Beijing: Forbidden City

After a wet start to our trip, we were rewarded with clear skies on our second day in Beijing. Too bad the wind decided to pick up instead. Despite the chilly temperatures, we spent over eight hours wandering around Beijing. A whopping six of those hours were spent entirely in the Forbidden City. Most tourists only spend a short time here but we simply could not tear ourselves away from the stunning architecture and beautiful scenery. Or the sordid tales of jealousy and betrayal among the Emperor's concubines. One such woman was even drowned in a well by the Emperor's wife. Those Real Housewives women have nothing on Imperial China.

This was actually my second trip to the Palace Museum, yet with two visits and over eleven hours of touring, I still have not managed to see the entire Forbidden City. Perhaps a third visit is in order?