Forbidden City Calling

      When it comes to travel I come from a very experienced family. I myself have never ventured far from home so the idea of going to China is a little overwhelming. I've gotten many emails, phone calls, and books in the mail from family members excited for me to embark on this journey. Unanimously, everyone has amazing things to say about the Forbidden City so it was a main focus while preparing for this trip.

      The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty(1368-1644) to the end of the Qing dynasty(1644-1912). The third Ming Emperor, Yung-lo built one of the most dazzling architectural masterpieces in the world. It is located in the center of Beijing, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings that spread across 72 acres and required more than a million workers.

     The Forbidden City is now the largest comprehensive museum in China. The exhibition "Splendor of the White Eagle: Arts and Power at the Saxon-Polish Court" (1670-1763) is being displayed till August. It includes pieces that were used by the Saxon court in the 17th and 18th centuries. These pieces come from the German museum: Dresden and are on display in the hopes that it will spark an interest for many Chinese natives into European history and treasures.

    I personally am excited to take in the craftsmanship that went into the architecture from the front gate to the "masterpieces" (buildings) that hold the art.

                                                                                            -Taylor