The Forbidden City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. It is located in Beijing, and is an imperial palace that is known to be the home of twenty-four emperors from 1420 to 1912, during the Qing and Ming dynasties. Once you visit the Forbidden City, you will be captivated by its architecture and rich history; this palace was and is still a very important part of the Chinese culture.
Gu Gong
The City got its name from the fact that the emperor had to give permission to all who entered and left the city; as such, it was called forbidden. The Forbidden City is also known by the popular Chinese name ‘Gu Gong,’ which actually means ‘old palace.’
Zhi Di, the Ming Dynasty emperor, moved quite a few times during his reign; however, he finally decided to settle in Beijing, as he needed a suitable residence. As such, the construction of the Forbidden City started in 1406 and ended in 1420. This palace was home to the royal family up until 1912, when Puyi gave up the throne to the new Republic of China and Sun Yat Sen.
The Forbidden City is currently the largest palace complex in the world, having more than 8,500 rooms that stretch out on 74 hectares of land. The wall that surrounds the palace is more than six meters wide at the top, more than eight meters wide at the bottom, and has a total circumference of more than 3,400 meters.
the Courts
There are two primary parts that this city is divided into; there is the inner court and there is also the outer court. The inner court not only served as the offices for the emperors, but it had the living quarters for the emperor and his family as well. On the other hand, the primary use of the outer court was for ceremonial events that were used to impress the guests.
Here are some interesting facts about the Forbidden City:
- All the roofs (except for two) are made using glazed yellow tiles, as the color of the emperor was yellow.
- The north south central axis that runs from the Gate or Dine Might to the Meridian Gat is actually Beijing’s central axis.
- There was a Starbucks that was opened in the city in 2000; however, it closed in 2007.
Visiting
If you are visiting China and wish to see the Forbidden City, you should expect to spend approximately half a day, if you expect to explore the city properly. You should start your tour at the Beijing Train Station early in the morning, and make your way through the city.
image source: namealus and jacobmee
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