Forbidden City
» Beijing, He Bei

紫禁城, 故宫博物院 明、清两代的神秘皇宫 壮美恢弘 奇珍异宝荟萃 彰显帝王威仪

Palace Museum,Gugong,Imperial Palace

Until 1924 when the last emperor in China was driven out of the Inner Court, 14 emperors of the Ming dynasty and 10 emperors of the Qing dynasty had reigned here. About 500 years being the Forbidden City, it houses numerous rare treasures and curiosities. It is now listed by the UN as World Cultural Heritage in 1987 and is the hottest tourist magnets.

History of the Forbidden City

Something must know

Who lived here

Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties from 1420 to 1911 held court and lived within the walls of the Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum. Some treasures remain from the Japanese invasion, and from the Nationalist Chinese taking the most valuable ones to Taiwan in 1949. Those are now on display in the National Museum of Taiwan. The last emperor, Puyi, remained living here for many years after the 1911 Revolution.

Why they lived here

The Forbidden City is nearly 600 years old and was originally planned and constructed from 1407 to 1420. The principles of Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese system of geomancy governed the process. It was said that over 100,000 craftsmen and one million laborers were involved in the construction of the 9,999 rooms and halls. Stones needed were quarried from Fangshan, suburb of Beijing. The walls surrounding the complex are eleven feet thick and thirty three feet high and it is surrounded by a 164 foot wide moat. At each corner there are watchtowers for protection from possible invaders. The entire complex covers 250 acres.

It was said a well was dug along the road every 50 meters in order to pour water onto the road in winter to slide huge stones on ice into the city. Huge amount of timbers and other materials were all freighted from faraway provinces. Ancient Chinese people fully displayed their wisdom in building the Forbidden City. Take the grand red city wall for example; the ladder shaped wall has an 8.6 meters wide bottom and a 6.66 meters wide top. The shape of the city wall totally frustrate attempt to climb onto the wall. The bricks of the wall are said made from white lime and glutinous rice while the cement is made from glutinous rice and egg whites, and these incredible materials make the wall extraordinarily strong.

Symbolism

The design of the Forbidden City, from its overall layout to the smallest detail, was meticulously planned to reflect philosophical and religious principles, and above all to symbolize the majesty of Imperial power. Some noted examples of symbolic designs include:

  • Symbolic meaning of color Yellow is the color of the Emperor. Thus almost all roofs in the Forbidden City bear yellow glazed tiles. There are only two exceptions. The library at the Pavilion of Literary Profundity had black tiles because black was associated with water, and thus fire-prevention. Similarly, the Crown Prince's residences have green tiles because green was associated with wood, and thus growth.
  • Symbolic meaning of number The main halls of the Outer and Inner courts are all arranged in groups of three - the shape of the Qian triagram, representing Heaven. The residences of the Inner Court on the other hand are arranged in groups of six - the shape of the Kun triagram, representing the Earth.
    The sloping ridges of building roofs are decorated with a line of statuettes. The number of statuettes represents the status of the building - a minor building might have 3 or 5. The Hall of Supreme Harmony has 10, the only building in the country to be permitted this in Imperial times.
  • Symbolic meaning of layout The layout of buildings follows ancient customs laid down in the Classic of Rites. Thus, ancestral temples are in front of the palace. Storage areas are placed in the front part of the palace complex, and residences in the back.

The Main Sceneries of the Forbidden City

Place must see

The Forbidden City is the world's largest palace complex. There are many interesting places.

Entrance is under Mao's large portrait in Tian'anmen Square, south gate, and you exit through the Imperial Gardens right before the north gate. Jingshan Park is directly across the street from the north gate.

Meridian Gate is the main gate and south gate of the Forbidden City. It is also named Five-Phoenix Tower, Wufenglou in Chinese, for it looks like a phoenix with five pavilion buildings up there. After entering the Meridian Gate, visitors arrive in an immense courtyard with five bridges stretching over the Golden Water.

