This breathtaking 14th century complex was the seat of imperial rule for the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1368 until 1911, the year of "The Last Emperor."Fourteen emperors from the Ming dynasty and ten emperors from the Qing dynasty reigned in splendor here.
ATang dynasty poet wrote, "Without seeing the magnificence of the Royal Palace, one cannot sense the dignity of the emperor." This sublime royal dignity is evoked as much by names like "Palace of Heavenly Purity" and "Hall of Heavenly Peace" as by the imposing structures, the thick, high walls and imperial gardens.
The
Forbidden City is located near Tiananmen Square. You’ll enter through
the 123-foot high Meridian Gate. The guard tower here is banked by great
drums and bells that sounded out when the emperor presided over court
ceremonies. Guards of honor mustered in formation on the square here—the
largest in the complex—between the Meridian Gate and the Gate of
Supreme Harmony.
The most important hall in the imperial city is the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Built atop a 25 foot high platform of marble, it soars above all other
buildings in the complex, and is sometimes referred to as "The Throne."
Most celebrations and important expeditions, including military ventures,
emanated from this Hall. The Hall of Literary Glory, The Hall of Medium
Harmony and Hall of Protective Harmony complete this section of the court.
The
Hall of Medium Harmony is where the Emperor rested before grand ceremonies
or receiving important officials. Banquets were held in The Hall of Protective
Harmony. Here the Emperor interviewed successful candidates who had passed
the grueling imperial examinations that were probably held at the Confucius
Temple in Beijing. The front chamber of the Palace of Heavenly Purity
is where the Emperor worked everyday on state affairs.
Between
the Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Hall of Earthly Peace is the Hall
of Union and Peace. Here the 25 jade seals of the imperial court were
held for safekeeping. Each seal was kept in a golden box, and encased
in yellow silk. The Hall of Earthly Peace was the residence of the Empress
and contained her bedchamber. There is an east side chamber, which was
the bridal chamber for the Emperor and Empress during the wedding. After
three days they returned to their respective residences.
The
Imperial Garden, with its eight central pavilions, was built on the highest
ground so the Emperor and Empress would be able to see the beautiful scenery
in the distance. This ritual of climbing the hill to view the scenery
was held every year on the ninth day of the ninth month. Nine is a very
lucky, or "fortunate," number in Chinese tradition.
At the North Gate of the Imperial Garden you
can pass through to the Gate of Divine Might, the Rear Gate of the Forbidden
City.