China # 19 Bejing Forbidden City

The Forbidden City has so much interesting history. Built between 1406 and 1420 it was the home of the Emperor and his household for five centuries and since 1987 it has been a world heritage site.

There are large pots all around the buildings...what do you think was their purpose?

There are so many visitors trying to get a view through the door can be quite difficult. To get the picture of the throne I held my phone camera up and hoped for the best, so I'm quite pleased with the result.

Just look at the colour and detail on the building it really is spectacular.

Hope you've enjoyed this little glimpse into the city.

Archives:
2008: I'm off to Corfu today
2007: Witty Wednes-21 Wise Words
2006: Aching Legs

China # 18 Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City

I don't think anyone will ever forget the awful images of the fateful demonstration that took place in Tiananmen Square back in 1989, when hundreds of protesters lost their lives.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect, and from these pictures it's difficult to capture just how vast an area this square covers.
Below is the first glimpse we got as we walked across from where our coach was parked. This is looking across towards an entrance to the Forbidden City.

It's quite a sombre place even with the sun shining on it.



Below is a Monument to the Peoples Heroes and behind is the Great Hall of People

Walking towards one of the entrance gates of the Forbidden City (will tell you about that in another post).

Just to give you a taster below is one of the Watch Towers that are positioned in each corner of the Forbidden City. There is also a moat with Willow trees growing alongside.

I'm pleased to have seen it but out of all the places we visited, Tiananmen Square, is one place that I would not want to visit again.

Archives:
2008: Goji Bush
2007: Catching up
2006: Manic Mondays