Beijing
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Instead of building a navy, Cixi built the marble 'Boat of Purity and Ease' in which she would sit and drink tea. |
| We were surprised to hear Russian Folk songs emanating from a Chinese pavilion. An impromptu choir assembles here most days under the leadership of a retired choirmaster. |  |
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Along the shore of lake Kunming runs a 728 meter lavishly decorated corridor. Many of the paintings are new, replacing those whitewashed during the 'cultural revolution'. |
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Reclining in her personal apartments Cixi could watch 380 of her eunuchs perform Beijing Opera. With trap doors and pulley between floors the action took place on three levels simultaneously. Only Chinese held the dubious honour of being opera singers as it was illegal to castrate a Manchu! |
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