FORBIDDEN CITY - BEIHAI PARK

Very close to the Forbidden City is Beihai Park, which dates from the same period. Beihai Park contains a little bit of all that is wonderful about historical Peking. If, for some awful reason, you could only spend half a day in Beijing, Beihai park would give you a very good idea of the feel of most monuments.

Also, whereas visitors at the Forbidden City are mostly overwhelmed and panting tourists, the people at Beihai Park are locals enjoying a relaxing moment near the refreshing lake, playing cards, singing, and always watching adoringly over those precious single children.


	The Forbidden City is a vast walled compound at the very heart of Beijing where the Emperors and their cohorts used to live and work. Construction started in 1406! It is a considerable tourist attraction, crowded even on an early January morning. Everything in the Forbidden City is impressively gigantic, and a bit lifeless: It is hard to imagine the complex teeming with lust and intrigue.
	The living quarters near the Northern gate are definitely more inviting than the ceremonial areas.
Very close to the Forbidden City is Beihai Park, which dates from the same period. Beihai Park contains a little bit of all that is wonderful about historical Peking. If, for some awful reason, you could only spend half a day in Beijing, Beihai park would give you a very good idea of the feel of most monuments. Also, whereas visitors at the Forbidden City are mostly overwhelmed and panting tourists, the people at Beihai Park are locals enjoying a relaxing moment near the refreshing lake, playing cards, singing, and always watching adoringly over those precious single children.

	My favorite feature of classical Chinese gardens are "Long Corridors". You find them in all traditional parks: very long covered breezeways decorated with thousands of hand paintings. Thanks to Long Corridors, Emperors and their entourage could enjoy a little fresh air without being bothered by rain, snow, or harsh sunlight.

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