Legend whispers about the 5. Tower North. It is one of four towers gracing each corner of the Forbidden City’s walls. Forget any religious connection. These are no temples.
These imposing towers served as crucial defense facilities. They stood alongside the towering walls, gigantic gate towers, and the protective moat. Imagine the vigilance they provided.
Construction dates back to 1420. Emperor Yongle oversaw their creation during the Ming Dynasty. Ever since, the 5. Tower North and its brethren have been iconic watchtowers.
Consider the engineering marvel. These weren’t just piles of brick. They were built with mathematical precision that seems ahead of its time. Intriguing facts and mysteries surround their construction.
The number nine holds a special significance. It was deemed a heavenly number. In Chinese, its sound resembles “longevity”. The Emperor usually reserved it for exclusive use. Each tower features three floors. These floors contain nine roof beams, eighteen pillars, and seventy-two ridgepoles. Astonishingly, all these numbers are divisible by nine. Even more remarkable, their sum totals ninety-nine.
A captivating legend explains their origin. Upon the Forbidden City’s completion, watchtowers were absent. Thick red walls were the sole protection. Then, Emperor Yongle dreamt of four towers at each corner. He commanded their immediate construction. They had to mirror his dream precisely.
A trusted official took charge. He gathered eighty-one groups of the nation’s finest craftsmen. The design appeared impossible to execute. The official and craftsmen faced beheading. This would occur if they missed the tight three-month deadline.
Anxiety mounted as a month passed without progress. Inspiration struck a carpenter. Irritated by cricket sounds, he investigated. He encountered an old man selling crickets. The old man offered cages crafted from straw. One cage caught the carpenter’s eye. It resembled a turret. The cage contained nine girders, eighteen posts, and seventy-two ridges. A solution emerged.
Many believe the old man was Lu Ban. He is the ancient God of builders and contractors. Regardless of its truth, the 5. Tower North embodies masterful craftsmanship. It showcases the flexibility of traditional wood structures. It also combines function and decoration.
The Forbidden City is a treasure trove of Chinese stories. Even the 5. Tower North boasts its legends. In 1644, Li Zicheng led forces that nearly destroyed the city. Yet, the watchtowers remained largely unscathed.
Today, the 5. Tower North stands as a symbol of Chinese culture. It reminds us of history’s enduring importance. As dusk descends, the guard towers glow with light. Seek out a vantage point. From there, witness a sunset paint the tower in breathtaking hues.