Beijing

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The Forbidden City

Where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing lived

Located in the center of Beijing, the former Imperial Palace, known to foreigners as the Forbidden City, is the largest and best preserved palace in the world. Construction of the palace began in 1406 during the reign of Yong Le - the third emperor of the Ming dynasty, whose capital was Nanjing. In the early 15th century, however, Yong Le or Zhu Di, who was garrisoning Beijing, usurped the throne from his nephew and made Beijing the capital. Its construction was completed in 1420. A total of 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties lived here over a period of about five hundred years. The entire palace area, rectangular in shape and 7,750,080 square feet (720,000 square meters) in size, is surrounded by walls 33 ft (10m) high and a moat 171 ft (52m) wide. Originally extended to 1,829,900 square feet (170,000 square meters), the existing ensemble now covers only 1,614,600 square feet (150,000 square meters).

In this grand palace complex, the high walls, heavy doors, and thick windows cut off the imperial family from the ordinary people, and kept imperial secrets closely guarded. Among the fascinating artifacts are the knobs and "animal head knockers" on the doors. The knobs look shiny against their vermilion background. Each door has a total of 81 knobs arranged in nine horizontal rows and nine vertical rows. The number nine - the biggest single odd number - is regarded in ancient Chinese philosophy as the maximum yang number, representing the masculine or positive principle in nature, and since it is believed to be supreme it is therefore reserved for emperors only. The horizontal and vertical rows of knobs must be arranged according to the imperial hierarchy. In addition to 81 knobs (9 x 9) for the emperor, there are 49 knobs for the prince's residence and other official buildings, while there are 35 knobs for the crown prince's residence or for that of a marquis or below. Violators of this rule were severely punished. The only exception in the Forbidden City is the East Flowery Gate, which has 72 (8 x 9) knobs on it. The story behind this is that the gate, also known as the Ghost Gate, is where several emperors lay in state before their funeral service. The ancient Chinese believed that odd numbers and the living belonged to yang while even numbers and the dead belonged to yin.

The emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties lived in the Palace of Heavenly Purity. The Emperors Shunzhi and Kangxi lived in its Western Warm Chamber. After Emperor Yongzheng's reign ended, he moved to the rear hall of the Hall of Mental Cultivation. The rear hall contains five main rooms, the central one used as an audience chamber, and the eastern and western ones functioning as bedrooms. Out of fear Yongzheng did not allow any- one to sleep beside him, because one former emperor had been strangled by a concubine and a palace maid.

Location

The Forbidden City or Palace Museum is located in the center of Beijing.

Climate

This area enjoys hot summers, cold winters, and a mild spring and fall (the golden season). The best months are May, September, and October, although the air is rather dusty in spring.

Of Special Interest

First built in 1406, this ancient palace for the Ming and Qing emperors is noted as the largest and best preserved wooden architectural complex in the world. Twenty-four emperors exercised their power here. It houses about one million items of cultural importance and artistic works of past dynasties. It is listed as one of the World Heritage Sites.

Main Attractions

The Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserved Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Mental Cultivation, and Nine dragon Screen.

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