The five bridges represent the five Confucian virtues of humanity, sense of duty, wisdom, reliability and ceremonial propriety. The Golden Water River of this section is very gorgeous, well decorated. The riverbed and the bank were paved with white stones. Decorative marble columns and banisters were established along the river. Standing on the bridges, one can see a grand structure called Taihemen (Gate of Supreme Harmony), which is the most marvelous gate in the city and guarded by a couple of bronze lions in front. On the square between Taihemen and Wumen, imperial honor guards proceeded preparation before grand ceremonies.

Emperor's accession place

The first and grandest hall is Taihedian (Hall of Supreme Harmony), where emperors executed their autocracy over the whole country. It is the place where emperors ascended the throne and granted formal interviews to officials and important events were celebrated. The hall was flanked by Wenhuadian (Hall of Literary Glory) and Wuyingdian (Hall of Martial Velour). The former, on the right side, used to be the study of the crown princes, where banquets and some rites were held. The latter, on the left side, is the imperial press where many books were compiled and published and where Li Zicheng, the famous peasants uprising leader, ascended his throne after overthrowing the Ming dynasty.

Emperor's library

To the north of Wenhuadian lies Wenyuange (Pavilion of Literary Source), the imperial library where the world largest encyclopedia Sikuquanshu (Complete Library of the Four Treasures of Knowledge) was housed. The library architecture has many Chinese cultural facts in its structure and decoration. Nanxundian (South Fragrance Hall) near Wuyingdian is where portraits of emperors of dynasties are kept.

Emperor's office

Zhonghedian (Hall of Central Harmony) is behind Taihedian, a square building much smaller than Taihedian. It was the place where the emperor rested on his way to Taihedian and interviewed his ministers or officials from the Ministry of Rites and rehearsals for ceremonies were also held here.

Baohedian (Hall of Preserved Harmony), the second largest architecture in the palace, is the rear hall of the Outer Court. Imperial banquets were often given here to entertain high officials. Emperors presided the final stage of national examinations to select officials from intellectuals all over the country in this hall.

Place often see

Getting out of the Baohedian, visitors will see Qianqingmen (Gate of Celestial Purity), which is the boundary of the Outer Court and the Inner Court. Inside the gate, the royal family resides. In the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi often heard reports from high officials and issued his orders under the gate. The Inner Court is divided into three parts. The three halls on the center axis are the main structures and they are smaller in size than the three halls in the Outer Court, although they look the same in style. Xiliugong (Six Western Palaces) and Dongliugong (Six Eastern Palaces) are also important structure complexes, where the emperors' concubines lived.

Emperor's and empress's bedroom

The first hall inside the Qianqingmen is Qianqinggong (Palace of Celestial Purity), which was originally the bedroom of emperors as well as their office. Emperors also gave banquets here. Behind it is a smaller hall named Jiaotaidian (Hall of Celestial and Terrestrial Union), where empresses received greetings from others concubines. It was used to store emperor and empress's imperial seals. The third hall on the central axis is Kunninggong (Palace of Terrestrial Tranquility), which was empress's bedroom.

On the left side of the Inner Court, Yangxindian (Hall of Mental Cultivation) and Xiliugong (Six Western Palaces) stand from north to south. Yangxindian (Hall of Mental Cultivation) was an important hall in the palace since from Emperor Yongzheng, most emperors later lived and attended to state affairs here. North of Yangxindian, there locates Xiliugong (Six Western Palaces), which consists of Yongshougong (Palace of Eternal Longevity), Yikungong (Palace of the Queen Consort), Chuxiugong (Palace for Gathering Elegance), Taijidian (Hall of the Supreme Pole), Changchungong (Palace of Eternal Spring) and Xianfugong (Palace of Universal Happiness). The former three are on the right and the latter three on the left of an alley which goes from north to south.

