Stunning! The Corner Tower of the Forbidden City Gilded After Snow, 600 Years of History Turned into an Ink Painting

📍 Attraction Address: No. 4 Jingshan Qian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing (Northeast corner of the Forbidden City, accessible on foot from Donghua Gate or Shenwu Gate)
🚗 Transportation Guide:

- Subway: Get off at Tiananmen East/West Station on Line 1 or Nanluoguxiang Station on Line 8, then walk 15-20 minutes;
- Bus: Get off at Tiananmen East Station on routes 1, 2, 52, etc., then walk along the outer perimeter of the Forbidden City to the northeast corner tower;
- Driving: Not recommended (very few parking spaces around the Forbidden City, and the core area has traffic restrictions, public transportation is recommended).

👍 Key Highlights:

1. The Beauty of the Corner Tower Architecture
- Structure: The corner tower features a triple-eaved pointed roof, with layered eaves, 28 wing corners, 10 mountain flowers, and 72 ridges, exquisitely crafted; after snow, the snow on the flying eaves contrasts with the vermilion pillars and golden glazed tiles, with icicles hanging like crystal tassels, stunning in detail.
- Light and Shadow: In the early morning or evening, when sunlight shines obliquely, the glazed tiles emit a gilded glow, and the snow creates a play of light and shadow, like the blank spaces and rich colors in an ink painting.

2. Spectacular Snow Atmosphere
- Moat Ice Surface: Snow falls on the moat, the ice and snow blend into one, the corner tower reflects in it, merging reality and illusion like a "palace in a mirror";
- Surrounding Scenery: The palace walls beside the corner tower are covered with snow, revealing mottled brick red, and the bare tree branches outside the wall hang snow clusters, creating a contrast of "ancient simplicity + lively spirit" with the delicate corner tower.

3. Full Historical Feel
The corner tower was built during the Ming Yongle period, witnessing dynastic changes for 600 years. After snow, it looks even more weathered and profound—the snow resembles the dust of time, covering the flying eaves and dougong brackets, as if you can see the ingenuity of ancient craftsmen and imagine palace maids from the Ming and Qing dynasties leaning on the tower watching the snow.

📸 Photography Tips:

- Best Spots:
- By the moat on the northeast side outside the Forbidden City (no need to enter the Forbidden City, free shooting spot, view includes corner tower + moat + reflection);
- Jingshan Park summit (ticket required, overlooks the entire Forbidden City, the corner tower looks like a jewel in the snowy scene);
- Best Time: Early morning the day after snow (few people, soft light, untouched snow), or evening (sunset gilding, full of atmosphere);
- Equipment Suggestions: Bring a telephoto lens (to capture icicles on eaves and glazed tile details) or a wide-angle lens (to capture the full view of the corner tower and moat).

💡 Practical Tips:

- Snow Probability: Beijing winters (December to February) often have snow; check weather forecasts and visit 1-2 days after snow (snow not melted and roads relatively easy to walk);
- Warmth Measures: Temperatures around the Forbidden City in winter are low (-5℃ to 5℃), wear down jackets, hats, gloves, and stick a hand warmer on the back of your phone (cold can cause phones to shut down);
- Forbidden City Viewing: To photograph the corner tower inside the Forbidden City (such as the one near the Palace of Heavenly Purity), you need to buy a ticket (60 RMB in peak season, 40 RMB in off-season). After snow, the red walls and white snow inside the Forbidden City look like a "Snow Kingdom of the Forbidden City";
- Avoid Crowds: Fewest people between 7-9 AM, ideal for quiet photography; after 2 PM, crowds increase, so patience is needed for empty shots.

✨ In a nutshell: Snow is the "divine brushstroke" of the Forbidden City, dressing the 600-year-old corner tower in a plain robe, blending vermilion, gilding, and snow white in the world, vividly turning history into an ink painting that amazes everyone who sees it.