A Walk through Peking University

A few weeks ago we took a walking tour through Peking University. This is the west gate. It is common in China for leaders to leave some calligraphy when they visit a location. Many emperors' handwriting is preserved in stone inscriptions. The four characters on this sign are Bei Jing Da Xue or Peking University. This is the writing of Chairman Mao. I'd say handwriting was not his strong suit.

Because my hand Chinese handwriting looks like a 3 year old did it, I feel comfortable identifying bad writing.

This tower is actually a water tower cleverly disguised as a pagoda. I imagine the water looks a little better earlier in the spring before the algae takes over.

We met some of the people in the red scarfs later in the day.

There were a number of families enjoying the day.

Some sort of flower growing from these lily pads. Does that make it a lily?

These guys were having a class reunion. They attended the middle school associated with the university back in the 40s, I believe. They entertained us with stories from their youth.

I still find these tress interesting. Sort of a natural camouflage. Perhaps it is a type of Sycamore?

We also visited the Arthur M. Sackler Museum of Art and Archaeology at Peking University while we were there.

This is the Laishui Man. He dates to 28,000 years ago.

Art and Archaeology seems like a strange combination to me.

The museum is "... a teaching museum incorporating all elements of modern museology, such as modern display techniques, climate control, conservation facilities, storage and security, as well as a training program for archaeologists and museologists." so maybe it makes sense from that point of view.

Some of the art was quite modern. This work is by Anindita Dutta.
Learn more about her here --- > Anindita Dutta.

Mr. Sackler made his money in medical advertising , publications and over the counter drugs.  Learn more at these links.

Arthur M Sackler the person
Arthur M Sackler Museum at Peking Univerisity

The grounds of the university are very nice.

Peking University is considered one of the top 2 or 3 universities in the country.

I have no idea why Cervantes rated a statue on the grounds.

I should note that Peking University was ground zero for organizing the student protests that led to the Cultural Revolution in 1966 and the Tian'anmen Incident in 1989.

Peking University