Beijing - Imperial Palace / Forbidden City

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Imperial Palace / Forbidden City Description

(Local Name: Gugong) The Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City is China's largest and most significant building. Its origins date from the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). Emperor Yongle of the Ming dynasty had the palace enlarged to its present day size between 1406 and 1420, after he had transferred the capital from Nanking to Beijing. The palace was the residence of 24 Ming and Qing emperors. Ordinary mortals were forbidden to enter the palace.

The official old name for the palace, 'purple forbidden city', indicates the predominant color of the walls. The purple-red coloring is an embodiment of the Pole Star, the heavenly equivalent of the emperor. The main buildings meanwhile are roofed with

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Hobbies & Activities category: Castle, chateau, palace; UNESCO World Heritage Site

Imperial Palace / Forbidden City Highlights

Hall of Military Courage

To the southwest of the main halls stands the Hall of Military Courage (Wuying Dian), which served as a permanent residence and private audience hall for the emperors.

The three main halls

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Eastern Palaces

Eastern Palaces (Dongliu Gong)

The six palaces in the six eastern courtyards today function as museums. They house collections of great historical, archaeological, and cultural importance:

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Gate of Supreme Harmony

Three gates stand in the background of the Golden River Bridges. The middle gate (Gate of Supreme Harmony) is flanked by two bronze lions, symbols of imperial might.

In the enormous adjacent

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Golden River Bridges

Passing through the Wumen, the visitor will see five white marble bridges richly decorated with sculptures, also known as the Golden River Bridges.

Hall of Imperial Peace

The Hall of Imperial Peace (Qin'an Dian) is situated in the center of the Imperial Garden, the entrance is being guarded by two unicorns.

Hall of Literary Glory

The Hall of Literary Glory (Wenhua Dian), to the southeast of the three main halls, was reserved for the prince who was heir to the throne during the Ming dynasty. From 1644 to 1911 it was used as

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Hall of Middle Harmony

The Hall of Middle Harmony (Zhonghe Dian) is situated behind the Hall of Supreme Harmony. This was where the emperor rested, and received homage from the officials and masters of ceremony before

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Hall of Preserving Harmony

The Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohe Dian) is situated behind the Hall of Complete Harmony. It functioned as the emperor's banquet hall. From the late 18th C the imperial examinations were held

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Hall of Supreme Harmony / Throne Hall

The 35m/114ft high Hall of Supreme Harmony is also known as the Throne Hall (Jinluan Dian), as it contains the splendidly decorated gilded imperial throne. Important ceremonies took place here,

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Hall of Union between Heaven and Earth

The Hall of Union between Heaven and Earth (Jiaotai Dian) stands between the Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Palace of Earthly Tranquillity. During the Qing period, (1644-1911) the coronations

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Imperial Garden

Behind the Gate of Earthly Tranquillity lies the Imperial garden (Yuhuayuan) which provides an excellent example of Chinese landscape architecture. Old pines, artificial slopes, lush bamboo plants,

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Meridian Gate

The Meridian Gate is also known as the Five-Phoenix-Gate, after its five pavilions. It was built in 1420 and has been restored several times. Every year the emperor would announce the New Year here, and decide on the fate of prisoners.

Palace of Ageing Peacefully

The northeastern part of the Imperial Palace is completely taken over by the Palace of Ageing Peacefully (Ningshou Gong). Here the Qianlong emperor spent the last years of his life in retirement

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Palace of Earthly Tranquillity

The Palace of Earthly Tranquillity (Kunning Gong) was the living and sleeping quarters of the empresses during the Ming period (1368-1644). Sacrificial rites were performed here under Qing rule

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Palace of Heavenly Purity

The Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing Gong) is situated behind the gate of the same name (Qianqing Men); it separates the outer courtyard from the inner chambers. During the Ming period (1368-1644

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Western Palaces

Around the six western courtyards are six palaces where the empresses, concubines, and princes resided. Officially the emperor was allowed three wives, six female favorites, and 72 concubines,

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