Lai Afong

“ This fine specimen of Chinese architecture in past ages stands in the extensive plains that supervene between Tung-chow and Pekin, and is one of its handsomest monuments, as before described it is partly built of white marble, and richly carved, the huge slabs of handsome stone work scattered around it is evidence of the former existence of a very elaborate entrance, and other ornamental appendages, but neglect, and ruin seem to pertain here as elsewhere to all the national erections whether for ornament or use. ”

“ The beauty of the sculptures has excited the admiration of all Europeans who have seen them; in 1842 when the English took the town, there was some talk of their carrying off these triumphal arches, and making with them a complete Chinese street in London.” Those who bear in mind the history of the “Elgin marbles," will have no hesitation in giving credence to the Abbés sarcastic remarks upon English eccentricity. 瓊華島
No. 864, PEKIN.
This Buddhist shrine, sometimes called the white pagoda, is built on an Island of the lake within the Imperial park enclosure. ”

“ We have here one of the many court-yards of the temple, very snugly situated at the base of a thickly wooded knoll, this building is called the Silent Chamber; the baluster round the pond is composed of white marble and is handsomely carved, the water lily (the root of which is edible and largely consumed by the Chinese,) may be observed growing on its surface. ”

“ Buddhist temples are very numerous in the capital, this temple is one of the most important in China, and possesses ample accomodation for entertaining Travellers, and Pilgrims, it is built on neighbourhood of the l a slight elevation of the plain, and consists of several court yards in some of which are very handsome shrines, and pagodas. ”

“ Close to the waters edge, there is a small but handsome bridge composed of white marble, which leads to a landing pier, and there are several good sized pavilions as well.
No. 865, PEKIN.
It is no easy matter to get views in the northern capital, the people are very inquisitive, and will sometimes resort to the playful pastime of stone throwing, or by crowding around the Photographers dark tent they will quite obscure the light with their interesting countenances, for these reasons the assistance of a foreign constable is sometimes necessary to keep the crowds back. ”

“ These primitive conveyances are without springs, and for long journeys are generally furnished with two ponies or mules yoked in tandem fashion, none but those who have experienced travelling in these barbarous vehicles can realize the horrors of its joltings, Irish jaunting cars have the nearest approach to the motion, but any one fresh from the luxuries of a London handsome cab, or a Paris voiture, will probably decide to run by its side rather than run the risk of dislocating a limb, or injuring their spine in its locomotion over the deep ruts of a celestial highway. ”

“ No. 853, PEKIN.
The Imperial palace grounds occupy a central position in the Tartar City, and none but banner, men or immediate-followers of the Imperial house hold are permitted to enter its enclosure the visitor to the capital must be satisfied with such views of it as are to be had from the outside, our view gives a portion of one of the pavilions and a Buddhist shrine built on a high mound, a very handsome bridge of white marble spans, the lake and completes a fine landscape. ”

“ The religion of Buddha is very popular in China and was introduced into the country from India early in the first century of the Christian era.
The Monks living in this monastery appear to lead quiet and harmless lives, and judging from the appearance of neglect of even their finest temples they are also very lazy. 碧雲寺內在三門觀上五指塔 No. 893, PI-YUEN-TSZU TEMPLE.
碧雪寺內在三門觀上五指塔
No. 893, PI-YUEN-TSZU TEMPLE.
As we enter the first gateway of this Buddhist temple, a fine long avenue stretches out before us leading to flights of steps and the grand central pagoda. ”

“ South Gate Pekin
No. 848, SOUTH GATE PEKIN.
In this view we have the south wall and south-east entrance called the Tung-ping-mun; this gateway which is close to the right of the tower is entered by travellers from the town of Tung-chow and leads to the outside or Chinese city from which there is another entrance gate through a second wall that separates it from the Tartar city, these walls are well built of solid masonry: On the road which is formed on the top, weeds of a pleasant odour are permitted to grow abundantly, and there is a complete absence of guns. ”

“ No. 921, PEKIN.
The astonishing indifference of the Chinese authorites to the state of the roads in and about the imperial city is here well illustrated, in portions of this vast metropolis the ravages of time is such as leaves the appearance of its having suffered a recent bombardment.
Apathetic by nature and education the celestial citizen traverses its neglected streets apparently quite regardless of the inconvenience caused by the inequality of the roads ”

“ No. 863, PEKIN.
Ornamental archways are very numerous not only in the cities of China, but also in small villages and country places: These structures are called Pas-lou, and are erected as honorary memorials to the memory of virtuous widows, or virgins; Huc when writing of these arches says. “At Ningpo, a celebrated seaport in the province of Tche-kiang, there is a long street entirely composed of such monuments, all of stone and of a rich and majestic architecture. ”

“ No. 867, PEKIN.
We have here a view of the street that divides the Chinese city into north and south; it is one of the principal thoroughfares, and exhibits very fine specimens of native shop fronts all very handsomely carved and gilt: Unlike most other cities of China these streets are very wide, but many of them are very much narrowed by tents, and other temporary erections, built for the accomodation of a poorer class of tradespeople whose sundry wares are well spread about to tempt the passers by ”