The Forbidden City, an ancient palace embedded in the heart of Beijing, is not only a symbol of China’s splendid 5000 year civilization, but also a shining pearl in the world cultural heritage. It is not only a temple of imperial power during the Ming and Qing dynasties, but also a witness to the history and cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. Now, let’s embark on this journey through ancient and modern times together, exploring every corner of the Forbidden City and unlocking the beautiful stories hidden in the dust of time.
1、 The geographical location and long history of the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, also known as the Forbidden City, is located in the center of Beijing. It borders Tiananmen Square to the south, Jingshan Mountain to the north, the bustling Wangfujing to the east, and the peaceful Zhongnanhai to the west. Its construction began in the fourth year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1406), based on the Nanjing Forbidden City. After fourteen years of ingenuity, it was brilliantly completed in the 18th year of the Yongle reign (1420). From then on, it became the residence of 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, symbolizing the supreme power and glory of feudal monarchy.
The Forbidden City covers a vast area, with a total area of 720000 square meters and a construction area of 150000 square meters. It contains more than 70 palaces and thousands of rooms, with a total of 8707 rooms according to accurate statistics, showcasing the royal style. Its layout is rigorous, following the ancient system of “Left Ancestor, Right Society” and “Front Court, Rear Dormitory”. It is divided into two major areas: the Outer Court and the Inner Court, with each brick and tile revealing the majesty and solemnity of the “Supreme Emperor”.
2、 The Architectural Art and Layout of the Forbidden City
Outer court: the stage for national ceremonies. Waichao, as the front part of the Forbidden City, is the venue for major national ceremonies, with three main halls at its core – Taihe Hall, Zhonghe Hall, and Baohe Hall. The Hall of Supreme Harmony, commonly known as the “Golden Palace”, is majestic and spectacular. It is the place where the emperor held a grand ceremony. The ten roof figures on it symbolize the supremacy of imperial power. The Zhonghe Hall and the Baohe Hall respectively undertake the functions of resting, entertaining, and conducting palace examinations before the emperor’s grand ceremony, together forming a glorious chapter of the Outer Court.
The Inner Court: The private space of royal life. The inner court is the private realm of the emperor and empresses, centered around the Qianqing Palace, Jiaotai Palace, and Kunning Palace, forming the rear three palaces, showcasing the luxury and delicacy of royal life. The Qianqing Palace is not only the emperor’s sleeping quarters, but also the place where political affairs are handled; The Jiaotai Hall witnessed the noble moment of the queen; Kunning Palace carries the daily life and sacrificial responsibilities of the empress. In addition, the imperial garden is also an oasis for emperors, empresses, and concubines to relax and entertain, with lush flowers and trees, and pavilions and towers complementing each other.
The Six Palaces of the East and West: a secluded residence for beauties in the harem. The East and West Six Palaces are arranged on both sides, with the East Six Palaces and West Six Palaces arranged in a staggered manner, serving as residences for the empresses. Each palace carries different stories and emotions, with exquisite decorations and furnishings that evoke the elegance and luxury of palace life in the past.
3、 The collection and exhibition of cultural relics in the Forbidden City
The Palace Museum is not only a treasure trove of architecture, but also a treasure trove of culture. Its collection is rich and diverse, covering multiple fields such as ancient calligraphy and painting, ceramics, jade, gold, and silver, each of which is a brilliant crystallization of Chinese civilization.
Ancient calligraphy and painting, such as “Along the River during the Qingming Festival” and “A Thousand Miles of Mountains and Rivers”, are masterpieces that have been passed down through generations. They not only have extremely high artistic value, but also vividly record the historical style and humanistic feelings.
Ceramics: From the simple pottery of the Neolithic Age to the exquisite porcelain of the Ming and Qing official kilns, every piece shines with the wisdom of ancient craftsmen.
Jade, gold, and silverware: Treasures such as jade cabbage and gold dragon wall have become precious treasures of the Palace Museum due to their rare materials and exquisite craftsmanship.
In addition, the Palace Museum also has multiple themed exhibition halls, such as the Treasure Hall, Ceramic Hall, Calligraphy and Painting Hall, etc. It regularly holds various temporary exhibitions, allowing visitors to experience the profoundness of Chinese culture up close.
4、 The cultural value and profound significance of the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is not only the pinnacle of architectural art, but also a precious heritage of Chinese culture. It carries rich historical and cultural information and is a precious resource for studying ancient court life, etiquette systems, religious beliefs, and other aspects. At the same time, the Forbidden City is also a showcase of Chinese civilization, attracting tourists from all over the world to visit and learn, enhancing national pride and cultural confidence. The existence of the Forbidden City proves the long and profound history of Chinese culture, making this treasure forever shine on the stage of world culture.
