Forbidden City Winter

Forbidden City 2025

Beijing, a city where ancient history breathes through the air, and whispers of a bygone era among its grand architecture. This post is about my trip to the Forbidden City. Once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, it speaks to the amazing past and present times of Chinese civilization—a sprawling, walled compound of astonishing beauty and meticulous design.

As I walked through the massive Meridian Gate, I was greeted by intricate structures, each building meticulously placed according to the principles of Eastern Design. After learning about some of the places contained in the palace, I found the famous Nine-Dragon Wall. It is one of only three such walls in China, a masterpiece of glazed tile artistry. Nine dragons are spread across the wall, each one a symbol of imperial power and strength. The number nine holds great significance in Chinese culture, representing the ultimate in celestial power. Their fierce appearances and undulating bodies feel lively and playful, but they are also strong guardians of the emperor’s domain.