Forbidden City (Beijing)

#chinatravel Walking through the colossal red gates of the Forbidden City feels like stepping into another era. As the former imperial palace for Ming and Qing emperors, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Chinese architecture and history. The vast courtyards, golden roofs, and intricate carvings left me speechless. Each hall seems to whisper secrets of ancient dynasties. The scale is unbelievable—you could easily spend hours here and still not see it all. I recommend hiring a guide or getting an audio tour for deeper context. Come early to beat the crowds and savor the silence of centuries past.