The Corner Tower of the Forbidden City

While much of the excitement of the Forbidden City happens within the confines of its walls, it's definitely worth taking a stroll around part of it as well. This shot is of the northwest corner, which seems to have a little fortress tucked inside it.

I've been to Beijing a couple times now, and while I try to see and do as much as I can anywhere I go, but Beijing is freak'n huge! You can drive for an hour at highway speeds and still be in Beijing. Something like driving from Chicago to Milwaukee, and it's all technically Beijing! Crazy!

There's still three key things I really want to do next time I make it to Beijing. In no particular order: 1) Try the insects, scorpions and generally exotic street foods in Donghuamen Night Market. 2) See Mao Zedong's body lying in state, and 3) Get a photo from Jingshan Park, which has panoramic views taking in the whole Forbidden City.

Northwest corner tower of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.