can anyone confirm that purses and bags are not allowed in the forbidden city and does this also apply to cam corders and cameras and the over the shoulder bags that you keep them in

They looked in my bags, but I kept them with me, as well as my camera. If you aren't supposed to photograph something, there will be a sign.

I think there is this restriction at Tiananmen Square if you want to go in and check out the pickled Mao. I didn't.

We took cameras and bags without any problems or questions.

I think you can bring those things into the Forbidden City. Defintely cannot bring anything into Mao's tomb though.

To the best of my knowledge having done this trip several timess, purses and bags are not allowed up onto the Gate of Heavenly Peace, which is the entrance to the Forbbiden City and the best vista point for looking out onto Tiananmen Square. You leave them at a central area down stairs before you climb up onto the gate. You can bring your camera up onto the gate. The reason they don't want people to bring bags up (so I have been told) is because there have been incidences of people bring protest posters up in bags and unfurling them on the gate. You aren't up there very long in any event as there is nothing up there to see other than the view of the square, which is quite impressive.

You can then collect your bags and do the tour of the rest of the Forbidden City.

thanks for all your prompt replys, thatsfrommers guide for you, didnt make it very clear, fizz