Beijing's Palace Museum, better known as the Forbidden City, witnessed a breathtaking display this past Saturday as heavy rain turned its iconic stone dragon heads into roaring water spouts. Visitors watching from the palace courtyard were mesmerized as torrents of rainwater gushed from the dragon mouths, creating a natural spectacle set against the backdrop of ancient imperial architecture.
Built during the Ming dynasty, the stone dragons have long been symbolic guardians of the emperor's residence. During the monsoon-like downpour, they seemed to spring to life—each dragon carving channeling the rain into powerful streams that echoed through the emperor's former halls.
'It felt like stepping into a living legend,' said one visitor, smartphone in hand, capturing slow-motion videos of the cascading water. The scene quickly went viral on social media, with audiences around the world marveling at the fusion of heritage and the raw power of nature.
This spectacular moment also highlights the shifting patterns of rainfall in the Chinese mainland's capital, where intense showers have become more frequent in recent years. For travelers and history buffs, it serves as a vivid reminder of Beijing's living heritage—where every downpour can unveil a new facet of the city's storied past.
Whether you're a tech-savvy globetrotter, a cultural curator, or simply someone craving a unique travel tale, the Forbidden City's stormy transformation offers a powerful snapshot of how nature and history intertwine.
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Stone dragons roar to life at the Forbidden City amid heavy rain
cgtn.com
