Marvel at the Forbidden City. This magnificent palace complex stands before you. It was the imperial residence for 24 emperors. The Ming and Qing dynasties ruled from here for over 500 years. From 1420 to 1924 this was the center of political power in China.
Imagine the Forbidden City during its construction. Over a million workers labored for 14 years. They used precious Phoebe zhennan wood. Large marble blocks came from quarries near Beijing. The floors of major halls were paved with golden bricks. These were specially baked paving bricks from Suzhou.
The Forbidden City’s name is steeped in mystery. It was forbidden to most. Only the emperor his family and eunuchs could enter freely. Unauthorized entry meant immediate execution. The name Zijincheng means Purple Forbidden City. Zi refers to the North Star. Jin signifies a prohibition. Cheng means city. Today it’s often called Gugong the Former Palace.
The Forbidden City is enormous. It covers 72 hectares. A popular myth claims 9999 rooms. Experts now say there are 8886. Its layout protected imperial ethics. The courtyard is built on a massive scale. It has the appearance of a simple quadrangle courtyard. The Forbidden City is the center of Beijing’s ancient walled city. It’s enclosed by the larger Imperial City.
The Forbidden City’s walls are 7.9 meters high. A 6-meter-deep moat surrounds it. The walls are defensive and retaining walls. They were built with a rammed earth core. Three layers of specially baked bricks surface both sides. Corner towers sit at each corner. These towers boast intricate roofs with 72 ridges.
The Meridian Gate is the main southern entrance. The Gate of Divine Prowess is to the north. The East and West Glorious Gates are on the sides. All gates have nine-by-nine arrays of golden door nails. Except for the East Glorious Gate which has only eight. Only the emperor could use the central gateway on the Imperial Way. Empresses and successful students were exceptions.
The Forbidden City is divided into two parts. The Outer Court to the south was for ceremonies. The Inner Court to the north was the emperor’s residence. The Outer Court’s three main halls stand on a three-tiered white marble terrace. These are the Hall of Supreme Harmony the Hall of Central Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest. It’s approximately 30 meters tall. It’s the ceremonial center of imperial power. It’s nine bays wide and five bays deep. The Emperor held court here in the Ming dynasty. The Qing emperors used a less formal location. They used the Hall for major events.
The Inner Court housed the emperor and his family. In the Qing dynasty the emperor mainly lived and worked here. The three main halls were the official residences. The Palace of Heavenly Purity was the Emperor’s residence. The Palace of Earthly Tranquility was for the Empress. The Hall of Union was where Yin and Yang combined.
The Forbidden City’s importance is undeniable. It’s a link to China’s past. It’s a masterpiece of architecture and design. It’s a world heritage site. Its history and stories continue to fascinate. Its opulence and symbolism stand as a testament to a powerful era. It is a treasure for the world.