Friday, September 29, 2006

:: Forbidden City



What is so 'forbidden' about this city?

Since China was ruled by the third Ming Emperor, Forbidden City has served an exclusive seat of government where neither ordinary citizens or foreigners weren't allowed to go in. They believed that the rule of Emperor was legitimized as Mandate of Heaven, therefore the Emperor, as long as they were in line with the 'will of heaven', deserved to the exclusionary and privileged life of the Emperor behind the walls of the luxurious Forbidden City.

Forbidden City there are reputed to be 9,999.5 rooms; half a room short of 10,000 which, it is said, is what the original Jade Emperor possesses in his Heavenly Palace.

For source and more information, click here.

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Tian An Men Gate
The picture you see above is called Tian An Men Gate, one of the famous places of interest in Beijing. I believe most people know that this place was once happened to be 'square massacre' in 1989 and currently has become China icon for modernity. The picture of the former chairman of China named Mao Ze Dong are grandly displayed in front of the gate. He was the one who ascended Tian An Men Gate to proclaim the founding of People's Republic of China on 1st October 1949.
Click here for source.