The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is a place I have always wanted to go and visit.

Chairman Mao now graces the South Entrance Gate where we started our tour.

From 5 Days In Beijing

From 5 Days In Beijing

The palace grounds look spectacular. I can almost imagine the formation of thousands of servants lined up in formations and bowing at the emperor.

From 5 Days In Beijing

It has many palaces and chambers. Each one was devoted to or for a specific purpose. So many visitors, I, myself, wanted to visit because of the movie "The Last Emperor."

From 5 Days In Beijing

From 5 Days In Beijing

From 5 Days In Beijing

This is one of many throne rooms where the Emperor held his courts.

From 5 Days In Beijing

From 5 Days In Beijing

I think The Forbidden City needs more restoration and preservation. I saw some of the paint chipping and fading. And I don't think it can withstand so much foot traffic. Many of the stones are breaking or blackening up.

From 5 Days In Beijing

I'm glad to have seen it in-person in my lifetime.