Finally got to see the Forbidden City

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We finally made it to the Forbidden City - yay :-) At least Josh, Lachie and I did. Stephen had to work. Best time to visit the hot spots of tourist destinations in Beijing are during the week. Although there are still Plenty of Tour Groups, but not as many locals.

The guidebooks suggest to stay to the outer edges of the Forbidden City and we saw why, the groups seem to go straight through the middle and don't often visit the courtyards on the sides - strangely that is where the more interesting exhibitions are.

The city is huge and there is quite alot to see, needless to say we didn't see it all, after 4hrs we were exhausted especially after our long walk the day before. It is however amazing and a must see.

The boys picked up a rather unique souvinier - A flying Tour of the Forbidden City dvd ie them on a green screen looking like they are flying over the city. Quite amusing to watch.

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Photos

NIne Dragon Wall
Gorgeous wall in one of the inner courtyards of the Forbidden City

Stay in the shadows
The guide book advises to stay to the outside edges of the Forbidden City

Large Courtyards
Through the middle of the Forbidden City there are at least 3 of these large paved courtyards

War Turtle
At least that is what Josh calls it

Beware: Tour Groups
This is why you stay to the edges of the Forbidden City

Grand recieving rooms
There are these rather grand recieving rooms in the Halls running through the middle of the Forbidden city