A long day of walking in the Forbidden City. The whole Palace idea was always carrying a sense of mystery. Arriving at the north gate, we
already felt the power of the tourist industry is Beijing. Groups of tours were already lining up at the entrance. We sneaked through the
crowds and went past into the backyard of the Palace.
I felt small in the palace, where the back was the residence for the many wives of the Emperor. It did not impress me at all. Anyways, as we
kept walking into the heart of the city, I found that the palace was not built for luxury or for fun. Rather it was quite barebone. There weren't
many trees or ponds in the palace. In the dry climate of Beijing, it would be so cold in the winter, and so hot in the summer. I don't think
I want to be here as a Emperor.
So the history proved itself, since the 3rd Emperor in the Qing Dynasty, the Emperor moved to live in Yuan Ming Yuan, where he extensively built
a new palace garden where a emperor can enjoy, where it would be full of trees, ponds, different architecture. Leaving the original palace, the forbidden
city the only place for best festivals and official business.
Bought my ticket ...
Dont know how many people and how long it took to make it ?
Still quite rustic.
The Red hats gang .... stay away!
No longer sponsored by the American Express .... sad !
Phoenix (Empress) on the left, and Dragon (Emperor) on the right.
I am not kidding, it was this crowded.
It took me a long time to wait out all the people.
My favourite pic!
There are 9 little dragons above each gutter, representing long live the king.
I love the setup of this picture.
Left, left, left, right, left.
The most representative of the Forbidden City.
The little blue sign says, 'DO NOT COME IN', very unwelcoming !
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