Hi !
Another thing people visiting Forbiden city should consider. When you are finished with your tour, is to leave by the "back entrance" and walk up to the top of Coal Hill. On the top you have a nice view over the roof tops in the Forbidden City and rest of Beijing for that matters. During your tour of Forbidden City you will probably see the hill top and the small building there. There is a small fee to enter this park, but i think it is a better way to end the tour then leaving out among the touts on the way towards Tiaman Square.
The ticket queue will be shorther few hours after opening, so you might as well consider an afternoon trip than try to get there early and beat the crowd. (Off course you will have to consider the weather to).
...yehh and look up for that special art exhibition close to the palace garden. I was only offered that when i was alone and not not with my girl hmm wonder why ...? I did have a look and it was not "dangerous" or ridiculous expensiv stuff. Sure you will get better price/quality somplace else.
We are leaving the city tomorow, i will not bring my computer while travelling. So if any looks forward to more picture.... Sorry, but will probably not be able to post any until in the end of the month. Im using the company laptop, so i will just leave it at my girlfriend appartment for safety.
Have a nice weekend guys.