What an incredible time hop. There are places in this world that inflict a sense of wonder and awe into an individual and the Forbidden City is most certainly one of those. Grand in size and brilliant in color, this sacred fortress stands as a powerful icon to China.
Juan and I thought that our option to visit this incredible palace would have to wait for another trip to Beijing. We were so alleviated when our driver from the previous day helped us locate two tickets during National Holiday. While both foreigners and locals deemed us a tad bit crazy for wanting to explore this area during the busiest holiday in China, we thought it was the perfect occasion to take in the essence of the National Holiday in the capital.
To pre-order tickets online (which is mandatory now) you must order from here.
We began our morning pretty early and biked to the palace walls from our hotel. The line was pretty quick and before we knew it, we were entering the famous tunnel that leads into the first section of the palace. We headed to the right and explored the countless museums that engulf the palace temples. The collection of artifacts from Ancient China are incredible and truly unique. They capture the essence of evolution, innovation, and technological advancements that the Chinese mastered throughout their centuries of existence.
From wartimes, turmoil, and devastation, to growth, expansion, and power; it's safe to say that China’s history is intriguing. I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to live in this country for four years. They may not have all been easy years, but they sure did allow me to grow as an individual and as a human being. China is a wonderful place to travel and there are guided tours in popular tourist areas. You'll find that many people speak English and are very happy to assist you in any way possible. Don't be afraid to jump right in there and do as the Chinese do! Especially when there are big crowds! Happy exploring!