Despite the email warning us that new ticket restrictions meant we may not be able to get tickets to the Forbidden City we were excited to hear our group was successful. Daily ticket numbers have recently been cut from 80 000 a day to 30 000.
Breakfast was scamped as a result of the early morning and then we were off to Tianamen Square. The size is clearly intended to remind mere mortals of their place in the scheme of things. Once we had viewed the buildings and the nearly empty square we went through a tunnel under the road and entered the Forbidden City.
The first part of the tour took us through the administrative sections and again the buildings were not built on a human scale. They are all wooden and as a result visitors are forbidden to cary lighters and there are caches of water in many locations.
After a short break to visit a cafe and gift shop we continued with our tour visiting the Emperor's residences and gardens. This was my favourite part of the tour as we were able to see the personal rooms of the Empress which were furnished and decorated in quite a modest fashion.
Many girls arrived in elaborate costumes including traditional hair and make up to pose for photos.
The gardens were a cool and welcoming space after the large open public spaces and offered a rest break before the next part of the day.
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