China’s ancient history has been inspiring travellers since the days of Marco Polo. Beijing’s Hall of Supreme Harmony, where Ming and Qing Dynasty emperors hosted their enthronement and wedding ceremonies, is one of the many buildings in the Forbidden City, a the 180-acre imperial residence. In previous centuries, anyone entering the Forbidden City without permission would have faced instant death. These days the hall attracts enormous crowds – but even among the throngs, it is still possible to find secluded corners. (Mark Read)
(BBC News)
