Lucky LongThe Forbidden City, or Zijin Cheng (紫禁城) in Chinese, stands as an enduring symbol of China’s imperial history and cultural heritage. Nestled in the heart of Beijing, this majestic palace complex served as the political, ceremonial, and residential hub for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties over nearly 500 years.
The name “Purple Forbidden City” reflects deep cultural and cosmological significance. “Zi” (紫), meaning purple, refers to the Ziwei Enclosure (紫微垣), a celestial region in Chinese astronomy symbolizing the residence of the Celestial Emperor. The term “Forbidden” (禁) highlights its exclusivity, as the palace was strictly off-limits to ordinary people, preserving its mystique and emphasizing imperial authority.
Covering 720,000 square meters (180 acres), the Forbidden City is the largest palace complex in the world. It comprises 980 buildings and more than 8,700 rooms, meticulously arranged along Beijing’s central axis. This symmetrical layout symbolizes cosmic harmony and reflects the ancient Chinese philosophy of balance between heaven and earth.
Construction began in 1406 during the reign of Emperor Yongle and was completed in 1420. The palace’s red walls and yellow-glazed tiles are iconic, symbolizing imperial power and prosperity. Its structures, built primarily from precious nanmu wood, feature intricate carvings and colorful decorations, showcasing the peak of ancient Chinese craftsmanship.
Today, the Forbidden City is known as the Palace Museum, housing over 1.86 million cultural relics that span thousands of years of Chinese history. Its collection includes masterpieces such as Along the River During the Qingming Festival by Zhang Zeduan and The Ode to the Luo River Goddess by Gu Kaizhi. From ancient bronzes to Ming and Qing porcelain, each artifact tells a story of China’s artistic and cultural achievements.
In 1987, the Forbidden City was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unparalleled historical, cultural, and architectural value. As the largest and best-preserved ancient wooden structure complex in the world, it is a treasure shared by all of humanity. Every year, millions of visitors come to the Forbidden City to marvel at its grandeur, explore its rich history, and connect with the legacy of imperial China.
The Forbidden City is not just a palace; it’s a gateway to understanding China’s imperial history, culture, and artistry. Its walls echo with stories of power, tradition, and artistry, offering a timeless glimpse into the world of emperors. For anyone seeking to explore the soul of China’s past, the Forbidden City remains an unmissable destination.
Key Attractions
1.Meridian Gate
(Chinese:午门;WuMen)
The Meridian Gate is the main southern entrance of the Forbidden City. Its five towers symbolize supreme imperial authority.
2.Gate of Supreme Harmony
(Chinese:太和门;Taihemen)
The largest gate in the Forbidden City and the main entrance to the Outer Court. Formerly known as “Gate of Receiving Heaven” and “Gate of Imperial Pole”, it got its present name in 1645.
3.Hall of Supreme Harmony
(Chinese:太和殿;Taihedian)
The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest hall in the Forbidden City, located on the central axis. It was the venue for major ceremonies such as imperial coronations and weddings.
4.Hall of Central Harmony
(Chinese:中和殿;Zhonghedian)
The Hall of Central Harmony lies between the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. Here, the emperor rested and received guidance from officials before attending ceremonies.
5.Hall of Preserving Harmony
(Chinese:保和殿;Baohedian)
The Hall of Preserving Harmony was used for banquets and the final imperial examinations, located behind the Hall of Central Harmony.
6.Palace of Heavenly Purity
(Chinese:乾清宫;Qianqinggong)
The Palace of Heavenly Purity served as the emperor’s residence, located at the front of the Inner Court, and was also where daily state affairs were conducted.
7.Hall of Union
(Chinese:交泰殿;Jiaotaidian)
Located between the Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, it is a square hall with a single-eaved pyramidal roof on four corners. The Hall of Union is the place where the empress received congratulations on important festivals such as New Year’s Day and the Empress’s Birthday. There are also twenty-five imperial seals symbolizing imperial power stored in the hall.
8.Palace of Earthly Tranquility
(Chinese:坤宁宫;Kunninggong)
The Palace of Earthly Tranquility was the empress’s residence, situated to the north of the Palace of Heavenly Purity, symbolizing harmony between yin and yang.
9.Imperial Garden
(Chinese:御花园;Yuhuayuan)
The Imperial Garden, located at the northernmost part of the Forbidden City, covers about 12,000 square meters. It was a place for the royal family to rest and enjoy scenic views, featuring pavilions, towers, and rock formations.
10.Gate of Divine Might
(Chinese:神武门;Shenwumen)
The Gate of Divine Might is the northern gate of the Forbidden City, facing Jingshan Park. It was used as an exit when the emperor went on tours.
