The Forbidden City is a historic palace complex in Beijing, China. It is located in the heart of the city and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Forbidden City was the former home of the Chinese imperial family from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is the world’s largest palace complex, covering an area of 720,000 square meters. The Forbidden City is a must-visit for any traveler in Beijing.
History of the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City was built in the early 15th century, during the reign of the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. It was originally built as the imperial palace for the emperor and his family, and served as the political and ceremonial center of the Chinese government for nearly 500 years. The palace complex was constructed by over 1 million workers and artisans, and was the largest palace in the world at the time. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, the Forbidden City was opened to the public as a museum.
Architecture of the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is composed of more than 980 buildings and covers an area of 720,000 square meters. It is surrounded by a 10-meter-high wall, with a moat around it. The palace complex is divided into two parts: the Outer Court and the Inner Court. The Outer Court was the area where the emperor handled state affairs and conducted ceremonies, while the Inner Court was the residence of the imperial family. The palace is a masterpiece of Chinese architecture, with buildings made of wood, stone, and brick, decorated with intricate designs and colorful murals.
Notable Sites in the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is home to many important sites, including:
- The Hall of Supreme Harmony – the largest and most important building in the palace complex, it was used for important ceremonies such as the emperor’s enthronement and wedding ceremonies.
- The Hall of Central Harmony – the second largest building in the palace, it was used for rehearsals for ceremonies.
- The Hall of Preserving Harmony – the third largest building in the palace, it was used for the emperor to rest before ceremonies.
- The Imperial Garden – a beautiful garden located in the rear of the palace, it was used for the emperor and his family to relax and enjoy the scenery.
- The Imperial Vault of Heaven – a large wooden structure located in the center of the palace, it was used for important ceremonies such as the emperor’s enthronement.
Visit the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is open to the public and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Beijing. Visitors can explore the palace complex and marvel at the intricate architecture and stunning artwork. There are also many museums and galleries located within the Forbidden City, where visitors can learn more about the history of the palace and the Chinese imperial family.
Ticket Prices
Tickets to the Forbidden City are relatively inexpensive, with prices ranging from 30 to 70 yuan ($4.50 to $10.50 USD). Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance to the palace complex.