A city within a city

We all have seen on TV those haunting images of the empty courtyards and the intimidating, magnificent buildings of the Forbidden City. I’ve always thought of it as a ghost city, deprived on its inhabitants since the last emperor was moved out. Let me tell you: when you’re in there with hundreds, possibly thousands of people, the Forbidden City (or Palace Museum, as it is officially called nowadays) feels a lot less majestic. It didn’t help that some of the major buildings were under renovation for the 2008 Olympics and that we only had one morning too see the whole compound. On top of all that, despite the earlier haze, the day became hotter and hotter, until it was almost unbearable to walk around.

It’s a huge maze, courtyard after gate after courtyard, dozens of administrative buildings and many more residential ones, plus a vast garden with trees and rocks. Soon you lose track of which bedroom belonged to which empress, or of how many different audience chambers there are. It is still amazing, and there’s so much history about its residents and so much symbolism in the way it was built, down to the smallest ornament. You could spend literally days there, provided you have the time, a map and/or a very patient guide. I definitely recommend getting there as soon as it opens, to try to beat both the heat and the crowds and to make the most of your time.