Ever since viewing the film The Last Emperor in 1987 I have been fascinated with the Forbidden City. Without a doubt this was a major highlight of my trip to Beijing. I'd rather not try to document the history of this formidable city here because it's complex so please refer to the link for a summary. Yes I was blown away to finally realise this dream and I soaked up every facet of this wondrous place and it's history.
The photos are a small selection of the many I took on the gloomy day we ventured through the enormous gates.
Oh yes, another jaw dropping, pinching myself experience!
One evening after our return home we sat through The Last Emperor for probably the sixth time and recalled different locations from the palace and spent the best part of two hours yelling out 'been there'!
Truly this is a must see during a visit to Beijing and I hope these photos give some reflection of the fascinating history of the incredible Forbidden City.
Annie xx
Absolutely stunning photos of the Forbidden City! I have never been there, though Mr Red Cardinal has, and I would love to see it.
ReplyDeleteYou have set me wondering if Beijing could work as a side-trip next time we head to Ottawa :)
I really liked the Last Emperor film - and we too yell out Been There at every opportunity when watching movies!
Patricia.. if you can work it into your schedule I would highly recommend making the effort especially if you have any interest in Chinese history.
ReplyDeleteJust left a comment at red cardinal, have you sorted your computer problems?
What amazing amazing photos.. how can you ever forget such a trip.
ReplyDeleteMy dream for years has been to go to China.. I also learn a few new words with the chinese people who own a shop in our local village.. now i can greet them in mandarin.. Fascinating people ..A country full of rich history.
The story of The Last Emporer was astounding..a great film, that i too have watched a few times.
So glad that you have had the chance to go there and see it all first hand.. how wonderful..
thanks for sharing your super photos.. a wonderful blog.. best regards val
Val.. I congratulate you on learning some Chinese words. One day you may get to use them in the Forbidden City...you never know!
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More utterly gorgeous photos - how breathtaking it looks! Thank you for sharing these. Wonder how long Mao's pic will remain?
ReplyDelete'Been there' is my husband's favourite way to be annoying - unfortunately he HAS been everywhere! I'm only safe watching films about penguins! xxx
Mrs E.. Oh I don't think Mao is going anywhere, he seems to be very well entrenched in Beijing.
ReplyDeleteYou do make me laugh...penguins!
Wow, what an amazing and intriguing place. I would love to visit there - so much history!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos Annie. The "Been There" story sounds familiar, when our family watches most American films that's all we hear constantly! lol The kids love the fact they know and have been where that scene was shoot! Looks like an awesome holiday. As soon as we always get home from a holiday, we just want to turn around and go somewhere else. Have a great weekend. x Jode
ReplyDeleteHi Annie, Just caught up. Love the photos of The Wall. Spectacular. My second favourite photo is of the matching fairy lights, on and off the telly. Loving the blog :-)
ReplyDeleteMorgan.. It's brimming with history, absolutely everywhere one looks.
ReplyDeleteJode.. the 'been there' game is a fave with us too. Yes it's great to be home but I'm always thinking of the next trip.
Paddy.. thanks, happy you like the blog and as for fairy lights I love them, makes a space feel a little magical I think.
Wonderful photos, the trip must have been so fascinating for you!! Glad to hear you had a marvelous time.
ReplyDeleteI love playing the 'been there' game too...lol
Fabulous photos! I bet you were pinching yourself the whole time. A-M xx
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