The Lama Temple is one of my favorite places to visit when in Beijing. It is also known as Yonghe Lamasery which means “Palace of Peace and Harmony.” 

The site contains some of the most astounding architecture in all of China. The buildings display a mix of Han (Chinese) and Tibetan architectural styles. The temple was built in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty. Originally it was built as a residence for court eunuchs of the previous dynasty, but later was converted as a residence for Prince Yong (Yinzhen). In 1722 half of the residence became a lamasery for Tibetan Monks. The temple is home to both the Drum tower and the Bell Tower which I have mentioned in previous blogs. As I’ve said in previous blogs, this area is my favorite Hutong in all of China. The Lama temple is a popular tourist destination, but it is still a working temple. Many people visit the temple to offer up prayers and incense. I was so happy that the group was able to visit the Lama Temple. Unfortunately, Kathy and I were unable to join the group for the visit. Still too much work to prepare to meet with Hanban headquarters and our visit to Changchun.

Lunch was held at another beautiful Chinese restaurant in a private room with a large round table. Also joining us for lunch was Martin Essl and Richard Trappl. Martin Essl is the Founder of the Essl Foundation which founded the Zero Project and Richard is the Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Vienna, Austria. Kathy and I met Richard when we were in Vienna attending the Zero Project conference. The outcome of our meeting with him led to Richard joining us in China and making a commitment to also work to include people with disabilities as a priority with his CI work. “The Zero Project, an initiative of the Essl Foundation, focuses on the rights of persons with disabilities globally. It provides a platform where the most innovative and effective solutions to problems that persons with disabilities face, are shared. Its sole objective is to assist in creating a world without barriers.” (zeroproject.org).

After lunch we all headed to Hanban Headquarters for a meeting. Hanban is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide Chinese language and culture to the world. The Hanban Headquarters has a small, but beautiful museum that displays the history and culture of China. They even have some era period clothing that you can try on and have your picture taken. It’s lots of fun.

The meeting with Madam Jing Wei was very positive. She understood the need for including people who are Deaf into global exchanges. She shared that she has a family member who is deaf.

After the Hanban meeting we headed straight to the airport. We had 6pm flights to Changchun. We were all exhausted at this point, but so much fun to be on a flight together. If you want to have a fun time on a flight always sit next to Shawn. I promise you won’t stop laughing.

Much to our delight when we arrived at the hotel there was a huge banner that announced the conference hosted by Changchun University and St Cloud State University. It was also the banner on every TV screen. So Cool!

After checking into our rooms there was a “late night” snack hosted by Changchun University for our group. When we got to the room we were amazed at the beautiful set-up with fruits, cookies and wine.