Forbidden City, Beijing 
Even the trees were amazing!
Even the trees were amazing!
Viewed: 447 times.

The Nine Dragon Screen is one of three famous Nine Dragon Screens in China.
The Nine Dragon Screen is one of three famous Nine Dragon Screens in China.
Viewed: 431 times.

Chislon "posing" :)
Chislon "posing" :)
Viewed: 432 times.

Uncle and uncle against the nine dragon display backdrop.
Uncle and uncle against the nine dragon display backdrop.
Viewed: 438 times.

This is the largest nine dragon display in China and the best of them.
This is the largest nine dragon display in China and the best of them.
Viewed: 419 times.

The glazed tile screen was built in 1771 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, and is 3.5 meters high and about 30 meters long.
The glazed tile screen was built in 1771 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, and is 3.5 meters high and about 30 meters long.
Viewed: 425 times.

Composed of 270 glazed tiles, it depicts nine writhing dragons playing with pearls against a background of the sea and clouds.
Composed of 270 glazed tiles, it depicts nine writhing dragons playing with pearls against a background of the sea and clouds.
Viewed: 394 times.

The number of dragons is significant and symbolises the supremacy of the Emperor.
The number of dragons is significant and symbolises the supremacy of the Emperor.
Viewed: 423 times.

Nine is the highest single number, while five occupies the mid-position between one and nine.
Nine is the highest single number, while five occupies the mid-position between one and nine.
Viewed: 374 times.

Hence, the screen is illustrated with nine dragons, with five further dragons in the border.
Hence, the screen is illustrated with nine dragons, with five further dragons in the border.
Viewed: 405 times.

The Chinese dragon, represented yang, the principle of heaven, activity and maleness in the yin-yang of Chinese cosmology and from ancient times was the emblem of the imperial family.
The Chinese dragon, represented yang, the principle of heaven, activity and maleness in the yin-yang of Chinese cosmology and from ancient times was the emblem of the imperial family.
Viewed: 395 times.

The illustration therefore can be interpreted as representing the emperor as the Son of Heaven.
The illustration therefore can be interpreted as representing the emperor as the Son of Heaven.
Viewed: 424 times.

Dad and my aunt taking a moment to relax!
Dad and my aunt taking a moment to relax!
Viewed: 417 times.

Explanation of the 'Jiu Long Bi' (Nine Dragon Screen)
Explanation of the 'Jiu Long Bi' (Nine Dragon Screen)
Viewed: 426 times.

Mum and Kieren at the dragon display
Mum and Kieren at the dragon display
Viewed: 445 times.

A more distant but wider shot!
A more distant but wider shot!
Viewed: 444 times.

Aunt and uncle relaxing!
Aunt and uncle relaxing!
Viewed: 454 times.

One of the many building towers!
One of the many building towers!
Viewed: 429 times.

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