Temple of Supreme Harmony 太和殿
The Forbidden City is arguably the largest open air museum in China, encompassing several city blocks. It is a wonderful piece of history conveniently located in downtown Beijing. Actually, if it weren’t for the Forbidden City, there might not have been a Beijing. Throughout the centuries, it stood the test of time amid the relentless surge of tourists eager to see what lies within its walls. For all that it was made out to be, it is truly a magnificent piece of architecture. It has also served as a symbol of Chinese architecture and it has inspired numerous other structures, not just in China, but also in other countries, such as the Imperial Citadel in Hue, Vietnam. Not much knowledge of history is needed here but visitors will be able to better appreciate the place even more with knowledge of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Looks Like There is No One Around
As usual, a visit to a Chinese tourist attraction is beset by the normal nuances, chiefly the huge number of tourists that pour through its gates. You will probably find yourself struggling to get a good angle without people when taking photos, but you would be surprised when you suddenly find yourself all alone. The Forbidden City is right at the center of the Chinese world and it will help you understand what make the country tick. It used to be the enclave of royalty, and yet now anyone can go in. Thus, this also serves as a reminder of how times have changed for these people.
This place should not be missed in an first time trip to Beijing. It may be crowded, but it is immensely interesting. It might be better to schedule it at the latter part of your trip since it is very easy to get to. Getting here is just as simple as taking the train.
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