The Forbidden City was the palace of each emperor throughout the Ming Dynasty and the Qing Dynasty. The emperor, his family (many many many wives and concubines) and household lived here. It is the 'Forbidden' City because it was off-limits to everybody else.
While trying to take this photo of David a group of people walked down the stairs behind me and straight through the shot. It was very convenient travelling with a husband who is a little taller than the general population - I could always find him when we got separated and you can still pick him out in a crowded photo.
Looking across some rooftops in the Forbidden City. Interestingly when David visited here previously he could barely see past the second or third row of rooftops. We were very lucky to get a day where you could see right through to the mountains. If you expand the picture and look closely you can even see some kites flying above the tallest roof.
The Hall of Preserving Harmony. The pathway ascending up behind me is a 250-tonne marble path carved with dragons and clouds. It was transported across Beijing using an ice path. Only the emperor was allowed to use the marble path. He was carried up and down in his sedan chair.
A closer picture of the Gate of Heavenly Peace. You walk through the gate to reach the Forbidden City. There are seven bridges crossing a stream that bring you across to the gate. Previously only the emperor was allowed to use the middle bridge and door.
The Gate of Supreme Harmony.
Bronze lion statue guarding the Gate of Supreme Harmony.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony. This is the largest building in the Forbidden City. It was used for the emperor's wedding ceremonies, birthdays, coronations and other ceremonial occasions.
Rubbing an urn for good luck. The urns used to contain water for putting out fires.
David picking up his good luck at a less crowded urn that required a slightly longer arm span to reach.
While trying to take this photo of David a group of people walked down the stairs behind me and straight through the shot. It was very convenient travelling with a husband who is a little taller than the general population - I could always find him when we got separated and you can still pick him out in a crowded photo.
Looking across some rooftops in the Forbidden City. Interestingly when David visited here previously he could barely see past the second or third row of rooftops. We were very lucky to get a day where you could see right through to the mountains. If you expand the picture and look closely you can even see some kites flying above the tallest roof.
The Hall of Preserving Harmony. The pathway ascending up behind me is a 250-tonne marble path carved with dragons and clouds. It was transported across Beijing using an ice path. Only the emperor was allowed to use the marble path. He was carried up and down in his sedan chair.
Comments