On 28 September 2018, we had a full day of sightseeing planned in Beijing. After spending the previous few days mostly around Sanlitun, we were finally going to visit two of China’s most famous landmarks: the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.
We had booked a small-group tour, with a minibus picking us up from the InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun. For the morning, though, it was just my wife, our son and me with the guide, so we effectively had him to ourselves. Another couple joined the tour later, for the trip to the Great Wall.
Our first stop was Tiananmen Square, followed by the Forbidden City.
A Pleasant Surprise at the Entrance
When we arrived, there was an enormous queue of people waiting to enter.
My first thought was how much time we might end up spending in that line. We had a young child with us and a full day of sightseeing ahead, so the prospect of standing around for ages wasn’t particularly appealing.
But our guide knew exactly where to go. He handled the tickets, showed them at the right entrance and, within what felt like seconds, led us through.
I think we may have paid extra for some kind of express entry, but I can’t remember for certain.
I couldn’t believe how easy he made it.
One moment I was looking at the long queue and wondering how much time we were going to lose. The next, we were already inside.
That was certainly a good start to the day.
Inside the Forbidden City
Once inside, I was struck by just how enormous the Forbidden City was.
We walked through vast courtyards, past imposing halls and beautiful traditional architecture. Everywhere I looked, there seemed to be another building, another courtyard or another remarkable detail.
The photographs show the grand palace halls, stone terraces, decorated rooftops and pathways stretching through the complex. But photographs don’t quite capture the feeling of standing there.
There was something special about being inside a place I had heard about for so long.
I remember looking around and simply enjoying the experience. The scale of everything was extraordinary, and I loved every bit of being there.
We weren’t trying to memorise every historical detail or the names of all the buildings. For me, it was enough to walk through the palace grounds and take in the surroundings.
Exploring With a Young Child
Of course, visiting somewhere so enormous with a young child meant there was plenty of walking, and not all of it could be done on his own two feet.
Our son walked whenever he could, but when he became tired, we took turns carrying him.
Sometimes I carried him for a while before putting him down to walk again or passing him to my wife when my arms needed a rest.
It was tiring at times, but that’s part of travelling with a young child.
Looking back at the photographs, I can see him walking through the palace grounds alongside us, with these enormous historical buildings all around him.
I wonder how much he remembers of that day now. At the time, he was simply experiencing it with us, even if he couldn’t have understood the history or significance of everything we were seeing.
Through the Palace Grounds
As we continued north through the Forbidden City, we passed more courtyards, decorated gateways and gardens.
There were rock formations, pavilions and quieter corners that felt quite different from the enormous ceremonial halls earlier in the walk.
Eventually, we made our way towards the northern end of the complex.
The photographs show a view towards the hill beyond the palace and, later, one of the corner towers reflected in the surrounding moat.
It was a lovely way to finish our visit, seeing the palace from a different perspective after spending the morning walking through it.
An Experience Worth Remembering
Of everything we saw that morning, what stayed with me most was the feeling of being there.
The Forbidden City was enormous, beautiful and unlike anywhere I had visited before. I had been excited about seeing it, and the experience didn’t disappoint.
Even now, years later, I remember how happy I was when our guide got us past that long queue, and how extraordinary it felt to walk through the palace grounds with my wife and son.
And our day was far from over.
After leaving the Forbidden City, we climbed back into the minibus and headed north towards Mutianyu, where another unforgettable experience was waiting for us at the Great Wall.