Zijincheng: The Forbidden City

The Forbidden palace may be the world’s largest imperial palace, yet the palace seems so small when you navigate it among the sea of tourists you will encounter on your visit. Nevertheless, this should not stop you from visiting one of the biggest attractions in China that dates from Ming dynasty (completed in 1644). The city is not only an amazing architectural complex, but has the most important Chinese heritage collection in artwork, artifacts and designs (from gardens to ancient buildings). Most of the buildings are made of wood, which different designs in different areas. If you are very attentive, you will notice there are cats but no birds in the Forbidden City. It is said that most of these cats are descendants of the royal cats owned by of the concubines in Ming and Qing dynasties (all the way from 1368!). There are few gardens and a small shop inside the city if you want to buy a tiny replica of some relics, or get yourself a nice souvenir. Keep in mind many areas in the city are still closed due to overall renovations. If you have some additional free time, you can walk a few minutes to Jingshan park. Up the hill you will be able to appreciate the view of the whole city complex (which is approximately 720,000 m2). #architecture #architecturalphotos #urbanexplorer #statue #maydaytrip #happylaborday #beijing #forbiddencity #china #history #archaeology #ancienttomb#oldarchitecture#artgallery