Day 362: Heros and Villains

Beijing, China

I knew that the Emperor of China and His concubines used to live in the Forbidden City and hardly ever went out the palace ground. I had thought life sucked for them, being confined that way. After visiting the palace, I just realized how big the area is. No wonder it’s called a “city.” I think NYC’s central park can easily fit in the palace ground.

I couldn’t help feeling somewhat melancholic when I strolled through the Forbidden City. To imagine the last Emperor, Puyi, having to fall from such height into becoming a mere commoner, and to see his “home” transformed into a touristic ground. I wonder if he’d have rather chosen not to be born an Emperor.

Anyway, those were the thoughts that run through my mind most part of the day. Some fun photos from the visit:

In the evening, I met up with Caina to go to an art district area called 798. The place is awesome. We came rather late and the stores and galleries were already closing. I’ll write more about 798 on my other entry since I’d be visiting the district again later.