The Forbidden City, formerly known as the Purple Forbidden City, is the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties in China, located at the center of Beijing's central axis. It is not only the center of Chinese imperial palaces but also one of the five great palaces in the world, standing proudly among the world's cultural heritage sites with its enduring splendor and profound historical heritage. Its layout is rigorous and symmetrical, with every detail showcasing ingenious craftsmanship. Whether it's the glittering glazed tile roofs or the exquisite woodcarvings and stone sculptures, they all leave people in awe. The various auspicious animals hidden on the roofs, eaves, and gates carry deep cultural connotations and symbolic meanings. This palace, which encapsulates the essence of five thousand years of Chinese civilization, conceals countless mysteries and nobility waiting for you to explore.
The Forbidden City was first built during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty (1406-1420). Emperor Zhu Di of the Ming Dynasty decided to construct a magnificent imperial palace to consolidate his rule. After years of construction, the Forbidden City was officially completed in 1420. After the fall of the Ming Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty took over China and used the Forbidden City as their imperial palace, making numerous expansions and renovations. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the Forbidden City became a national heritage conservation site and an important cultural heritage and tourist attraction in China.
The Forbidden City takes the path from the Meridian Gate to the Gate of Divine Prowess as its central axis, presenting a neat and symmetrical beauty in its overall architectural layout. According to different architectural functions, the Forbidden City forms a variety of spatial combinations.
With the Three Great Halls as the center, there are four city gates: the Meridian Gate, the Gate of Divine Prowess, the Eastern Gate of Noble Brilliance, and the Western Gate of Noble Brilliance.
The buildings within the palace city are divided into two parts: the Outer Court and the Inner Court. The Outer Court centers on the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, collectively known as the Three Great Halls, where the state held grand ceremonies. The Inner Court centers on the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Union, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, collectively known as the Three Rear Palaces, where the emperor and empress resided. Behind them is the Imperial Garden.
Meridian Gate: The Meridian Gate is the main gate of the Forbidden City. It is not only the place where the emperor issued edicts and held major celebrations but also where civil and military officials received imperial instructions, symbolizing the majesty of imperial power. Its architectural style, with its staggered heights and left-right symmetry, resembles a rosefinch spreading its wings and is known as the "Five-Phoenix Pavilion," one of the landmark buildings of the Forbidden City.
Gate of Supreme Harmony: The Gate of Supreme Harmony is the largest gate within the Forbidden City and the main gate of the Outer Court palaces. There is a plaza in front of it, with the Inner Golden Water River winding through and five stone bridges spanning the river, known as the Inner Golden Water Bridges. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was an important venue for the emperor to hold court sessions.
Hall of Supreme Harmony: Commonly known as the Golden Throne Hall, it is located in the central part of the Forbidden City and is one of the Three Great Halls. It was the venue for the Ming and Qing emperors to hold coronation ceremonies, weddings, and conferment ceremonies.
Hall of Central Harmony: Located between the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, it was where the emperor rested before proceeding to the Hall of Supreme Harmony for grand ceremonies.
Hall of Preserving Harmony: The Hall of Preserving Harmony is one of the Three Great Halls of the Outer Court, located behind the Hall of Central Harmony. It was once the venue for the imperial civil service examinations held every three years.
Palace of Earthly Tranquility: The Palace of Earthly Tranquility is one of the Three Rear Palaces within the Inner Court of the Forbidden City. It was the residence of the queens of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Palace of Heavenly Purity: The Palace of Heavenly Purity is the first palace of the Three Rear Palaces within the Inner Court of the Forbidden City. It was where the emperor handled daily government affairs and resided.
Imperial Garden: The Imperial Garden is a royal garden of the Ming and Qing dynasties, famous for its ancient trees and flowers. It contains various pavilions, towers, and ancient trees and flowers, serving as a model of imperial gardens.
Corner Towers: The corner buildings of the Forbidden City, with their unique designs, are one of the best spots for photography within the Forbidden City.
Golden Water Bridges: Multiple stone bridges spanning the Golden Water River, connecting the inside and outside of the Forbidden City.
Peak Season: 08:30-17:00 (April 1st - October 31st)
Entry stops at 16:00
Off-Peak Season: 08:30-16:30 (November 1st - March 31st)
Entry stops at 15:30
Geographical Location: No. 4 Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Peak Season Adult Ticket: 60 yuan/person (April 1st - October 31st)
Off-Peak Season Adult Ticket: 40 yuan/person (November 1st - March 31st of the next year)
Classic Central Axis Route:
Meridian Gate → Gate of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Imperial Garden → Treasure Pavilion → Gate of Divine Prowess
Treasure Pavilion Route:
Meridian Gate → Hall of Literary Glow → Gate of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Treasure Pavilion → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Imperial Garden → Gate of Divine Prowess
Stamp Collection Route:
Character Hall → Bingjiao Book Bar → Cultural and Creative Store East of the Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Telephone Bureau of Chuxiu Palace → Treasure Pavilion of the Forbidden City Shop → Corner Tower Cafe outside the Gate of Divine Prowess → Cultural and Creative Store beside the Corner Tower Cafe
Half-Day Tour Route:
Meridian Gate → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Palace of Benevolent Longevity → Palace of Extended Auspiciousness → Jingren Palace → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Hall of Union → Gate of Divine Prowess
Full-Day Tour Route:
Meridian Gate → Hall of Martial Valor → Hall of Literary Glow → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Hall of Ancestral Sacrifice → Gate of Heavenly Purity → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Hall of Union → Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Hall of Nurtured Hearts → Western Six Palaces Area → Imperial Garden → Eastern Six Palaces Area → Ningshou Palace Area → Gate of Divine Prowess
Bingjiao Restaurant: It is in the Palace of Benevolent Longevity: Goddess of Mercy Beef Rice, Old Beijing Noodles with Soybean Paste.
Wanchun Jinfu Afternoon Tea: Black Sesame and Walnut Paste, Lychee and Red Bayberry Drink.
Forbidden City Restaurant: Chicken Wings, Cream Mushroom Soup, Hot Dogs.
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