Entrance gates to the forbidden city.

forbidden stands in front of the forbidden city..

These stands are put in place for the guests for the 60'th national day celebrations. During this time, the entire area will be closed off to the general public.

taking positions..

A group of guards marching into the Tiananmen square at around 4am to take their positions around the square. This was shortly before they started letting people in.

waiting out the night..

A Chinese family sleeping outside on the streets of the forbidden city as the wait out the night in hope of being first in line to witness the daily flag hoisting ceremony at Tiananmen square, Beijing.

crowd gathering..

a group of girls walking into the tiananmen square to take their positions to view the flag hoisting ceremony.