Outside Forbidden City, Beijing 383

Mao looms large over the Forbidden City in Beijing. He also makes a strong appearance on every denomination of Yuan bills. The people's feelings about Mao seemed more sentimental and gentle to me than fearful or worshipful, though I didn't have a chance to ask many people about this.

The Forbidden City is closed at night but this scene was a very popular place to "hang out" and after dark this part of the street, opposite Tiananmen Square, was alive with strolling visitors to the heart of Biejing.