Me too! 2007. Didn't get a looksee at some of the famous buildings. I also did not like the look of freshly painted structures. I loved the side areas, though ... old looking, decayed, and very few visitors! I do realize, though, that upkeep must occur to preserve these sites.
i was there in 2006. i too was a bit disappointed to see all the newly painted buildings. i did not expect all the bright shiny gold and bright colors. but like you said, it has to happen.
Freshly painted Temple of Heaven in 2007. Compare to PTravel's photo in post #10 (which I like better ...)
There's actually a fair amount of controversy over Chinese" restoration" techniques. Talking with the head curator of the Forbidden City (and a westerner), there is increasing attention to preservation rather than just adding new coats of paints. I am hopeful that we'll be able to see a bit more of the subdued colors which I also highly prefer.
Indeed. I had read some articles around the time I went there that were critical of the "restoration," particularly that the techniques were not up to par and, some would say, "sloppy."
I like the summer palace. Despite the number of tourists, you can usually find a quiet place to yourself
I'm paying the price for lagging on organizing my pics. I'm heading to BKK in 24 hours and will be wihtout wifi so have no choice but to concentrate on pics. I'll then be back to share. You all are posting great pics and I'm just jonesing to join in.
Those are Badoling, as is this: I've never understood why people think Badoling is so a bad place to visit.
A good friend has almost the same photo on Flickr.com: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fminyc/3650385116/
Nice pic. I've been to Mu Tian Yu and Jinshanling/Simitai... The latter was wonderful, empty and gloriously decrepit.
Of course there's always entertaining signage on the compound construction sites: Please, no scratching
