The Forbidden City was built in the early 1400s and has been home to 24 emperors from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. It was first turned to a museum in 1925 and became a World Heritage site in 1987.
Looking back at the Meridian Gate, the first of a few we'd be going through...
Looking back at the Meridian Gate, the first of a few we'd be going through...
The Gate of Supreme Harmony in the outer court is a perfect backdrop for a "harmonious couple" photo!
The turtle dragon is said to bring good luck.
The inner court leading to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
If you notice the big bronze pots along the edges of the courtyard, I couldn't help but imagine the fires burning in those pots as the sound of the guards walking their posts drifted through the night....... Turns out those pots were used to hold water. The buildings had burned down a couple of times, so they got smart and kept water on hand!
Hard to believe this carved marble slab is about 700 years old!
I loved how even the ceilings were so ornately decorated. As we went through the city, it was apparent parts of it had been refurbished, so I asked Sunny about it and she said the parts that were used during the Olympics had been "refreshed".
The Hall of Central Harmony is one of 980 buildings in the 7,800,000 square feet city.
The courtyard of the "inner sanctum" where the Ruler of the time actually lived.
Hard to believe something as lovely as this porcelain bowl could belong to someone who is now known as the "Dragon Lady"!!
We had walked in one gate, through the city, and now out another gate, the Gate of Divine Might, in time to get pictures of this beautiful sunset over Beijing....
Then, we were off to dinner and a show!!
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