China
Between 1949 and 1974 China was closed to all but selected foreign visitors. In the late 1970s, China began vigorously to promoted tourism. However, the government instigated travel restrictions such as who was allowed to visit their country and who was not.
In February 1981, we took an opportunity to travel to China as guests of a Japanese manufacturer. Three of us from the same company and our wives joined other people from the same industry for a total of approximately 100 Americans going off to a mysterious Asian country. We departed San Francisco for a quick stop over night in Tokyo. From there we went on to Beijing.
Since China was only open to Westerners for some seven years and reform was just beginning, we saw most people walking or biking. There were very few motor vehicles and very little public transportation, as I remember, at that time.
We found the people to be friendly and curious.
Beijing
There were no large crowds of Westerners. Actually, I don’t remember seeing any other Westerners except our group. At times we saw many Chinese enjoying the outdoors or going about their business.
The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City was extensive. One could only imagine how majestic it might have been when 24 emperors ruled for almost 500 years. Actually, the city was void of art, furnishings and jewels. It needed repair. Most of China’s extremely valuable art, jewelry and furnishings are in the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan. These priceless artifacts were taken out of China by General Chiang Kai Shek when he and his followers were driven out of the mainland in 1949 by the communists.
Sacred Way
The sacred way is a 4 mile approach to the Ming tombs and is lined with 36 stone statues of officials, soldiers, animals and mythical beasts.
Great Wall
The great wall winding across the horizon still is a wonder to see. Although found ineffective in keeping enemies out, the impressive wall snakes over deserts, hills, and plains for several thousand miles. Today only selected sections of its crumbling remains have been fully restored.
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