Outrage: Tourists Pose with SUV in Beijing’s Forbidden City, Cars Banned
Viral photos showing two women who were allowed to drive a luxury SUV into Beijing’s Forbidden City have triggered a national furor. Forbidden City cars
Vehicles have been banned from the complex since 2013 and the incident has raised questions about why the women, one of whom claimed to be related to senior officials, were permitted to bring the vehicle into the site, parts of which were once reserved for emperors and their family.
Others expressed concern that flouting the car ban risked damaging the 600-year-old World Heritage Site, which dates back to the Ming dynasty. It also reinforced a widespread public perception that certain people are treated like royalty and granted privileges denied to ordinary Chinese people because of their family connections.
The pictures, showing the pair standing beside a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, were posted on the microblogging site Weibo on Friday under the name “LuxiaobaoLL”, with the caption: “As it is closed on Monday, avoided tourists and enjoyed the palace.”
The post was widely circulated, attracting tens of thousands of comments.
On Friday evening, the Palace Museum, which now runs the complex, posted a statement on Weibo admitting that a vehicle had been allowed to enter the Forbidden City on Monday.
Many commentators expressed indignation at privileges and freebies perceived to be dished out to China’s rich elites. ‘Such behaviour is hurtful to the citizens,’ said one angry user. Forbidden City cars
About Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, located in the heart of Beijing, China, is a magnificent architectural masterpiece that stands as a symbol of China’s rich history and imperial grandeur. Spanning over 180 acres, this sprawling palace complex served as the imperial residence for Chinese emperors for almost 500 years, from the Ming to the Qing dynasty. Its name, “Forbidden City,” derives from the notion that it was a secluded sanctuary, closed off from the outside world. The grandeur of the Forbidden City is evident in its exquisite design, featuring intricate red and gold buildings, ornate gateways, and vast courtyards. Walking through its meticulously designed halls, one can marvel at the opulent imperial residences, beautifully landscaped gardens, and ancient artifacts that provide a glimpse into the lives of China’s emperors and their royal court. Today, the Forbidden City stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prominent cultural landmark, attracting millions of visitors who come to immerse themselves in the captivating history and architectural splendor of ancient China.
