Essential Travel Experience #27 – Gain Access to the Forbidden City

  For hundreds of years, access to the Forbidden City, the residence of the Chinese Emperor and his regime, was strictly “forbidden.” Only “approved” individuals were allowed within the walls, and their visits were carefully controlled.

   Now, however, all has changed. The once-Forbidden City is now open to visitors, both Chinese and foreign (as long as you are willing to pay the prescribed admission). To me, this was an exciting experience — to enter a previously “verboten” area is a sign that much has changed in China.

     Here are some pictures from our visit to this fascinating place.

Gate of Heavenly Peace

   Inside the walls are a number of pavilions and gates.

Gate of Heavenly Purity

  and

Hall of Supreme Harmony

  We even had access to the Emperor’s private gardens

In the Emperor's Garden

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