Forbidden City

This morning we were supposed to go to the Temple
Of Heaven but found out when we got there that there was a visiting dignitary (rumour has it that it was North Korean leader Kim Jung Un),so the main building was closed to other visitors until at least noon. Therefore we drove to Tiananmen Square, observed the huge crowds and took pictures of the military without their knowledge. Also took a group photo and ordered a book of Beijing highlights that will also include our group photo $20. Lunch just adjacent to Tiananmen Square after which we walked the length of the square again to the Forbidden City. Spent 2.5 hours in the Forbidden City, walking through six Gates from beginning to end and visiting the concubines’ residence in between. Had to wait for our bus for quite some time as there was some traffic issue. Fortunately, we got to Temple Of Heaven exactly at 4 pm, the last possible time for entry into the attraction. Our tour guide jumped off the bus and ran to the ticket wicket sad got our tickets in time. This place is where the Emperor would worship twice a year and offer sacrifices to the god of harvest. It has been rebuilt a number of times as it is wooden and has burned a few times. Back on the bus for another hour ride to the tea house where we had a tea ceremony and the opportunity to purchase tea. Back on the bus to our restaurant for the evening. It was Sichuan and the highlight was Peking duck. Everyone said it was the best meal to date. Risa provided information about tomorrow’s travel plans but I was sleeping. The one hour ride back to the hotel always puts me to sleep, especially as we are still experiencing jet lag.Read more