Sunday, March 20, 2011

Forbidden City, Beijing, China

Located across Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is one the most visited tourist spot in the World. The Forbidden City is a symbol of China’s dynasties, opulence, rich heritage and classical architecture. The Forbidden City design considered cultural aspects of China and carefully thought about every minute detail such as North South axis, colors of the walls, roof decorations, number of knobs on the doors, grouping of halls and number of statuette on the roof decorations. As the Internet has various websites with pictures, history and description of the Forbidden City, this post publishes pictures of Imperial Garden and an unusual tree. 
Walkway in the Imperial Garden of the Forbidden City. These trees are 500 years old.
Another 500 years old tree with no visible green branches on a cold raining day of the winter. Notice the top of the stem and the branch coming out stem.
While discussing the Forbidden City with locals, a colleague asked me about the historical buildings in India. Before I could reply, a Chinese gentleman, who has traveled to India, instantly quoted Red Fort, India Gate, Qutub Minar and Humon Tomb. 
Of course he knew about Taj Mehal too. Later thinking about the question, I realized India has numerous historical buildings that include palaces, tombs, temples, mosques and forts. The brilliant architecture and detailed decorative work is unmatchable. Unfortunately I failed to appreciate these wonderful inheritances when I was in India. I am including a picture Kapaleeshwarar temple (borrowed from Chitra of My Pilgrimage) so that I remember India’s rich heritage is spread to the Sothern end that I still have to explore.

50 comments:

kiran sawhney said...

Yes agreed, India does have a rich architecture.
You have given lovely description of both forbidden city and India.

Insignia said...

Forbidden city - the name itself draws curiosity.

India no doubt has much richer and vast heritage and history. We dont know to market it well. Thats that.

chitra said...

Wow!! brilliant post A. Not because you have shared my link. I know one was in the offing when I saw, a comment of your made recently in a blog.

See many ask me why I visit temples? whether I have committed so many sins. I don't give any answers to them as they won't understand. But when I visit temples it is to take in beauty and architecture etc.

I even forget to pray when I am in the sanctum I rather spend my time taking in the beauty of the well sculpted granite idols and panchaloha idols.

The link is working perfectly well. For that I would send you loads of thank bundles.:)

A New Beginning said...

yes its a rich cultural heritage that we enjoy , but somehow the beauty of our home is best realised when others appreciate it too

Nirvana said...

A, nice post... and heart warming when you remind us of our own rich heritage. I've travelled vastly in India, especially the South, and the craftsmanship is breathtaking - whether temples Meenakshi, Kanchipuram, Thiruvananthapuram or in the East - the Sun temple in Konark, or the temples of Puri.... amazing how much diversity and beauty there is within our own country!

Anonymous said...

I too knew one such post is on its way! :) Good One. I made the mistake of visiting Taj Mahal in July. SO SO SO HOT it was. I don't think I got the time to appreciate its beauty. But yes, the pictures say it all! We have a rich heritage. Its very important that we preserve it. I have been to quite a few temples too. But I have noticed that most of them definitely need cleaning up! I just admire them from far now, only for the architectural wonders they are!

Neeha said...

As Insignia mentioned,the name arises curiosity.
India has wonderful historic and touristic places,but the maintenance and government lack of care for tourists didn't bring them the credit they deserved

Tanvi said...

India is rich in architecture and cultural heritage and Thanks to my parents I have been lucky enough to travel to a lot of them ... I plan to tick off each state of India ... So far I have been to 17 States and 2 Union Territories! Still a long way to go

Unfortunately parents went to China without me so now Husand will have to take me there ;)

Tanvi
from © tanvii.com

RiĆ  said...

Agree with Insignia, would love to travel to the Forbidden City someday. Yeah we do not know how to market our rich culture.

Irfanuddin said...

NO DOUBT INDIA DOES HAVE RICH HERITAGE N CULTURE, THE ONLY THING IS SOME HOW WE ARE JUST NOT ABLE TO PRESENT IT PROPERLY, AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN...

Alka Gurha said...

Pictures say it all...we have great architectural marvels though most need better upkeep and maintenance.

NRIGirl said...

Great post A! Just as I was geting ready to learn more, disappoined to find that the post actually ended there.
:(

Is this where the original "gate" was from? I don't see the gate in the picture. Am I missing something?

Asma Khan said...

I poated a Islamic post, very simple as you said. I hope you will like it... :)

Bikram said...

India has vast history and tons of historical places one jsut needs to know wher they are the problem is other then metro cities or bigger cities the historical places in other areas are not being well maintained ...

Bikram's

Felicity Grace Terry said...

Oh how wonderful. I have no real desire to visit China per sa but I would love to see this and the terracotta warriors.

Rama Ananth said...

