Summer Palace

Nationally, two-and-a-half-hour English language exams are held today, which must be passed to earn a bachelor’s degree. We had to get to the lecture site early. Streets were cordoned off with ropes to prevent traffic from getting too close and disturbing the exam takers. We were stopped at the building entrance and vetted before we were allowed in. The building was then locked. This happens all over China today. These exams are reminiscent of the examination system, complete with rigorous invigilation, of the past dynasties. (It’s 11:30 AM and I can hear the throngs of relieved students walking by after the exam.)

Summer Palace. Went up to the buildings at the highest point. An exerting hike in the heat. Met a Polish family with whom I could exchange a few words. Went to the Hall of Dispelling Clouds and the Tower of Buddhist Incense atop Longevity Hill. Then lower to the Hall of Buddha Confirming His Doctrine, the Site of the Devastated Xumi Holy Land, and finally to Suzhou Street. The latter is a recreation of a part of Suzhou city (on the Yangzi River and Grand Canal), to which we will travel later. The recreation has period shops along a canal and bridges. Lin Biao, the heir designate to Mao actually lived in the Summer Palace. Susan and I were here before, and this is my third visit.

One reported case of home sickness so far, but things appear better today.