Tian'anmen Square and The Forbidden City

Standing in the middle of Tian'anmen Square left a chilling feeling. Trying to piece together what happened not even 20 years ago, was certainly memorable. We spent the day walking around The Forbidden City and Tian'anmen. We could have spent days walking through the many layers throughout the Forbidden City, however with so much to see in the city, we cut the tour short and left the rest to imagination. It was amazing to see the crowds of people coming to pay respect to Chairman Mao, many families who save money their whole lives to make it to Beijing.

You will notice, that the end of the photos show how the city darkens with the pollution before the sun has even gone down. We were left in awe, how the smog settled in, and we could barely see across the Square to the Forbidden City.

In the afternoon sun!

The boys in Tian'anmen Square

The well guarded Square, each corner, from one end to the other.

The many layers of the Forbidden City, some under construction, surely for the upcoming 2008 Olympics!

The many rooms for the Emperor's many wives!

The masses coming to pay their respect.

The outside of the Forbidden City.
Marching outside the Forbidden City.

Not even 5 pm, you can't see across the Square to the Forbidden City.
Face mask anyone?

The sun setting behind the Forbidden City.