The Forbidden City

Interesting Websites:
Interactive Map of the Forbidden City
Another Interactive Map of the Forbidden City with Detailed Descriptions (Google Earth Overview too.)
Printable (PDF) Map of the Forbidden City

Video:
The Forbidden City
(2004 United Learning video segment [6 minutes])



Ornate door with nine nails


The whole city was built on a slight tilt so that rain water would drain properly

Water drainage built into the walls

The Dragon stairway

The Dragon

Elephant sculpture


Emperor's umbrella

From Tiananmen Square

From Tiananmen Square 2

From Tiananmen Square 3

From Tiananmen Square 4

BeijingForbiddenCityGateofHarmony.jpg

Only the Emperor walks in the middle path

The Dragon river through the Forbidden City


The male lion

The female lion




Portrait of Mao - China's last emperor?

Meridian Gate


Outside the Forbidden City

Forbidden City Moat

Forbidden City Moat 2

Forbidden City Moat 3

Northern Gate

Ornate Railings

From outside the Forbidden City

The walls of the Forbidden City

Police drills

Police drills within the city

Roof artwork equals importance

Guard tower

Gate of Supreme Harmony

One of many courtyards

Courtyard

Wall artwork

Water container for fires

Water container for fires 2

On top of one of the Forbidden City walls

Alley within the city

Alleyway 2

Exquisite architecture

Main gate at night

Main gate at night 2

Privacy wall

Ceiling artwork

Ceiling artwork 2

Courtyard

Dragon sculpture

Internal gateway

Imperial Garden

Imperial Garden 2

Imperial Garden 3

Imperial Garden 4

Imperial Garden 5

Ornate roof


Acres and acres of property

Under construction for upcoming 2008 Olympics

Well

Court of the Imperial Palace