Published on : 13/12/2023
These past few days, Beijing has welcomed its first snowfall. Various types of snow scenery photos are all over the internet, and the most eye-catching one is in the Forbidden City.
White snow and red walls complement each other, and the glazed golden roof layered with dust of jade, as if traveling back to the ancient Forbidden City, which is truly intoxicating.
So where is the best spot to enjoy snow in the Forbidden City? Bookmark these must-visit spots below!
Taihe Square in snow, grand and serene
Some say that you must see a snowfall in the Forbidden City in Beijing in winter, or else it’ll be a regret. How beautiful is the Forbidden City in the snow?
After entering the Forbidden City through the Meridian Gate, you will first reach Taihe Square, which is one of the best places to admire the snow in the Forbidden City.
The almost 30,000 square meter Taihe Square, whether it's the ground bricks, imperial road or the beautifully carved Sumeru pedestal was covered in a thick layer of snow. The Jinshui River in the middle of the square was frozen, with the Jinshui bridge on top of it, dancing in the snow like a dragon.
In the vast snow, whether it's the Hall of Supreme Harmony not far away or the Taihe Gate and Meridian Gate behind, appear majestic and ethereal, like a mirage. The feeling of "the higher you go, the colder it becomes" strikes instantly, fully demonstrating the solemn majesty of the royal city.
Yucui Pavilion in the Imperial Garden
When you go to the Forbidden City during a snowfall, you can easily take beautiful snow scene photos. However, if you want to capture an image that strongly reflects the uniqueness of the Forbidden City, you can go to the Yucui Pavilion in the Imperial Garden and take a shot of that apricot tree which is popular on the Internet .
The Yucui Pavilion is located in the northeast corner of the Imperial Garden. When the snow falls, the apricot tree at the side of the Pavilion sheds its pink dress and puts on sparkling winter clothes.
Covered with snow, the beautiful branches are adorned with scattered ice crystals. The Yucui Pavilion's apricot tree and the red wall background form a fine-brush painting full of artistic conception, no wonder it's one of the most popular check-in spots in the Forbidden City all year round.
Read More: How many kinds of flowers are there in the Imperial Garden?
The Corner Tower after the snow
The Northeast and Northwest Corner Towers located on the four sides of the Forbidden City wall have always been one of the most popular check-in spots, even in the cold winter, its popularity has not waned at all, it is the ‘synonym’ for snow scene in the Forbidden City.
After the snow, the glazed tile roof of the Corner Tower in the Forbidden City turns from gorgeous gold to soft white, forming a sharp contrast with the red walls and green tiles, bringing a special charm.
Read More: Going to the Corner Tower for coffee
When the moat is not yet frozen, the exquisitely beautiful Corner Tower and its reflection on the river surface complement each other, adding a few points of poetic charm, very different from the solemn Forbidden City atmosphere.
Wanchunting Pavilion in Jingshan Park
In addition to enjoying the snow in the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park next to the Forbidden City is also one of the best places to see the snow scene in the Forbidden City. Unlike other check-in spots, in Jingshan Park, you can see a unique view, that is, the full view of the Forbidden City.
At the time of heavy snowfall, climb up to the highest point of the Wanchunting Pavilion in Jingshan Park and look far away, the majestic Forbidden City architectural group and the extended Beijing central axial line rush towards your eyes like a mirage.
Flying snow among the carved beams and painted rafters, red walls and golden tiles, magnificent and beautiful, as if time has been frozen by the beauty of the Forbidden City. Certainly, Jingshan Park is undoubtedly the most beautiful snow-viewing spot in the Forbidden City, which attracts numerous citizens and tourists every year.
Tips for enjoying the snow in the Forbidden City
·Booking: Pay close attention to the weather forecast before departing, it is recommended to reserve and purchase tickets 2-3 days before the snowfall.
·Clothing: The winter temperature in Beijing is cold, it is recommended to dress in layers to keep warm.
·Equipment: Low temperatures will cause electronic devices to consume power more quickly, it is advised to bring a mobile power bank.
·Safety: The road surface is slippery when it snows, everyone needs to be extra careful to prevent falls during the tour.
