Forbidden City, Beijing, China

Located across Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is one the most visited tourist spot in the World. The Forbidden City is a symbol of China’s dynasties, opulence, rich heritage and classical architecture. The Forbidden City design considered cultural aspects of China and carefully thought about every minute detail such as North South axis, colors of the walls, roof decorations, number of knobs on the doors, grouping of halls and number of statuette on the roof decorations. As the Internet has various websites with pictures, history and description of the Forbidden City, this post publishes pictures of Imperial Garden and an unusual tree. 
Walkway in the Imperial Garden of the Forbidden City. These trees are 500 years old.

Another 500 years old tree with no visible green branches on a cold raining day of the winter. Notice the top of the stem and the branch coming out stem.

While discussing the Forbidden City with locals, a colleague asked me about the historical buildings in India. Before I could reply, a Chinese gentleman, who has traveled to India, instantly quoted Red Fort, India Gate, Qutub Minar and Humon Tomb. 

Of course he knew about Taj Mehal too. Later thinking about the question, I realized India has numerous historical buildings that include palaces, tombs, temples, mosques and forts. The brilliant architecture and detailed decorative work is unmatchable. Unfortunately I failed to appreciate these wonderful inheritances when I was in India. I am including a picture Kapaleeshwarar temple (borrowed from Chitra of My Pilgrimage) so that I remember India’s rich heritage is spread to the Sothern end that I still have to explore.