4/23/2007 ~ More Forbidden City

On the Rio: Grateful Dead ~ Tastebud

The emperor lived and handled political affairs in the Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qian Qing Gong).

Three hundred and eight copper and iron vats were part of the fire-fighting equipment of the palace. They were filled with water to be used to douse fires. From October to February every year the vats were covered with quilts to prevent the water from freezing, and on very cold days they would be heated with charcoal fires. The Qing Dynasty vats had 2 beast-shaped bronze rings.

The Imperial Garden contains several hundred-year-old pines, cypresses and Chinese wisteria, and exotic stones are scattered here and there. Here the emperors, empresses and imperial concubines could appreciate the scenery and amuse themselves. In the Qing Dynasty, girls were selected here for the emperor's harem.

The branch interlocked cypresses symbolize loyal love. It is said that Puyi and Wanrong, the last emperor and empress of the Qing Dynasty, had their photograph taken in front of the trees after their wedding ceremony to show that "we wish to fly in heaven, two birds with one pair of wings, and to grow together on earth, two trees with branches interlaced." Couples today wait in line to have their pictures taken.And here a few photos I found interesting.