The Forbidden City is the world’s largest palace complex located in the heart of Beijing, China. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be the best-preserved imperial palace in the world. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It was the home of 24 emperors and their families and the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government for almost 500 years.
History of the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City was constructed in 1406 to 1420 by the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Yongle. It was designed as a replica of the palaces of the Heavens and was intended to be the center of the imperial government and a symbol of the emperor’s power and authority. The palace complex was laid out in a rectangular shape with walls and gates that measured 961 meters from north to south and 753 meters from east to west. It is surrounded by a 52-meter-wide moat and a 10-meter-high wall.
Layout of the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is divided into two main sections: the Outer Court and the Inner Court. The Outer Court was used for ceremonial purposes and included the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. The Inner Court was the residence of the emperor and his family and included the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Union, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. The Forbidden City also included a number of other structures such as temples, pavilions, gardens, and galleries.
The Halls of the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is home to some of the most impressive and iconic halls in China. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest hall in the palace complex and was used for the most important ceremonies such as coronations and enthronements. The Hall of Central Harmony was used as a place for the emperor to prepare for ceremonies in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. The Hall of Preserving Harmony was used for the emperor to rest before and after ceremonies. The Palace of Heavenly Purity was the residence of the emperor and his family, while the Hall of Union was used as a reception hall for important visitors.
Notable Structures
The Forbidden City is home to a number of notable structures such as the Gate of Divine Might, the Imperial Garden, and the Nine-Dragon Wall. The Gate of Divine Might is the main entrance to the palace complex and is decorated with golden dragons. The Imperial Garden is a landscaped garden located in the center of the palace complex. The Nine-Dragon Wall is a wall decorated with nine dragons and is located near the Gate of Divine Might.
The Forbidden City Today
Today, the Forbidden City is a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is open to the public and visitors can explore the various halls and structures of the palace complex. The Forbidden City is also home to a number of museums, galleries, and libraries that are open to the public.
Conclusion
The Forbidden City is an incredible palace complex that was once the home of 24 emperors and their families. It is the world’s largest palace complex and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Forbidden City is home to a number of impressive halls and structures, as well as museums, galleries, and libraries. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and is open to the public.