The sun was shining again on Friday in Beijing.  We opted to stay local in our own district (the Haidan district) and explore the Great Bell Temple, less than 5 miles from Renmin.  Like many Chinese temples, this one is a series of building that seem to go on and on… and just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s more around the corner.  The temple is home to bells from every dynasty, displayed inside and outside, with the great bell from the Ming dynasty at the heart of it all.  As usual, for me, I can’t keep my eyes off of the ceilings (some painted, some wrapped in colorful paper) and the red paint…

Incidentally, we had the place to ourselves.  Beijing is still quiet as many folks are still off on their new year holiday.  We’ve been told this will all change next weekend when the holiday concludes and everyone is back to work…

Great Bell Temple 1

Great Bell Temple 2

Great Bell Temple 3

Great Bell Temple 4. This building houses "the" great bell...

Great Bell Temple 5

Great Bell Temple 6

4 of us with "the big bell" from the Ming Dynasty behind us...

Elle in one of the galleries. Beautiful displays...

In the hall of "friendship bells" (gifts to China from other countries), Cece located the Korean Friendship Bell and was immediately excited to share with her friend Anna...

Great Bell Temple 7

Quilt image 3