The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, as seen from Jingshan Park. 

Not the clearest of days unfortunately, though there's something atmospheric about the pollution haze...

Close to 27kms walked around the city today - from the train station to collect my tickets for the high speed train, then over to Tiananmen Square and the entrance to The Forbidden City. 

Massive palace complex to explore, and I only saw a choice selection of highlights. 

From here, it was over the road and up the hill in Jingshan Park to take this photo, before heading for a late lunch at a famous Kung Pao chicken restaurant.

Suitably reenergised, a visit to the relaxing Beihai Park to watch some local pensioners dancing, before heading to visit some hutongs - traditional residential areas - a stark contrast to the skyscrapers of modern day Beijing.  And then a walk almost all the way back to the hotel.

Tomorrow will be spent on a 5 hour train ride. Thankfully!