The Imperial Garden & The North Gate

As time was short, we practically brisk walked through the Imperial Garden towards the North Gate! If we had a little more time, I would love to have lingered in this part of the Forbidden City and admire the trees there that were a few hundred years old!

In the distance is a bare tree known as the 'Dragon Palm'. This was because the twisted mangled branches closely resembled the arms and claws of a dragon.

A closer look at the 'Dragon Palm' tree. That's the top of my wife's head! :-P

Lots of old old trees. Some some old they looked petrified. They even felt like solid rock.

The royal study. The guide told us that this was where the Emperor and Empress would come to enjoy the view of the garden and gaze at the moon at night. Totally romantic!

That's me. It was getting cold again and I had to add on a scarf!

Exiting one section of the Imperial Garden into another large section of the garden.

A pavilion in the midst of the garden.

Pink magnolia flowers.

Tree trunks so old, they looked and felt like rock. The white stuff was probably frozen bird poo.

Inching closer to the North Gate (Shen Wu Men) after leaving the Imperial Garden.

The last emperor of China, Emperor Pu Yi, left by this gate when he fled the city.

You can read about the gate on the sign above...if you have very good eye sight. :-P

Finally exiting the Forbidden City after a 2 hour walk. It was about 3 pm then... we were all very tired and very hungry. We eventually had lunch at 4 pm!!! More like thunch! (tea + lunch)

The moat surrounding the Forbidden City.

One last look before we left the place for good. The experience was great!