. But in the morning things were better due to some helpful breezes. 

On our first day in China, we saw the Temple of Heaven, Tianamen Square, and the Forbidden City

Older people gathering on the walkway to the temple to play games, fun!

The temple

Checking out a gargoyle. 

Roof decoration

I like the geen tile!

In the park by the temple, there were people gathered for many activities, singing, dancing, exercising, hacky sac and this guy twirling a flag.  It seemed like it was mostly seniors there, many of them with young grand kids in tow. 

Tianamen Square

Forbidden City

Pretty and peaceful in the concubine quarters of the Forbidden City

In the gardens