Much to discover in the Forbidden City

Door handle Tai Miao 2015 (Bruce Connolly)

It is very difficult to appreciate the scale and architecture of the Forbidden City in Beijing by seeing it from ground level. It is best appreciated from above and a great view of this can be had from the hill in Jingshan Park directly north of the Palace. Bruce is talking with historian Jeremiah Jenne who often leads groups through the Palace and regularly finishes at the Jingshan hill so they can appreciate where they have been. He also usually starts at the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall at Qianmen where visitors can have a view of a model taking in much of the entire city.

Forbidden City - South Gate around 2000 (Bruce Connolly)

Forbidden City from Jingshan Park 1996 (Bruce Connolly)

In this feature they talk of the problem obtaining tickets and how advanced booking is essential to ensure entrance at a chosen time.  Experiencing the Forbidden City people generally move south to north - however several newly opened attractions east and west of the main line are much less crowded. Often  this is where every day life previously took place in the Palace, not in the large halls.

 
Forbidden City guardians 1997 (Bruce Connolly)

Forbidden City in early winter 2005 (Bruce Connolly)

Nearby, southeast of the Forbidden City, lies Tai Miao where fewer people visit and is often a better option for appreciating the architectural styles of the period.

Forbidden City south west wall 1995 (Bruce Connolly)

Jingshan Park is also a place to  experience local Beijing life - the singing and dancing is much appreciated by the visitors.

Zhengyangmen Tower Qianmen 2000 (Bruce Connolly)

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