Forbidden Gardens, a place experience the Imperial City in China without leaving America

Forbidden Gardens is located in Katy, Texas. The gardens are a place for visitors to experience the historic and cultural sites of China without having to leave the United States. The gardens are open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday's from 10am. Pre arranged private tours are available Monday to Thursday.

There are nine different exhibits in the gardens; these include the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang-di who was the First Emperor of China. The tomb is a replication 1/3 scale of 6,000 terra cotta soldiers. The original tomb was discovered in Xi'an, an ancient capitol, by a 6,000 piece army in 1974.

There is a 1/20th scale replica of the Forbidden City including the Hall of Supreme Harmony which is a split view exhibit to show how roofing was built in the Imperial City. The city was home to the Imperial family for 500 years. The replica includes palaces, courtyards, halls and the gardens of the city. This replica is an official Museum of the Palace.

Another scale model in the gardens is of the city of Suzhou which is known as the Venice of China. There are also replicas of ancient weaponry, conveyances and architecture of how life was for over 2,000 years. Other exhibits include an Emperor's dining table, the calming of the Heart Lodge, Summer Palace which was a vacation area for those who lived in the Forbidden City.

As the gardens are an outdoor facility the park is subject to weather. Unexpected closures may occur during bad weather for safety reasons. There are shaded sitting areas throughout the park. The gardens also advise visitors to dress to the day's weather.

The gardens started a children's summer program in 2006, Asian Adventure Day. The day starts with a guided tour of the museum that has been modified for the age level of the children. There is a short informational video then the children will be guided through the exhibits and then learn the history of Imperial China.

Lunch is provided after the tour then they have the opportunity to visit the gift shop. Visitors to the gift shop have the opportunity to purchase books, clothing, statues and children's toys along with the most popular item in the store - Terra Cotta Warriors.

After the gift shop the children will begin an activity that has been pre-chosen. These activities are either painting a Chinese Opera Mask or Paper Lantern, while the children are painting their chosen item a video of Chinese Acrobats from the annual competition held in Beijing, China is shown. A history is provided of these activities whilst the children are completing the project. While the paint is drying on the mask/lantern the children play Chinese bingo.