I have visited quite a few temples in the south, as one of your blogger friend said, I too visit them for their architectural beauty and the history behind them. Also when I hear a story about them or some song about a particular temple, I make it point to visit that temple.
WE have even visited the temples of Khajuraho, they are really very beautiful.
Now a days visiting these places are quite easy, for you can google and get all the information, and bookings too can done easily.
The Iyengar temples of Kumbakonam are very beautiful. Oh, God India is, incredible.
It only needs proper marketing, it is a business that has not been tapped properly in India. We can bring in lot of money through tourism itself.
But finally you didn't touch upon the Chinese door.

Tanishka said...

India definitely has a rich culture and heritage... :) There is so much to explore here but unfortunately we seek for approval of outsiders to realize it....

dr.antony said...

India has a rich history.Having been subjected to many invasions, we have relics of many of these occupations.The muslim invaders have made many of these tombs which have the typical Islamic architecture.
The true Indian culture is reflected in our ancient temples,dating back many centuries.The Chinese have a distinctly different culture and background.

Always Happy said...

yes southern India has many beautiful temples that are not so popular but they are so beautiful. Do explore when you get an opportunity next time.

sm said...

Forbidden city
says and does it all

Geeta said...

Thankfully my parents introduced us to both North and South Indian architecture. After we(me and brothers) moved out, as empty nesters they travel frequently to these temples and their list of places to visit is only increasing.

You have a point, there's more to India than Taj Mahal.

Anjuli said...

Each and every country has its 'gems'- unfortunately when you live somewhere you take those precious places for granted.

BK Chowla, said...

I have not been to China, hence cant comment much.
For sure, India has amongst the best tourist areas, religious or otherwise. But,the word Marketing is missing and Govt has never been serious about developing tourism.
They have bigger projects--Like 2G-- to develop.

Destination Infinity said...

The temples in TN are known for its grandeur, but the temples in Karnataka are known for their intricate sculpture works. Beluru, Halibedu and Mahabalipuram are must visit places in the south to understand how sculptures can be breath taking!

Destination Infinity

Renu said...

We have rich heritage, but six months in a year are so hot that we cant enjoy the splendour at that time.
nice post.its fascinating to watch that tree.

Suruchi said...

the pics look beautiful and the city so appealing:-)

every place has it's own special flavour...if we can only discern it:-)

hamaarethoughts.com said...

..the pics are gr8..specially the The Tree with a different kinda trunk...its like figures !amazing....
...India has everything....culture heritage and lovely warm people to welcome and help!
...I wish I could make this yr..to India!!

Choco said...

Beautiful Pictures. Please upload some more...

raji said...

Hi A .nice pictures from the forbidden city.Why is it called forbidden? And just to let you know ,you could visit http://myindiantravel.blogspot.com/2011/03/kanchipuram-city-of-thousand-temples.html blog
who has traveled across all these Indian places and has beautiful pictures of various architectural elements of India.

Anonymous said...

Really would love to see those Chinese monuments in the Forbidden City. And i appreciate the quick switch you made to Indian monuments, to the gorgeous Southern temples with their intricate gopurams. More pics please :)

Kavita Saharia said...

Thanks for this interesting virtual tour of Forbidden City .Loved it .
How have you been A ?

baili said...

it is real that we take all diamonds as stones when they are close,it is human nature.

really enjoyed looking at wonderful trees,i felt the peace and uniqueness while having look of them thanks for sharing such lovely writing,

although china is most populated country but still has strange attraction for tourists,it could be the most positive and healthy attitude of its people,
glad to have your kind words on post.
god bless

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

Was this a "business trip?" If so, I want to do business at your company! I liked this post; it is indeed interested how we go and appreciate wonders abroad, and sometimes forget about the ones we have access to at home!

R said...

wow..well written post...i have always wanted to vist China-dont know when that will happen thhough

Rika said...

Looks like a beautiful place...hope u had a gr8 time..nice shots...I've been to kapaleeshwar temple n its awesome, i was overwhelmed...

ZEAL said...

Beautiful narration . Great pics ! Lovin' it.

Shari said...

Nice post and For me even being a Pakistani rate Taj mehal of India best heritage in the world what so ever

Asma said...

Sub-Continental Heritage is best in the world.

Urmi said...

I appreciate for your wonderful post with lovely description and spectacular shots.

Rajlakshmi said...

what a beauty!!!!! amazing captures and descriptions ...

Traveling Hawk said...

Nice pictures of the emperor's garden in Forbidden City! You may check my posts about Beijing (Forbidden City included) and what I am writing right now about India's wonders (have been there in Decmber)

Anu said...

beautiful set of pictures!
I liked those 500 year old trees..they were looking great..

Matangi Mawley said...

"forbidden city"--- sounds inviting! :)


beautiful pictures...

Unknown said...

I like china all scenery...
forbidden city

Unknown said...

So great city and natural culture...
forbidden city

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