China, the sleeping Dragon of Asia, is now opening its doors to the world. Most people would probably think of the Chinese people as strict and stiff because of their political background. But far from the racial issues, lie a rich culture that is yet to be uncovered.

The Forbidden City, along with the Great Wall of China, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Beijing. During the afternoon breeze, one could see the distinct beauty of the Forbidden City from afar. Its golden roof and bright red walls magnificently reflect the symbol of China’s longstanding power and grandeur.

Beijing, being the most anticipated economic powerhouse player of today, offers a number of hotels for her visitor and guests who are into Asian culture and dining. There are also a number of hotels in Beijing that are also proximal to the cultural centers of China, making it easier for tourist to organize their time efficiently while enjoying city’s sights and sound.

Visiting China’s Forbidden City has proven to be an amazing experience for most people, may they be Chinese or not, ergo, scheduling your tour on a weekday is better than on the weekends since crowd traffic is high during those days. It would also be best if you take a tour guide with you since they can accurately explain the salient details of the structure and design of the palace. But if you plan to go the extra mile, buying a guidebook from a coffee shop or from your hotel lobby should be helpful too.

Considered as the world’s largest palace, The Forbidden City, locally known as Gugong or Zinjincheng, has an area that covers 0.3 square miles or 720,000 square meters of land. There are only four gates that connect the palace to the outside world, the Tiananmen Gate, which is located at the southern end of the complex, serves as the main gate to the palace.

After entering the main gate, there will be another gate, the Meridian or Interior Gate, that will lead you to the midst of the complex. Beyond this interior gate, is a colossal plaza that leads to the Gate of Supreme Harmony.

The Imperial Court of Harmony has two divisions: An inner court that serves as the living quarters for the royal blood and an outer court contain China’s larges wooden structure, the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

In the ancient times, the Hall of Supreme Harmony played a vital role in molding the rich culture and tradition of the Chinese people. This hall became a witness of China’s most important historic gathering like enthroning a king and celebrating marriages from the royal family.

The hall is surrounded with a lot of symbols, and one of the most distinct symbols that would surely get your attention is the dragon. Dragons are mystical creatures that are said to be symbols of imperial power and supremacy. Beyond this hall lies another important structure, The Midway Hall of Harmony. This hall is where the emperor shows himself to the public to discuss matters that are relevant to his rule.

The hall that houses the sovereign, his concubines and eunuch, the political advisers to the royal family is known as the Hall of Heavenly Purity. To guarantee that the king’s position will not be threatened, the eunuch’s testicles are said to be cut off in order for them not to produce children. The Hall of Heavenly Purity became exclusive for the emperor alone at some stage of the Ming Dynasty. Separated by the Hall of Union, the Empress, lived in the Palace of Tranquility.

And finally, we go to the Imperial Gardens. Home to the Palace of Tranquil Longevity and the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the Imperial Garden houses the most number of staggering artifacts and relics that are both astonishing and alluring, even the landscape itself captures China’s unique taste and passion for excellence.

China has undeniably secured its place in history; She has been pioneering the world in the field of technology and politics. Today, China offers a unique experience for foreigners and locals as well. The extraordinary blend of history, culture, and technology brings a new experience for everyone. From Beijing hotels to the Great Wall of China, this city is one place you should never miss in your lifetime.