Forbidden Palace

Today was a day of wondering around and seeing Beijing. It isn't quite what was expected, but very close: there aren't vast numbers of people in all places at all times, and there aren't swarms of bicycles cloggin up the roads at all hours. But it has that feel. I think this may just be a winter thing. Plus, it is possible that people drive to work because it is too polluted to ride. A self-fulfilling prophecy if ever I heard one...

In the park just north of the Forbidden City there is lots of the exercising groups, using feathered ball-juggling, disk batting, and ribbon dancing. Beautful and elegant.

One emperor hung himself from here after the people revolted during a terrible famine, when taxation of the poor was the main reason for the deaths (cf Irish famine). At least that is what the info boards say.


The park is full of lovely little buildings

The view of the Forbidden City from this park

Within the Forbidden City are loads of small palaces and a few big ones.
A man-made hill to give all the benefits of hill climbing, without needing to leave the complex



A single slab of marble, moved by digging vast numbers of wells along the routes and pouring water on the road to form at ice trail that could be used to slide.

It is cold (see the frozen river) but very little snow.

I had space and time in some parts, and I really appreciated it

A lovely wall - used to put privacy around the garden without installing a gate or door.

According to the Roger Moore audio commentary, this is the most beautiful roof in the palace (not open to the public). Hard to argue.