We found ourselves at Wangfujing road area searching for a transport to get us to the Forbidden City. It was already 3pm at that time and I knew that we were already late since it’s winter so the sun will set at around 4.30pm. Most of the taxis in the area quoted crazy price so we had to walk a bit further where we found this one unique auto-rickshaw with glass all around. Managed to agree on the price with him and about 5 minutes later we arrived at the entrance of the Forbidden City.
The Auto-rickshaw. photo by RayAllyChina
a view from inside the rickshaw
A few guys approached us at the main gate to offer guide services at some price. We were not keen on taking a guide at first but near the ticket counter, there’s one student whom move towards us and told us that she would willing to guide us through the Forbidden City and the payment was up to us.
We paid CNY40 each for the tickets. Lucky us, as soon as we snap our tickets, the counter closes as it was already 3.30pm. We followed the route from the entrance through all the biggest halls and buildings. Once we’re inside, there were not much visitors, probably because it was already late.
hand carved sculptures made of marble
The girl was sharing pretty much information with us about the history of the place with us throughout the journey. The Forbidden City is actually a royal palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1406 until 1911 when Puyi, the last emperor was renounce. Like always, I won’t be telling u much about the history, u could read more on the Forbidden City’s history in Wikipedia.
Imperial Garden
A shrine at the Imperial Garden
Temperature at that time was around 5-10 degree celcius plus the windy situation made us felt really cold. We keep on our journey until we reach the Imperial Garden area and then we went out through the back gate. I was amused by the beautiful sunset as we were about the left the place.
the freezing lake
sunset
sunset #2
Location Map
View The Forbidden City in a larger map
