China Travel > Forbidden City

The Forbidden City - Beijing China

In the center of Beijing lies the Forbidden City which is called "Gugong" (Palace Museum) in Chinese. Completed in 1420 it was ruled by 24 emperors for a period of 500 years. It is said that more than one million workers, including one hundred thousand artisians, were forced to construct the Forbidden City. Considered by the Chinese to be the symbolic center of the Chinese universe it belonged exclusively to the imperial court and dignitaries until the 1920’s. It was fully opened to the public in 1949. Rectangular in shape the 9,999 buildings which compose it are surrounded by a deep moat and a 10 meter high wall which is still intact There is a gate on each end and towers on each of the four corners affording views of both the palace and the city outside.

The Forbidden City is divided into two parts: The southern end or Outer Court where the emperor ruled the people and; the northern end or Inner Court where he resided with his family and concubines. Yellow is the color of the Imperial Family and it is the dominant color in the Forbidden City. All roofs save one are covered with glazed yellow tiles and many interior decorations are yellow.

The Outer Court is entered from the south through Meridian Gate. It was at this gate that the emperor would review his armies and perform ceremonies at the beginning of the new calendar. This is the main gate and the largest. Everyone entering the Forbidden City had to abide by strict rules concerning its use. The center arch was used exclusively the emperor; the smaller arch to the east was used by the ministers; the one to the west was for the use of the royal family; the remaining smaller openings were used by petty officials

Once inside the gate there are five marble bridges which symbolize the five main virtues of Confucianism. The Gate of Supreme Harmony is in the center of the northern side of the courtyard. This gate, which is really a large hall was originally used for receiving dignitaries and later for banquets.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony was used on major occasions such as enthronement. It is the largest palace with an ornate throne. Erected in 1406 it stands on a three tiered marble terrace and has undergone many repairs through the centuries. There are 1,412 marble dragon heads below the columns of the three-tier terrace on which the three main halls stand. Chinese artisans cleverly combined the drainage system into these architectural features. Symbolizing the emperor’s power this hall was the highest structure in the entire empire during the Ming and Qing dynasties. There are 72 pillars supporting the roof and the doors are decorated with clouds and dragons. A sandalwood throne stands in the center of the hall.

The Hall of Central Harmony was originally built in 1420 and has been restored twice. It is square rather than rectangular and is the smallest of the three halls in the Outer Court. It served as a retreat and study for the emperor on his way to conduct ceremonies in the other two halls. It was here that religious ministers were consulted.

The Hall of Preserved Harmony stands at the northern end of the marble terrace. It was built in 1420, rebuilt in 1625 and renovated in 1765. The Ming Emperors would use this hall to change into their royal garments. During the Qing dynasty imperial banquets of celebrations such as the marriage of a princess were held in this hall.

The Gate of Celestial Purity is the main gate into the Inner Court. In front of the gate is a courtyard separating the two courts. During the Qing dynasty the emperor would be enthroned under the center of this gate to receive reports and proclaim decisions on matters presented to him. There are small buildings are either side which were used as duty rooms for officials and waiting rooms for ministers.

Inside the Gate of Celestial Purity are three palaces. They mirror the three in the Outer Court but are smaller. The Palace of Heavenly Purity was the imperial sleeping quarters. It was built in 1420 and rebuilt in 1798. It was also used for the reception of foreign dignitaries. Beyond is the Hall of Union used by the empress as a throne room. The Palace of Earthly Tranquility is built in the Manchurian style architecture, the only such building within the Forbidden City. Its gate is located on the eastern side rather than in the middle. It was the residence of the Empress during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The Imperial Gardens are located through the Gate of Terrestrial Tranquility. Dating from the reign of the Ming Yongle emperor the gardens are symmetrically laid out with pavilions, temples, halls and a rock garden with ancient trees. This garden was used exclusively by the imperial family. The Hall of Imperial Peace, which formerly served as a temple, is the main structure in the garden.

On the east side of the Inner Court are a number of smaller palaces which were used as the residences of the concubines. Today they contain a jade museum, painting and enamel museums and antique collectibles and other display areas.

Situated next to the Imperial Zenith Hall stands the 100-foot Nine Dragon Screen which is the largest in China. It is formed of richly glazed tiles.

Many buildings on the west side of the court are closed to visitors but the halls west of the three palaces are open. The Hall of Mental Cultivations was used as a residence by the Yongzhen. It was in the central hall that the last Chinese Emperor Pu Yi resigned.