Outside each entrance were these mystical lions. There was always a female on the left and a male on the right. The only way to tell the difference was to look closely at their feet. The female had a cub under her left paw. She is not crushing it just holding it down as a symbol of a mother protecting her cub. On the right was the male and he had a ball under his right foot as a symbol of power.
When we first went into the Forbidden City these were the size of the mystical lions. As we continued to go deeper they lions became smaller and smaller. The Emperor and Chinese people believe that these lions ward off evil spirits. They are larger on the outside because that is the first place they encounter these evil spirits that come to do the Chinese people harm. They get smaller because they believe that the evil spirits cannot penetrate past the first ones and if they did the second set would get them, etc. By the time we were in the garden they were the size of a vase that would be used as a centerpiece.
As you cross into the "inner court" this is where the emperor would run China from his throne room. The emperors building was front and center whereas the council had there office (for lack of a better word) on the right and left. You will notice that the stairs going up to the emperors building is cemented off. No one was or is to ever walk those step other than the emperor.
The Chinese people were very interested in the steps and would just stand there looking at them or taking pictures of themselves in front of the staircase. I love the people of China and how much the appreciate and love their history and culture.
Once at the top getting a picture of the throne proved to be quite amusing....worse than a new ride a Disneyland. I took one for the team and pushed my way in. (I know...pushy American's but I promise I was more polite than any of the Chinese people that were there jabbing me in the ribs)
Finally, got my picture and when I turned around...a sea of more people....It was so amusing! Yes, Laura was on the sidelines giggling at me...but not too much because it was SO hot...even laughing made you sweat. :)
The Forbidden City was one of my favorite “touristy” spots because you can feel the intensity of the past in it. The attention to detail in their architecture is stunning!
Just in case you were wondering...the bathroom in the Forbidden City in a Chinese 4 Star rated toliet! A 4 star toliet in China is a 1-2 star here in the states. Needless to say I held it most of the time. :)
These are a few pictures of a traditional Chinese garden in the Forbidden City.
In the gardens you can imagine the women walking around and the emperor sitting on a bench pondering. I think what I love about China is that it is a culture rich in history and tradition. This was an old woman sitting in the garden area...When I looked at her I wondered what her life had been like and what was she thinking about...such a complex look on her face.
After a VERY long and HOT walk through the Forbidden City with 40% of China there with us, it was time for the FAMOUS Peking Duck lunch. I absolutely LOVE Chinese food! Bring it on baby....if only I could figure out how to cook it!
It was incredible to be able to watch the girls experience the real deal!!! Peking Duck…not my favorite! Yes they cook it in original form and carve it in front of you. The Chinese people eat the whole thing, face and all….NOT US AMERICANS! So they left the face on the tray…yum!
Next we went to the silk factory. AMAZING! They showed us how they use the silk from the silk worms and turn it into their famous garments to the most luxurious bedding. Of course I bought Delaney the famous silk dress in red and gold. It is so amazing! I will get her pictures taken in it and share soon. Next trip to China (OH yes we are going back!) we are getting all new bedding and shipping it home!
These are the silk worms they use to make their incredible fabric. Then once they go into their cocoon they soak them in the water below and slowly pull out their silk and it wraps on the spindle on the top of the machine. 
Once they collect enough they stretch it out over this rainbow structure below. They start small and then go to the next size up, etc. 
Then they stretch it again by hand and pull it into the shape the want...here they were making silk duvet comforters. They let the girls stretch it.
Then the professionals showed us how it was really done. They would use 300-800 layers to make different size quilts by hand! 
The Chinese are most famous for there stunning garments. Here is a picture of bush wearing a piece that was created here! 
It was gearing towards the late afternoon and in the itinerary there was an optional Kung Fu Show. Everyone in the group opted out but us. When in China do EVERYTHING you can was our motto! We were SO glad we went. It was by far the best show we saw in China. It was a story about a young boy who left his mother to become a monk. It showed his struggles with leaving his entire existence behind then his arrogance as he grew into a great Kung Fu Warrior. Seeing his life come full circle and the wisdom he ended up attaining. Watching this young boy and so many others perform Kung Fu and its strength and control was amazing!
This was the young man who starred as the younger boy in the show. He sat here beating the drum before the show. He didn't move a muscle other than when he hit the drum...reminded me of the Queen of England's Guards. They would not let us take pictures during the show...sorry...Head to China...I would highly recommend it...LOVED IT!!!
Even bought the CD for my China boy (Drew). If you didn’t know Drew has been to China….he told us all about it when he was around 6 years old…he left us for 2 months and we never knew it. (All happened in his head or dreams but it was so vivid to him he still thinks it was real)…I will tell that story in my last China post!
To close out day six we took a cab back home and some of the things you see on the streets of China boggle my mind! I can barely pedal myself let alone what a home depot truck should carry! xoxoxoxo
