Forbidden City Gate at Night 814

Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

This imposing gate leads to a huge courtyard and then through another gate you make your way deeper into the Forbidden City (I think this first gate defines the “Forbidden City” but not positive since you don’t pay until you go through the second one. There is an excellent view from the top of this Gate into Tiananmen Square though you have to pay about $2 to go up and tour this structure. Handbags must be checked as well, so if you are short on time you may want to skip this and head right into the inner parts of Forbidden City which take about one full day to in much detail – perhaps two days for a really thorough visit.