Tiananmen Square Page 5 : The world's largest public square In the center of Tiananmen Square is the mausoleum of one of history's most controversial figures: Chairman Mao. His body is theoretically kept in the condition it was in death and is viewable by the general public, even after more 20 years. In spite of increasing evidence that Mao was directly responsible for major Chinese famines in the mid-1950s that killed more than 50 million Chinese, he is still revered in a country where all propaganda is carefully controlled. For mind-blowing reading on this period in China's history, see China's Secret Famine. My sister half-threatening to give me something I crave in 104-degree heat: a cold shower. This picture was taken at the monument where the famous June 1989 Tiananmen Square uprising took place. My folks on the Square. My mom had the right idea: Get others to carry your luggage and bring a portable chair. I need to remember this for my next international trip! Can you say crowds? Dealing with a different concept of personal space (there is almost none in China) was a more difficult cultural adjustment than I would have thought. This photo is taken inside the Forbidden City, whose entrance is on the Square. The palace has 9,999 rooms and is absolutely enormous. These critters adorn some of the pagodas in the city and are there ostensibly to keep the evil demons out. Continue to Page 6: More from the Forbidden City Return to Page 4