The Fabulous Forbidden City

Forbidden City – Picture of canal.

The emperor could ride a boat from here to the Summer Palace.

For many visitors, the Forbidden City (紫禁城) is the highlight of China. It was the Imperial Palace of the Chinese emperor from 1420 until 1912. Today, it's known as the “Palace Musuem” (故宫博物院) because it houses a large number of ancient Chinese artifacts. It has 980 rooms, and the buildings exemplify China's ancient architecture. The compound was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. With 14 million annual visitors, it is the most visited museum in the world. Will you be among them?

Forbidden City – Picture of tour.

Come, join my tour group!

Forbidden City – Picture of square.

The Forbidden City can get crowded. Luckily it's full of large pavilions.

Forbidden City – Picture of city.

The city is in the center of Beijing.

Forbidden City – Picture of temple.

One of the temples inside the city. Remember, gold roofs are for emperors only.

Forbidden City – Picture of people.

Sometimes rock stars show up at the Forbidden City. Don't believe me? Just look at all of the paparazzi!

Forbidden City – Picture of Dragon Turtle.

Dragon Turtle, Dragon Turtle, does whatever a turtle can.

Forbidden City – Picture of stairs.

An elaborate carved staircase.

Forbidden City – Picture of thing.

The Forbidden City is also a museum, full of ancient artifacts.

Forbidden City – Picture of clock.

There's a large clock room with timekeeping devices from around the world.

Forbidden City – Picture of paint.

Everywhere you look, there are intricate carvings and paintings.

Forbidden City – Picture of statue.

There are many statues in the Imperial Garden, including this elephant with backwards elbows.

Forbidden City – Picture of park.

Just north of the Forbidden City is Jingshan Park.

Forbidden City – Picture of moat.

A moat surrounds the Forbidden City. This is the “First Ring” of Beijing.

Want more photos of the Forbidden City?

More photos from my first trip
Photos from my second trip

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