The Forbidden City, Largest Ancient Palace in the World

The Forbidden City is:

• the best-preserved imperial palace in China,
• the largest ancient palatial structure in the world, and
• the essence and culmination of traditional Chinese architectural accomplishment.

International Recognition

• In 1961 the Forbidden City was listed as an important historical monument under Chinese central government special preservation.
• In 1987, it was nominated as World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The Palace Museum is a treasure house of Chinese cultural and historical relics.
• It is recognized as one of the most important five palaces in the world (the other four are the Palace of Versailles in France, Buckingham Palace in the UK, the White House in the US, and the Kremlin in Russia).

History

The Forbidden City, situated in the very heart of Beijing, was home to 24 emperors of the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) Dynasties.

The construction of the grand palace started in the fourth year of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty (1406), and ended in 1420.

In ancient times, the emperor was said to be a son of Heaven, and therefore Heaven’s supreme power was bestowed upon him. The emperors’ residence on earth was built as a replica of the Purple Palace where God was thought to live in Heaven.

Names: Such a divine place was certainly forbidden to ordinary people and that is why the Forbidden City is so named. Originally called Zijin

Locked in Everlasting Love, Namsan Locks of Love

Locks and love aren’t exactly synonymous. Love after all, was supposed to set you free. But at the N Seoul Tower in Namsan Park, South Korea, you’ll find thousands and thousands of locks symbolizing the love between couples. Unearthing Asia takes a peek behind this unusual tradition that has seen tourists both locals and internationals alike flock the site.

A spectacular night view of Seoul from up at the Seoul Tower. Photo cr-ziczic90

With a spectacular night view of Seoul and a wide range of restaurants, the N Seoul Tower (simplified as just Seoul Tower) is emerging as a hot spot for a growing number of romantics, both young and old. Located in central Seoul in the middle of Namsan Park, the tower reaches 480 meters above sea level, allowing a luxurious view of the entire city and the surrounding areas.

During the weekend, the tower is almost always full with visitors, both locals and tourists alike. Most visitors ride the Namsan cable car up the mountain, and then hike up to the tower. As I made my way up towards the base of the tower.

Namsan Cable Car

First Love

First love. The reason why we think first love is beautiful isn't because people we first loved were actually handsome or pretty. It's because we were unconditional, innocent, or a bit stupid at the time of first love. And because... and because we know that we can never go back to that young, passionate time of our days.

First love is a bit rash. Without any calculation, we throw ourselves with passion and finally come to face failure. But it is at the same time dramatic. It comes with inexplicable feelings that we never get to experience again. So, first love becomes the most dramatic moment of our lives. It's okay to fail. Tragic stories stay longer than 'happily ever after'. It's nice to have that wonderful story as one chapter of one's life.

A person who dreams of love, is the one who waits. After the romance, the real life comes in. Innocence gets dirty, passion gets cold, and youth gets old with cleverness. So, first love becomes part of one's exhausted daily life. That's why first love looks like it can't be accomplished. Because no one talks about a successful romance with first love.