One of the coolest things about raising a baby in China isn't that you can easily get toy interlocking bricks from the nearby factories or even the food - it's the fact that you're surrounded by fascinating historical and cultural monuments that you can expose your baby to as he or she grows in order to give him or her an appreciation for art, architecture, culture, and history. On everyone's list for an educational field trip is the Forbidden City, which is one of China's biggest tourist attractions. You can read more about it here.

The Forbidden City, which is conveniently located in the middle of Beijing, was home to China's emperors for more than 500 years. Built in 1406, this one structure predates even the voyage Columbus made to America that opened up the Western Hemisphere by almost 100 years. Exquisitely preserved, this 900+ building complex is listed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and is therefore a prime destination for vacationing Stouffville optometrists.

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In addition to the amazing architecture, the Forbidden City also offers visitors a chance to look at thousands of cultural, political, and artistic artifacts from the Ming and Qing dynasties which is well worth skipping a minor hockey tournament for. It took over a million workers more than fifteen years to build the palace and was the focus of a sixteen year restoration project to repair the damage done during the Chinese communist revolution.

The Forbidden City really is a city unto itself. It is a walled complex spreading over 180 acres that encompassed everything from houses to shops to the early Chinese equivalent of event catering in Toronto as well as a central Imperial compound. Outside the walls, there are also extensive gardens and parkways that make the most of views from the natural waterways. A trip to the Forbidden City is not just a cultural experience but also a great photo op for the family back home. It's easy to get there - just take public transit as far as Tienanmen Square.

If you plan to visit the Forbidden City and want to make the most out of the experience before you return to your Toronto real estate, you can hire an English speaking guide to take you through the history of the complex's most important temples and palaces. Prepare for a crowded conditions at almost any time of day, and do a little research beforehand to choose your must see buildings, as there isn't time in a single day to see everything. An umbrella is also a good idea in sunny weather as there is very little shade, and be aware that there are many buildings you cannot enter.