Are you in the mood for a little peek into some of China’s major historic scenes but not in a position to actually visit China? Well you don’t have to look any further than the Forbidden Gardens in Katy, Texas (right outside of Houston).

The Yellow Emperor
This is an outdoor museum you don’t want to miss with guided tours where you can view intricately detailed miniatures of the famous Forbidden City in Beijing which boasts nearly 500 years of Imperial rule. Another must-see is the first Emperor’s 6,000 piece terra-cotta army replicated in 1/3 scale. The mystery of China in the third century BC unfolds before you in this magical museum.

When you are ready to relax and marvel at all you have seen then it’s time to visit the Calming of the Heart Lodge (or the Summer Palace) area of the museum. This black-roofed palace was a vacation getaway for those who lived and worked in the Forbidden City and was the ideal location for scholars and guests to rest, reflect, and get back to nature. Take a walk around the Lodge and I guarantee you will feel the relaxing sensation that it brought the Emperors and Empresses throughout the years. You might even begin to feel like an Emperor (or Empress, as the case may be) yourself!

This is an especially great trip for families with children 4-10 (old enough to understand the “you break it, you buy it” rule and still young enough to imagine walking and living in the miniature replica palace).

Until next time . . .

Paige aka PJsTravelinTexas

For some other reviews of the Forbidden Garden and Katy see these blogs:

  1. Forbidden Gardens: A Chinatown Tiny Town by Wesley Treat
  2. Things to do in Houston Chinatown by Chinatown Connection.Com
  3. Only Katy: The Voice Of Katy Texas by OnlyKaty