Buddhist Monks at the Palace Museum in Beijing, China

Photo by Debbie Stock

The Palace Museum in Beijing attracts up to 18 million people annually to the Forbidden City. Constructed from 1406 to 1420, the museum consists of 980 buildings and has more than 1.8 million pieces of art, mostly from the imperial collection of the Ming and Qing dynasties. For almost five centuries, it served as the home of the Emperor and his household, and the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government.

Its size and collections nearly overwhelm you if you're trying to see everything in a single visit, but I found what's especially fascinating are the tourists visiting the Palace Museum. They come from all over the world and all walks of life. If you're a people watcher, this is a great place to spend the day taking in all the faces, expressions, and even clothing that visitors wear.

Next photo: Lunch with a Chinese Opera Singer