The Forbidden City

Tuesday, May 22, 2001, Beijing

In the north, the never-ending Tian'anmen Square is limited by the probably most important, but at any rate most imposing sight in China: The Forbidden City. It was nearly destroyed in 1900 by Allied Troops pretending to take revenge after "liberating" the legation quarter which had disgracefully been occupied by the Boxers. In contrary to all declarations in the international press, the emperor's palace was plundered - the journalists themselves were among the plunderers. What the foreign invaders found at that time was breathtaking. A 500-year old history and the accumulated wealth of this period presented themselves behind the so far unconquered walls which surround the territory of 720,000 square metres of the emperor's palace, and overwhelmed even the most ignorant plunderer.

When our group of 17 people passed the gate of the Forbidden City, everybody kept their breath. Especially male members of our group were glad that the time is over when apart from the emperor only eunuchs were allowed to enter the Crimson Forbidden City - the proper name of this area.

No matter where we went, everywhere we were haunted by postcard sellers and curious Chinese people. Our teacher, Mr Grund, could not resist the plea of a small boy and, inspite of being warned, bought some far too expensive postcards!

Coming from the south side, we wandered through the palace area and looked with amazement at the thrones through the doors of the three biggest and most important halls which were unfortunately closed for tourists.

Having seen the southern part of the Forbidden City, we entered the "inner" area of the palace with its living areas and parks.

	There we wandered in the emperor's footsteps and enjoyed the overwhelming beauty of the well-tended park. At the northern gate we again got on the bus and were as usually taken to lunch.
	© Christoph Hecker, Sebastian Utehs, July 2001