The Forbidden City

     The Forbidden City was closed for over 200 years to any visitors. It was opened to the public in 1949 to the outside world. This has been on my top five things to check off on my bucket list and here I stand at the door to this beautiful holy palace. 

   The palace is surrounded by a huge wall and lake in order to protect the palace and the Emperor. With thousands of people visiting everyday, it's better to try and visit early in the morning. It's the top attraction to see in Beijing and well worth seeing. 

 

    We walked a few miles from our hostel to get here. Luckily we are staying right behind Jing Shan park which is next to the Forbidden City. The city is easy to get around by foot if you stay in the older part of Beijing. 

     

    The city walls and doors are about 20 feet high and made of solid wood. The architectural details are so rich in detail.  

 

    The ticket to get in was 60 yin, which is less then $10. Definitely worth the money to see this amazing historical site. 

     I'll have to say our first day in Beijing exploring has been interesting. It's totally different then anything I have seen before in my travels. The people are different and their customs are very different from ours, but they are very friendly when approached. We have had an amazing first day in China.