Drummmm drum drum-drum.

An after-hours tour of the Drum Tower in Beijing. Amazing steep stairs to the top, huge-ass drums to keep the time, and a panoramic view of the Capital City.

What I remember - an unusually large rubber ducky at the entrance gate.

Temple Grounds

Another view of the temple/scholars complex where disconsolate failed test-takers could throw themselves from the well-carved bridge into three feet of carp-infested waters.

A Random Corner

Nothing to see here - keep moving.

A Pagoda

Not to be confused with Abe Vigoda, the Ran Deng Sarira (Burning Lamp Buddist Relic) Pagoda is the tallest in the Beijing area (150+ feet). The base shown in this view is a Sumeru (mythic mountain considered the center of the universe) pedestal with lotus leaves. This is now to be the real center of a new city core area.

What would Abe think?