the Forbidden City.

Entering the Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City lies just beyond the Gate of Heavenly Peace and was originally constructed between 1406 and 1420 by over a million laborers to showcase the Emperor's power and wealth. Over the next 500 years, the complex was added to many times over by successive emperors and today is comprised of over 800 buildings. The 14 Ming and 10 Qing Emperors who resided here lived a life of absolute luxury, sealed off from their kingdom on the outside.

The Forbidden City truly is a city unto itself.

It wasn't until 1949 during the People's Revolution that the City was first opened to everyone. Today, the city is remarkably well preserved and acts as a window into the rich dynasties that rules for centuries. It is not just foreign tourists who flock here. Many Chinese come to see the splendor that was kept hidden from them for so long.

All of the renovation takes place by hand. It can take ten years to complete one section.

But the payoff is well worth it.

The detail is extremely impressive, not to mention beautiful.

I particularly love the names of the various halls and palaces found in the Forbidden City. A sampling includes the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, and the Thousand Autumns Pavilion. Each hall was built at a different time under a different Emperor and stands as a testament to that Emperor's reign.

Inside the Hall of Preserving Harmony

The physiology may be off, but skill of the craftsman certainly isn't.

It surely was a sight when these hand carved fountains sprung alive.

This zoomed in shot shows just one corner of a rooftop, the details are incredible!