Right outside the Forbidden City is Tiananmen Square. The structure shown in the picture below is called "Monument to the People's Heroes," and was built in 1958. Just beyond this monument is the Museum of Natural History.
Across the street, you can see the gate that leads to the Forbidden City. A painting of Chairman Mao hangs over the door. Our tour guide explained that a fresh new painting of Mao is placed over the door each year. Here is Sangho with our tour guide, Mr. Wang.
Crossing under the street, we arrived outside the gate, which is called "Tiananmen," or "Gate of Heavenly Peace."
Sangho stands between Chairman Mao and a ferocious lion!
Mao Zedong
The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, designed by Emperor Yongle in the early 1400's, was occupied by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. For 500 years, common people were not allowed to enter the city. If I recall correctly, the Forbidden City was open to the public in the 1950's, but I'll have to double-check that.
On the left: A little Chinese girl plays on the steps in front of a stone carving of dragons. On the right: An incense burner.
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Roof close-up
This is where the emperor once sat. You could smell the oldness of the furniture and rugs wafting out of this room.
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