Constructed between 1406 and 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, the Forbidden City functioned as the imperial palace for over five centuries, serving 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
The construction was a monumental endeavor, taking 14 years to complete. The palace complex covers an area of 720,000 square meters (about 180 acres), with a construction area of 150,000 square meters, consisting of 980 surviving buildings with over 70 halls and palaces. It is the largest palace and wooden structure complex in the world.
The architectural brilliance is showcased through its symmetrical design and vibrant hues, emblematic of traditional Chinese architecture. The complex is divided into two primary areas: the Outer Court, which includes three grand halls used for ceremonies, and the Inner Court, for the emperor and his family.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony, the centerpiece, historically used for significant state ceremonies and imperial coronations, is flanked by the Hall of Central Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, which hosted preparations for significant events and various imperial activities, including banquets and examinations.
The Palace Museum today houses an impressive collection of over 1.8 million cultural artifacts, including paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, and imperial treasures.
The collection of imperial robes and accessories is particularly renowned, offering a window into the imperial court’s splendor through intricate embroidery and symbols of power.
These artifacts, along with an extensive collection of ancient books, manuscripts, and historical documents, provide invaluable insights into China’s storied past.
The design principles of the Forbidden City, deeply rooted in the ancient Chinese concepts of yin and yang, feng shui, and symbolic motifs like dragons and phoenixes, reflect the cultural importance of balance, harmony, and auspiciousness.
Efforts to preserve this iconic heritage site include extensive restoration projects and international collaborations, facilitating cultural exchanges and exhibitions with museums worldwide. Daily visits by an average of 40,000 people underscore the Forbidden City’s role as a bridge to the rich cultural diversity and historical significance of ancient China, further cementing its status as a remarkable United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.
Why was it called the Forbidden City?
In ancient times, the Chinese, diligent observers of the heavens, meticulously charted the skies and identified constellations and celestial bodies, finding patterns and meanings in the vast expanse above them.
They discovered a particularly luminous star—the Pole Star—which they believed marked the center of the sky. This central position led them to conceive of it as the heavenly abode of an emperor, a divine counterpart to their earthly sovereign.
Surrounding the Pole Star, they identified constellations of stars which they interpreted as the celestial court of this emperor.
This area was designated the "Purple Palace," a name derived from the color purple, which in Chinese culture symbolizes auspice, honor, and the highest status. The Pole Star itself was sometimes referred to as the "Purple Star," further emphasizing its supreme importance.
The ancient Chinese held a belief in the harmonious alignment of heaven, earth, and humanity. Just as there existed a Purple Palace in the celestial realm, they reasoned that a corresponding palace should exist on earth.
This led to the construction of a grand imperial residence at the heart of Beijing, which was seen as the terrestrial counterpart to the central point of heaven.
Thus, the imperial palace on earth was also named the "Purple Palace," though it is more commonly known in English as the Forbidden City.
The term "forbidden" in its name stems from the stringent restrictions placed on entry to the palace. Only the emperor, his family, and selected dignitaries were permitted within its walls.
The common people and lower-ranking officials were strictly barred from entering without permission from emperors, a rule that reinforced the sacred and exclusive nature of the site.
The emperors of the time, considering themselves the sons of the Jade Emperor—the supreme deity in Chinese mythology—proclaimed their divine right to rule, further justifying the palace’s exalted and restrictive status.






























































Photos: Théophile Niyitegeka / Beijing, China
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