The Gate of Heaven, entry way to the Forbidden City. This is just across the street from Tiennamen Square.
Huge picture of Mao over the gate.

Tai Chi in the morning on the walkway

Entry to the Temple of Harvest. Harvests were stored here in small amounts, and prayers said for next years crops.

Temple of Harvest building

The stairs to the Temple of Harvest, carved in stone. The Dragons signify good luck, good harvest.

Amazing painted ceiling beams in building within the Temple of Harvest's circular walls.

One of the first major buildings in the Forbidden City

The nine bridges into the Forbidden City area

The frozen moat within the main wall. It was still quite cold in late February, 2006.

The creatures on the roof corners were supposed to scare off evil spirits. This roof has nine creatures, the Emperor's number.
The number of creatures designates the rank, only the Emperor could have nine.

Another example of roof creatures