Carved into history, these Ming Dynasty walls stand before us. The \u660e\u524d\u957f\u57ce\u5821\u7826\u9057\u5740 echoes tales of emperors and dynasties. Let’s journey back to the Ming Dynasty.
The Ming Dynasty ruled from 1368 to 1644. Its emperors shaped much of what we see in Beijing today. One significant project was the Forbidden City. Emperor Yongle commissioned its construction in 1406. It officially opened in 1420. The Forbidden City was designed with feng shui principles in mind. Its orientation followed a strict north-south line. Important buildings faced south to honor the sun.
The Forbidden City was not accessible to everyone. Most subjects of the realm were barred. Even the imperial family had limited access. Only the emperor could enter any section at will. This exclusivity gave it the name Forbidden City.
The Forbidden City is a vast complex. It covers 178 acres. That’s about 72 hectares. Within its walls are about 980 buildings. These buildings contain approximately 8,886 rooms. Legend says there were originally 9,999 rooms. The palace is divided into two main sections. The outer court was for ceremonial and political functions. The inner court served as the private residence. The emperor, his family, and officials lived here. A 10-meter-high wall enclosed it. A 52-meter-wide moat added to the defense.
Materials for construction came from far and wide. Whole logs of phoebe zhennan wood were used. They transported these from the jungles of southwestern China. Some rock blocks weighed over 330 tons. They moved these giant blocks on ice-filled trenches. Laborers dredged the Grand Canal to ensure supplies. This waterway ensured the city’s prosperity. Grain deliveries exceeded 200,000 tons annually.
The Forbidden City’s design reflects Chinese cosmology. The color yellow was reserved for the emperor. Roofs of main halls gleam with yellow glazed tiles. Dragon motifs symbolized imperial power. The Hall of Supreme Harmony held the Dragon Throne.
The Forbidden City witnessed historical events. Rebels captured it in 1644. They set fire to parts of the palace. The Qing Dynasty later rebuilt and renamed buildings. Foreign troops occupied it during the Opium War and Boxer Rebellion. Puyi, the last emperor, lived there until 1924. In 1925, it became the Palace Museum.
Today, the Palace Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the world’s largest collection of wooden structures. The museum houses about 1.5 million artifacts. The Forbidden City attracts millions of visitors each year. Restoration projects continue to preserve its grandeur. It offers insights into China’s imperial past.