Beijing D3 - The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, known widely as the 故宫 and 紫禁城 is my favourite place in Beijing during this holiday. And i would certainly make a revisit again.

Recalling our trip to Taipei's National Palace Museum, some 14 years ago, the local Taiwanese tour guide had taunted the idea of ever visiting Beijing Forbidden City, calling it an "empty building with nothing to see". Now i say, he must have never been here...

Parade Ground facing "Hall of Supreme Harmony", 太和殿

I shall not field you photos nor statistics and history of this palace cos it would just be a weak repetition from books and the Internet. You got to be here to feel it; albeit the really rowdy crowd of tour groups, all jousting for a piece of the national history.

Rent an automatic guide (Audio Guide Device) that comes with a location indicator from the ticket office and you be ready to go on your path in this lonesome city of walls. The audio guide plays automatically as it senses your location, and tells you ancient stories and events relating to the rooms/ courts that you entered. It is wonderful! Our understanding and appreciation of the Forbidden City are greatly enhanced.

I left with a heavy heart though, learning that life behind these tall red walls ain't one to be envious of. You could just feel this place...