The Forbidden City is one of the most historic places in China, filled with a lot of history and culture. The Forbidden city was home to 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The construction of the monumental attraction started in 1406 under the reign of Yongle of the Ming Dynasty, and ended in the 1420. Isn’t it crazy how it only took them 14 years to build this massive sight, with extreme architecture, and precision to detail!
In Chinese thought, it is believed that God lives in the Purple Palace in heaven. Therefore, the Forbidden City was made to mirror the idea of what the Purple Palace looked like, as to show that God’s supreme power was bestowed upon every emperor that lived in the Forbidden City.
There is an intense amount of detail and precision that went into the design and construction of the Forbidden City. The gates of the Forbidden city were arranged about the “north-south central axis of old Beijing,” as they represent that the emperor was living at the center of the world. In addition, the Forbidden City is enclosed by a 10 meter ( 32.8084 feet) high wall, with a watchtower at each corner of the Forbidden City, containing guards and watchmen. The Forbidden City takes up an area of around 178 acres, with a total space of 150,000 square meters (1,600,000 square feet). In addition, this large space holds within it 90 palaces and courtyards, in addition to 980 buildings containing a total of 8,704 rooms.
One of the most famous places in the Forbidden CIty is the Hall of Supreme Harmony, also known as 太和殿, which contains within it the emperors’ Dragon Throne (Longyi). In addition to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, there is also the Hall of Central Harmony, as well known as 中和殿. This hall is famous for being the resting place of the emperor before observing grand events held in the 太和殿. In addition, the emperor would rehearse speeches and presentations in this room before showcasing them in the Temple of Heaven.
The culture and history of the Forbidden City touches each citizen of China, no matter what end of China they live in, and what province. Going there on my exchange program was a truly amazing experience, and allowed me to learn a lot more about the Chinese culture.
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Source:
https://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/forbidden-city/
I think you did a great job outlining the history of the Forbidden City in China. It’s an architectural marvel, and it’s a must-see place if you visit China.
Wow, I learned so much from reading this article. I learned that it took 14 years to finally complete the building of the Forbidden City and was designed to look like the Purple Palace in heaven! I also love that I have a sense of how large this city truly is! Thanks for sharing!
It’s interesting that 24 emperors lived in the Forbidden City. I didn’t know that there are almost 1,000 buildings within the place.
It is crazy that it only took 14 years to build the Forbidden City! I hadn’t known that it took up almost 180 acres and contained nearly 1,000 buildings. Nice job!
I cannot believe it was home to 24 emperors over 2 dynasties. Very interesting that that building still stands to this day and has endured so much history.
It’s very interesting how the Forbidden City was meant to mirror the Purple Palace, and how huge and culturally important it is!
I learned a lot about the forbidden city and how it only took 14 years to build it
I had no idea that the Forbidden City was so big that it holds 90 palaces and courtyards, 980 buildings, and 8,704 rooms!
I still can’t believe that I was actually there! Thank you for sharing this great article on more facts that I didn’t know yet.