The abode of 24 Ming and Qing emperors of the Celestial Empire, the Forbidden City gugong is a fittingly awe-inspiring sight. Enclosed behind its moat and 32. 5-foot-high (9. 9-m) walls are 980 buildings vast courtyards and long corridors that occupy a tal area of 178 acres (720,000 m2). It’s alleged that as many as 1, 000, 000 workers and 100,000 artisans participated in the construction of this imperial palace, which began in 406 and was completed in 1420 during the reign of Ming dynasty emperor Yongle. Destroyed by fires and other calamities, many of the buildings were rebuilt and expanded during the Qing dynasty. The last emperor, Puyi left the Forbidden City in 1924, 11 years after his abdication and the establishment of the Republic of China. After Puyi’s departure, the Forbidden City, which had long been off-limits to most mortals, was opened to the public, hence its current Chinese name, gugong bowuyuan, meaning “The Palace Museum.
Besides its massive scale and historica visitor by its design. Its clear lines, perfect proportions, and dramatic color scheme of vermilion wa white marble terraces and staircase and brilliant yellow-tiled roofs cre create one of t rld’s most beautiful architectural complexes. It was built along a meridian line: from the Dragon’s throne, an axis can be drawn directly south through the many gates, right through to Qianmen. From his northern seat, the emperor could symbolically survey his entire kingdom. time, at least 3 hours, and a comfortable pair of shoes insightful and features the suave voice of Roger Moore of James Bond fame. Readers interested in the Forbidden City’s past grandeur should watch The Last Bernardo Bertolucci, film that was largely shot on location.
Forbidden City is the Meridian Gatewimen) which isian anmen Square. Don’t confuse Meridian Gate with the an Peace, above which hangs Mao’s portrait. The “Son of Heaven,”as the, would come to the Meridian Gate to review armies and announce the new Meridian Gate, keep in mind that in imperial times you would only the emperor could use this central archway.had to employ the side passageways.ate is a courtyard bisected by a canal in the shape of a bow that spable bridges. On the far side of the canal is the Gate of Supreme armony(taihemen), which opens up to second gigantic courtyard that held ceremonial halls, the Hall of Supreme Harmony (tairtyard is the first of three great Emperor read important edicts, celebrated his birthday and appointed military leaders.
Inside the hall is an elaborately decorated throne flanked by cloisonne-cra-(symbolizing longevity) and gorgeous columns carved with dragons The second ceremonial hall, called the Hall of Middle Harmony (zhonghedian ) was used by the emperor and his ministers as a staging area to prepare for official ceremonies. Directly behind it is the Hall of Preserving Harmony (baohedian )where Qing dynasty New Year’s Eve banquets were held. This edifice was also used as an imperial 18 seeking offici examination hall for top scholars seeking official positions.
After passing the Hall of Preserving Harmony, some visitors pause over a cappuccino at the Forbidden City’s Starbucks while others meander eastward in an area that served as the quarters for imperial attendants, including, at one point, an estimated 70, 000 eunuchs. signs ting towards the Hall of Clocks(zhongbidoguan and Hall of Jewelry(zhenbdoguan), where antiques are exhibited ntinue to guard the Forbidden City.(gugong jidolou) Due north of the Hall of Preserving Harmony is the Inner Palace, a series of elegant buildings and courtyards where the emperor lived with his family and concubines. In theater. At the northern end of the compound is the Imperial Garden(yuhuayuan) with gnarled cypresses, scholars’ rocks and pavilions. Reflecting their separate purposes,the Garden and the Inner Palace were built on a far more human scale than the grandiose ceremonial halls: the former were designed for the emperor’s private life, the latter for his public persona as the embodiment of the state and Son of Heaven. The garden is also the only place in the palace grounds that has trees because of the importance of symbolism to he emperor. The palace grounds are in the shape of a square think of them as a box. If box has the Chinese character for tree inside, it becomes the the box becomes the character meaning imprisoned (kun ) not exactly an auspicious symbol for the emperor.
