Leisurely Traveler with Check-in System

There are three ways to access the areas that are off-limits.

The first is to participate in official special events; the Forbidden City occasionally hosts academic seminars, cultural exchanges, craftsmanship experiences, etc., and some activities allow entry into restricted areas.

However, the timing of such events is uncertain.

Li Younan checked the Forbidden City’s official website, and the next event of this kind is likely to be in the first half of next year.

The second way is through academic research and cooperation, requiring researchers in history, archaeology, architecture, and related fields to enter under academic pretenses, with collaborating units or institutions negotiating with the Forbidden City’s management.

And the last way is through media interviews and filming; proper media can enter for news reporting and documentary filming by submitting an application detailing the filming theme and content. If approved, they can enter.

Li Younan thought it over and figured that the third way would be most suitable for him to access the core area of the Forbidden City.

He plans to discuss this third option with the management of the Forbidden City.

But for now, he decided to complete tomorrow’s Tian’anmen Square task first.

Those who often watch the flag-raising ceremony at Tian’anmen Square know that to watch it up close, you have to queue overnight the evening before.

So Li Younan thought for a moment and decided to book another room at the People’s Hall Hotel near Tian’anmen Square and stay there, getting up at dawn to queue.

In such moments, Li Younan is not one to avoid competition.

Since he’s already here, he definitely aims to watch the flag-raising ceremony at Tian’anmen Square from the closest distance. He’s determined not to miss out.

After checking in at the People’s Hall Hotel, he found the closest entrance to him is the 7th Square South Security Check, but he previously booked online for the 3rd entrance, so he asked the receptionist, ”Is it close from here to the 3rd entrance?”

The receptionist immediately understood that Li Younan was planning to see the flag-raising and explained with a smile, ”It’s not a problem. Right now, it’s not a major holiday, and the security checks won’t be that strict. You can directly enter from the 7th entrance. But it’s best to queue from around midnight.”

Li Younan finally relaxed. Just then, someone asked him, ”Are you here to see the flag-raising too? Did you check online guides?”

Li Younan turned around and saw a girl about eighteen or nineteen, carrying a backpack.

”Online, it says the best spot among the three to watch the flag is still the square flag point.”

Li Younan understood; he too had read some online guides.

In the capital, there are three flag-watching points. Two are beneath Tian’anmen Tower, close to the ceremonial guard’s entrance but require viewing the flag from across the street with a less ideal angle.

Therefore, the ideal spot is Tian’anmen Square’s flag point, located between the People’s Monument and the flag.

”Did you come alone?”

The girl was very outgoing, asking Younan.

Li Younan nodded.

”It’s a coincidence, I’m alone too. What time will you queue tonight?”

”Uh... I haven’t decided, probably at midnight.”

”I’ll queue at midnight. Want to team up?”

”It’s fine, you’re quite outgoing.”

”Hehe, I think you’re handsome, so you must not be a bad guy. Plus, we have the same goal staying here; we’re all good young people with faith.”

Li Younan couldn’t help but laugh heartily.

Traveling’s most fascinating aspect is meeting various people who mostly won’t intersect much with your life but become brief encounters, leaving you smiling whenever reminiscing about a journey.

Thus, forming a temporary companionship.

However, this temporary companionship was far less stable than Li Younan imagined.

At midnight, Li Younan queued with the girl.

They were relatively early, with not many people in line.

But to Li Younan’s surprise, even though they were only behind thirty to forty people, the girl wasn’t satisfied.

Utilizing her looks, she chatted a bit with Li Younan and then started mingling with people around her, inching forward bit by bit until she had moved ahead seven to eight people, quickly leaving Li Younan behind.

For a moment, Li Younan was speechless.

But it was alright. The girl only affected his sprinting speed. Without her, he didn’t have any burdens when it’s time to dash.

Feeling somewhat bored, Li Younan listened to music and played mobile games as time ticked by.

Many brought small stools; Li Younan casually sat on the ground without even a backpack.

It was late autumn in China, quite chilly. Otherwise, he would’ve preferred wearing a thin shirt for faster security checks.

Li Younan’s energy was abundant, so pulling an all-nighter wasn’t hard.

After a sleepless night, he was still lively when security opened, unlike others who began yawning.

And then, looking at the girl, his eyes widened—she had made her way to the very front.

Impressive.

Finally, security opened.

The crowd started moving, with sleepy, yawning tourists quickly waking up.

Following the crowd past the security gate, Li Younan noted the convenience coming from People’s Hall Hotel was indeed favorable.

As he entered People’s Square, Mao’s Memorial Hall was ahead; tourists rushed toward the flag viewpoint.

Li Younan snorted; he won’t lose the race, especially having no baggage, waiting for this moment.

He broke into a sprint, the wind trailing behind.

The temporary companion girl, dressed in white down jacket, proudly darted with short strides toward the flag point.

Soon, the crowd overtook her, dropping her back.

She grew anxious.

At that moment, a figure dashed past.

Her mouth agape—swiftly at the forefront, she saw it was Li Younan.

His sprint was exaggerated.

Many took photos of his actions and expressions.

”Isn’t it just a flag raising? Is this necessary?”

”No way, I have to post a video complaining about this guy!”

Everyone grumbled, but their bodies followed suit, urged on to run faster.

And Li Younan naturally reached the front, seizing the best spot.