It starts at Renmin University station and is the start of our journey: embarking on our adventure to the mythical forbidden city. Our energetic tour guide shepherded us along with his bright pink flag to ensure no one went astray. As is often the case with such outings, the students chattered excitedly, exchanging tips and observations about the site, especially those who had visited before. After transfering off of the 4 train to the 1 train, we arrive at our destination with many of my peers in awe by the vermilion red walls.
We entered the Forbidden City, marveling at its grandeur and the sheer scale of the complex. Our tour guide diligently offered fun facts, which appeased the curious nature of the maroons following his footsteps. At one point, he posed a thought-provoking question: why does the Forbidden City feature both painted and unpainted sections? Using my prior knowledge, I quickly answered with the Beijing Olympics driving the Chinese government to repaint portions of the city for touristic purposes. My peers quickly informed our tour guide that I was a return visitor of the forbidden city.
The day concluded with a quintessential Chinese experience at Haidilao Hotpot, where two of our group members enjoyed the restaurant’s famously spirited birthday celebration.
The experience itself was transformative, here are quotes from two of my peers:
“Standing within the Forbidden City, I felt the weight of thousands of years of Chinese history- the forbidden city’s grandeur whispered tales of emperors, artistry, and aspirations woven into every stone. It was as if I’d stepped into the heart of a history both majestic and mysterious, one that continues to echo through time.” - William Kimani.
"As an art history student, I found myself mesmerized by the vermillion walls and jade-green tiles of Beijing's Forbidden City. The intricate paintings under the eaves of the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the brass dragons guarding each courtyard showed me how Chinese imperial art wasn't just decorative—it was a language of power and beauty that's impossible to forget." - Sebastian Plaza
