For most os us, China’s been a land of mystery for decades. Western cultures are based on individualism rather than collectivism. In our societies, there’s an emphasis on individual rights rather than placing the entire society above one’s self. This is clearly different in China where the country and society as a whole are valued above the individual. Politically, we’re diametrically opposite. The politics of the People's Republic of China takes place in a framework of a unitary Marxist–Leninist one-party socialist state under the absolute rule of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Chinese political system is authoritarian. American ideology is centered on liberal democracy and capitalism, and our global politics in the second half of the Twentieth Century were defined by opposition to the Marxism–Leninism of the Soviet Union and its Eastern Bloc. In recent years, that opposition has focused on China, particularly its unfair trade practices and theft of intellectual property, as well as its bellicosity towards Taiwan and her other Southeast Asian neighbors. Despite the cultural differences and political tensions, I was anxious to visit the country when an opportunity presented itself for my first business trip there and made arrangements for travel to both the capital city of Beijing and bustling Shanghai.
With my Chinese Visa affixed to my passport, I made my way to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport for the non-stop United Airlines flight to Beijing. My first stop was the former United International First Class Lounge located next to Gate C18 in Terminal 1. The receptionists there were always welcoming and appeared eager to assist any passengers needing special assistance. I always found the lounge to be a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of the busy terminal and appreciated the fine selection of hot and cold snacks, in addition to the top-shelf spirits, wines and beers, coffee, teas and soft drinks. At the time, the carrier was operating a Boeing B777-200 on the daily route which departed from Gate 16 on the B Concourse of Terminal 1. Boarding was on time and, after a greeting from the purser, I settled into Seat 2A on the port side of the aircraft. Two pillows, a blanket, slippers and noise-cancelling headphones were waiting at my seat, which was only one of eight in the First Class cabin that was organized in two rows in a 1-2-1 configuration. Although not overly private, these seats were spacious and very comfortable. Flight attendants soon offered pre departure beverages and distributed menus and amenity kits to those of us in the forward cabin. We took off on time at 11:35 AM.
Within 30 minutes’ time, cocktails were served along with warm mixed nuts in ramekins and flight attendant then took our lunch orders. Once tray tables were set with linens and flatware, the service began and I’m happy to report, this is where the flight attendants started to shine. Their meal presentation service was prompt and professional, and they were very attentive and proactive. The warm appetizer consisted of a Vegetable Spring Roll and Coconut Shrimp Skewer with Mango Chutney followed by a Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Bisque. Next was a salad of Fresh Seasonal Greens, including Roasted Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Baby Mozzarella and Croutons for which I selected the Blue Cheese Dressing. Of the four entrées offered, my choice was the Short Rib of Beef served in a Red Wine Sauce complimented by Amarillo Mashed Potatoes, Fine Green Beans and Carrots. I chose the Dry Creek Vineyard Limited Production Meritage to accompany my meal. Blended with several Bordeaux grape varieties, the wine was full bodied and a good choice to enjoy with the beef. A selection of International Cheeses was then offered before United’s signature Ice Cream Sundae was presented with a wide variety of toppings. After all that, it was time to check out the films on offer before putting my seat into lie-flat mode and drifting off into a very relaxing four-hour nap.
The balance of the flight passed quickly and, following some 13 hours and 35 minutes in the air, we landed at Beijing Capital International Airport shortly after 2:00 PM the next afternoon. (The new and larger Daxing International Airport had not yet opened at the time this journey took place.) After going through the necessary Customs & Immigration procedures, I took in the sights from a taxi window for nearly an hour en route to the JW Marriott Hotel located some 17 miles away. At 23 stories tall, with 588 rooms and suites, the hotel is located in the Chaoyang Central Business District and part of China Central Place, a complex featuring offices, exclusive shopping and residences. Check-in was quick and efficient and my 452 square-foot Executive King-room had all the comforts of home. These included a small sitting area with sofa, chair and ottoman, writing desk, 42-inch LCD TV and DVD player (with movies for rent) in-room safe, three phones, high-speed Internet access, and evening turndown service. The marble bathroom was equipped with an oversized bathtub and separate shower with upscale amenities, robe and slippers. As a Lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Member, I was also granted complimentary access to the Executive Lounge on the 15th Floor which included breakfast and evening canapés with drinks for a fee. With an indoor pool, a celebrated spa, and a 24/7 fitness center, along with two lounges and two restaurants, the JW Marriott was the ideal place for me while in China’s capital city.
Despite its ever-present smog from industrial pollution, Beijing proved to be a fascinating locale to explore during my free time. I started out visiting the monumental Tiananmen Square which will be forever associated with the tragic June 1989 massacre of pro-democracy demonstrators. This sad history notwithstanding, the massive square is something to see. The granite Monument to the People's Heroes is showcased at the center of the square. Built in 1952, it’s the largest monument in China's history. “The People's Heroes are Immortal” wrote Chairman Mao and those words are engraved on the monument. Eight very large relief sculptures portray the development of modern China and two rows of white marble railings enclose this simple yet beautiful monument. Just West of Tiananmen Square is the Great Hall of the People. This building, erected in 1959, is the site of China’s National People's Congress and also serves as an impressive site for other political and diplomatic activities. The Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao lies at the south side of the square. This building is divided into three halls and Chairman Mao's embalmed body lies in a crystal coffin in one of them surrounded by fresh floral bouquets. While I found it a bit unnerving, it’s a revered site for patriotic Chinese nationals. Finally, the National Museum of China at the east side of Tiananmen Square is a combination of a Chinese History Museum and Chinese Revolutionary Museum. This national museum faces the Great Hall of the People. Inside the Chinese Revolutionary Museum are many objects depicting the development of modern China while the Chinese History Museum showcases a large number of cultural relics illustrating the country’s long history from ancient times to 1921 when the last emperor left the throne.
Directly opposite the square is the imperial complex known as the Forbidden City. Commissioned in 1406 by the Yongle emperor of the Ming Dynasty, it was first officially occupied by the court in 1420 and was the former Chinese imperial palace and winter residence of the Emperor of China. The complex was so named because access to the area was barred to most of the subjects of the realm. Government functionaries and even the imperial family were permitted only limited access as the emperor alone could enter any section at will. The 178-acre compound was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 in recognition of its importance as the center of Chinese power for five centuries, as well as for its unparalleled architecture. I found it to be massive in scope. The Forbidden City is composed of more than 90 palace compounds including 98 buildings and surrounded by a moat measuring over 170 feet. Although it’s no longer an imperial precinct, it remains one of the most important cultural heritage sites and the most visited museum in the People’s Republic, with an average of eighty thousand visitors every day.
My time for touring was short in Beijing and the next stop on the itinerary was Shanghai. I’ll tell you all about my visit there in a future post.
Until next time…safe travels.
Yep, ... Not sure an embalmed body of Maggie Thatcher would be so revered in the UK !