ABSTRACT
Peking is admittedly the dirtiest and most evil-smelling town in the world. Travellers who have experienced the odours and sights of such cities as Seoul, Bagdad and Constantinople, easily give the palm to the capital of China, which a witty foreigner once appropriately nicknamed "PEkin-lesOdeurs." Peking consists of two cities, the "Tartar ".and the " Chinese," having in common one out of the four walls by which each is surrounded. This common wall is pierced by three gates, the Ha-ta-men or Gate of Sublime Learning, the Chien-men or Front Gate, and the Shun-chih-men or the South Straight Gate, which give access from one city to another, and are closed at sunset according to ancient custom. The Western Park or " Si Yuen " inside the Forbidden City is one of the loveliest spots in Peking. Many have seen it silent and deserted during the absence of the court, whilst the city was in the hands of the allies.
