Introduction to the Forbidden City

Introduction to the Forbidden City

Overview

The Forbidden City, officially known as the Palace Museum, is located in the heart of Beijing. It was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1912) and is the largest and best-preserved wooden architectural complex in the world. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Forbidden City is one of the most iconic symbols of Chinese culture and history.

Historical Background

Construction of the Forbidden City began in 1406 during the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty and was completed in 1420. It served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly 500 years. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912, the last emperor, Puyi, continued living in the palace until 1924, when he was expelled. In 1925, the Forbidden City was transformed into the Palace Museum and opened to the public.

Architectural Layout

The Forbidden City covers an area of approximately 720,000 square meters and consists of 980 buildings with over 8,700 rooms. The complex follows a symmetrical layout along a central axis, symbolizing supreme power. It is mainly divided into two sections:

1. Outer Court – Used for state ceremonies and imperial administration, with three main halls:

   • Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian) – Also known as the "Golden Throne Hall," it was the venue for grand ceremonies such as coronations and imperial audiences. It is the largest and most magnificent hall in the Forbidden City.
   • Hall of Central Harmony (Zhonghe Dian) – A resting and preparation area for the emperor before major ceremonies.
   • Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohe Dian) – Used for banquets and the final stage of the imperial examination.

2. Inner Court – The living quarters for the emperor, empress, and concubines, centered around three main palaces:

   • Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing Gong) – The emperor’s residence and workspace.
   • Hall of Union (Jiaotai Dian) – A place where the empress’s official seals were kept.
   • Palace of Earthly Tranquility (Kunning Gong) – The residence of the empress, later used for shamanistic rituals during the Qing Dynasty.

Other notable areas include the Imperial Garden, the Six Western and Eastern Palaces (residences of concubines), the Treasure Gallery, and the Clock and Watch Gallery, all showcasing the luxurious imperial lifestyle.

Cultural Significance

• Symbol of Imperial Power – The Forbidden City’s architecture prominently features yellow glazed tiles and red walls, representing the emperor’s supreme authority.
• Traditional Craftsmanship – The palace complex was built using ancient Chinese techniques, including dougong (interlocking wooden brackets), gold bricks, and intricate paintings.
• Treasures and Artifacts – The museum houses over 1.86 million precious artifacts, including calligraphy, porcelain, jade, and imperial relics, many of which are national treasures.

Tourism and Preservation

Today, the Forbidden City is one of the most visited cultural landmarks in the world, attracting millions of tourists annually. To protect its ancient architecture and artifacts, measures such as visitor limits, digital preservation, and the “Digital Forbidden City” project have been implemented, allowing people worldwide to explore its history virtually.

Conclusion

The Forbidden City is not only a testament to China’s imperial past but also a treasure trove of traditional Chinese culture, art, and architecture. As one of the world’s most significant cultural heritage sites, it continues to captivate visitors and scholars alike.