The Forbidden City

We were still feeling pretty fresh when we reached the Forbidden City. We knew it was a large area but had no idea just how large. It is such an iconic landmark that there are always thousands of people visiting at any given time.

And what historical site would be complete without a school trip (or 20). We saw dozens of classes alighting from busses and lining up to tour. I cannot imagine being in charge of so many kids in such a crowded space.

The city is completely behind tall walls and at each corner wherever you look there will be towers. The roofs and ceilings are highly decorated and each roofline becomes a work of art.

After passing through several sections we finally came to the ticket area. We had only been in the outer courtyards thus far. 

Finally we were in sight of the Hall of Supreme Happiness. As you can see, each of the courtyards is immense and filled with lots of tourists.

There are sculptures and artworks everywhere you look. Most have a meaning related to Imperial life and Wanda gave us all some great history lessons.

As we neared the areas where the Emperor spent most of his time, we were still being amazed by the enormity of the City and the workmanship that went into it.

When the Emperor would make an appearance, he traversed through a series of halls (one for resting, one for dressing, etc.) and then was carried in a sedan chair down the steps over the large carving in the distance and along the central path. Only the Emperor could travel on this path multiple times. The Empress could travel on the path only one day of her life - her wedding day. And once a year three scholars were named from all those in China to be the top scholars and on that day they could travel the central path. No one else could ever walk there.

Each of the halls has its own throne room. Getting these photos was a real challenge. The openings to view the thrones are very small and getting into see is a free for all. Luckily I can duck under elbows pretty well and thus I got a peek.

The girls reminded us before we went to the Forbidden City to look for the cricket under the throne (reference the movie "The Last Emperor"). As you can imagine, finding the cricket would be impossible even if he were there. However, we found something (or I should say someone) even better. Aisin-Gioro Yuming is a famous poet and calligrapher who is also the nephew of the last emperor. He usually spends one day a week at the Forbidden City and for a donation to the restoration fund for the Forbidden City he will make a special piece of calligraphy for you. Since Ken and I will be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary this year, we had him make a scroll with the double happiness symbol used for weddings. It also has our names in chinese characters and an anniversary wish. 

Ken especially enjoyed his English translator who introduced us and then said not to worry about what we might say because he speaks no English and has no power anyway.

After leaving this part of the palace, we entered the Emperor's gardens. 

The double cypress tree is a special spot for couples and we were no exception. The garden area is beautiful with walkways and pavilions and the most stunning part is a temple built on stones where the emperor and empress would go to watch the full moon.

As we finished our walk through the Forbidden City, we had one last look along the moat.

The sense of history is palpable and you can almost imagine the Emperor strolling the grounds even today.