Winter in the Forbidden City

In December 2024, I didn't get to see the snow, so I had to make do with the winter scenery. The trees in front of the East Glorious Gate had already shed their leaves, and the yellow glazed tiles and red walls stood out against the blue sky. The Forbidden City was as busy as ever, with tourists everywhere. The moat was frozen, and the city walls cast a shadow on the ice. A flock of white pigeons flew around, adding a touch of life to the majestic Meridian Gate. The Golden Water River was frozen solid, with ice holes every few meters. This is a tradition that has been followed for hundreds of years and is an important part of fire prevention. I was so captivated by the blue sky and white marble railings reflected in the ice that I accidentally dropped my glove into the river! I was both amused and annoyed, but luckily it landed on the ice. A staff member with a long net helped me retrieve it, and I was so grateful! On a clear winter day, you can take photos of the ancient buildings and the China Zun together, and feel the contrast and the changes in history. The lilacs by the Gate of Prosperous Harmony had long since withered, and the crabapple trees in front of the Hall of Literary Glory were bare. The shadows of the trees against the yellow tiles and red walls seemed to tell a story of over 600 years. A cat by the Broken Rainbow Bridge came out for a walk, but it was so cold that it quickly retreated to its den. As the sun set, the flowers on the west side of many halls glowed with a golden light! The architecture of our ancestors was closely related to the angle of sunlight and the changing seasons, always blending in with nature and bringing out its beauty to the fullest! I couldn't help but admire the wisdom of our ancestors.