Entering the Forbidden City

Naturally, one of the biggest attractions in Beijing is the Forbidden City. Created early in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Forbidden City was the home to emperors for 500 years. Meant to inspire fear and respect from any visitors, it is a palace and fortress on a grand scale. Unfortunately, not only were we fighting temperatures in the mid-90s but also thousands of Chinese tourists.

I can't help but think that many of the emperors would be appalled by the smiling visage of Mao on the Tiananmen Gate. But some of them, like Mao, did have a peasant background.