Introduction
Twilight in the Forbidden City is a book written by Reginald Johnston. The book is a memoir of the time he spent in the Forbidden City as the tutor to the last Chinese Emperor, Puyi. It provides a rare glimpse into the lives of the Chinese emperors and their courtiers as well as the cultural and political history of China in the early 20th century.
The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Beijing, China. It was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties and served as the political, cultural and spiritual center of China for over 500 years.
Architecture and Design
The Forbidden City covers an area of 72 hectares and is composed of over 90 palace compounds and courtyards. The palace was designed with Chinese feng shui principles, featuring a symmetrical layout with the main buildings arranged according to a precise hierarchy.
- The Outer Court was the ceremonial center of the palace and included the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony.
- The Inner Court was the residential area of the emperor and his family and included the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Mental Cultivation, and the Six Western Palaces.
Life in the Forbidden City
Life in the Forbidden City was highly ritualized and governed by strict rules and regulations. The emperor was viewed as the Son of Heaven and was surrounded by eunuchs, concubines, officials, and courtiers.
Johnston’s memoir provides a vivid description of the daily routines of the emperor and his entourage, including the elaborate ceremonies and rituals that took place throughout the year. He also gives insight into the personal lives and relationships of the imperial family, revealing their struggles and emotions.
Conclusion
Twilight in the Forbidden City is not only a memoir of Johnston’s time in the Forbidden City but also a window into Chinese history and culture. It provides a unique perspective on the lives of the imperial family and the courtiers who served them, as well as the wider political and social changes that took place in China during the early 20th century.