The Temple of Heaven (Day One)

We ( 3 colleagues and I) landed in Beijing at around noon and caught a taxi to the Holiday Inn - Temple of Heaven. we flew China Southern airlines. I had been warned that flights during the National Holiday week could run hours late. Although the flight was full, it was on time.
This hotel is pretty ok by Holiday Inn standards in China..except the satff are not very helpful. The rooms are decent but the air-conditioning could have been better.

We had eaten at the KFC at Beijing airport. For an aiport of a major city, it sucked pretty much. Hardly any restaurant options other than Chinese or American fast food.

After a quick rest, we set off to the Temple of Heaven. 30 Yuan bought us a through ticket.Looking back, this visit did not stand out too much. The 'Temple of Harvests', the most spectacular of all temples, was being renovated and was cordoned off. We entered via the South Gate and walked up North. There were people everywhere, but nothing that would prepare us for Forbidden City the next day.

We spent about 4 hours walking around and then headed back to the hotel. It being the National Holiday, 3 out of the 5 restaurants at the the hotel were closed. Our only option was the International Buffet. Pricy but ok food. 9.00PM - lights out (we had an early start the next day)