Emperor's drawing room and garden

On the right side of the Outer Court, viz. east side, there are Fengxiandian (Hall for Ancestral Worship), Zhaigong (Palace of Abstinence) where emperors practiced abstinence a few days before going to offer sacrifices at the Temple of Heaven or the Temple of Earth, and Dongliugong (Six Eastern Palaces) which consists of Jingrengong (Palace of Great Benevolence), Chengqiangong (Palace of Celestial Favour), Yonghegong (Palace of Eternal Harmony), Jingyanggong (Palace of Great Brilliance), Zhongcuigong (Palace of Purity) and Yanxigong (Palace of Lasting Happiness). In a separate enclosure further east are two palaces which Emperor Qianlong built for his abdication. They are Ningshougong (Palace of Tranquil Longevity) and Huangjidian (Hall of Imperial Supremacy). Further north, there are Yangxingdian (Hall of Temper Cultivation), Leshoutang (Hall of Joyful Longevity) and Yihexuan (Pavilion of Sustained Harmony). Now most these palaces on the east are exhibition halls displaying different curiosities.

North of the Inner Court is Yuhuayuan (Imperial Garden). Though small in size, it is exquisitely laid out with towers, pavilions, artificial hills, springs, rocks, old trees, flowers and lawns - a replica of the gardens of southern China.

Getting here

  • By Bus No. 124, 810, 812, 814, 846, 855 (Night Bus: No. 202 and 211); No. 101, 103 and 109 (Trolleybus); No.1, 4, 20, 52 (get off at East Tian'anmen Bus Stop)
  • By Subway Take subway Line 1 and get off at Tiananmen West stop. Look for the giant portrait of Mao at the north end of Tiananmen Square, the entrance to the Forbidden City is directly underneath the portrait.

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  Weather

  1. Is Beijing's weather fine all year round?
  2. Which is the best season to visit Beijing?

  Transportation

  1. Do taxes cost high in Beijing? Are taxi drivers friendly?
  2. Can I take subway in Beijing? Is it fast and easy to find?

  Food

  1. How much do you konw about Beijing cuisine? and local food?
  2. What taste is a must in Beijing? Why is Peking Duck so popular in Beijing?
  3. What should we pay attention to when having lunch or dinner in Beijing?

  Shopping

  1. Can I use my credit card when shopping in Beijing?
  2. What souvenirs can we buy in Beijing?

  Travel

  1. Are toliet facilities clean in Beijing?
  2. Where should I go if I love Beijing's nightlife?
  3. Do you want to visit Tai Chi and Kung Fu performance in Beijing?

  Customs

  1. Are you interested in chinese Facial Makeup?
  2. Have you ever heard of "Chineses tea culture"? Do you want to learn drinking custom?
  3. Why are "Hutong" so welcomed? May I take it as an symbol of Beijing?
  4. Are you familiar with courtyard house (siheyuan)? Where can I visit it in Beijing?
  5. What festivals do peking friends celebrate? How do they celebrate Spring Festival?
  6. How much do you know about Beijing opera?

  Other Hints

  1. What to pack for Beijing tours?
  2. What is emergency number in Beijing?
  3. What is Beijing time?
  4. What do I need to prepare if I want to visit Beijing attractions?

  • Is Beijing's weather fine all year round?

    No, The climate in Beijing is of the continental type, with cold and dry winters, due to the Siberian air massses that move southward across the Mongolian Plateau. The summers are hot owing to warm and humid monsoon winds from the southeast bringing Beijing most of its annual precipitation. January is the coldest month and July is the warmest. Winter usually begins towards the end of October. The summer months, June to August, are wet and hot with about 40% of the annual precipitation.


  • Which is the best season to visit Beijing?

    The autumn months between September and November have the best weather and fewer tourists. Summer (June to August) is considered peak season, when hotels typically raise their rates and the Great Wall nearly collapses under the weight of marching tourists. Spring is less pleasant not many tourists but lots of wind and dust. In winter, you'll have Beijing to yourself and many hotels offer substantial discounts, just remember it's an ice box outside. Everything is chock block during the Chinese New Year (usually in January or February).


  • Do taxes cost high in Beijing? Are taxi drivers friendly in Beijing?

    No, the cost is not expensive, around 1.6 yuan per kilometer. During the olym pic games is held in 2008, some tax's drivers are interested in learning English. They are so kind and friend that some may chat to you in English.


  • Can I take subway in Beijing? Is it fast and easy to find?

    Yes, the subway system in Beijing was rebuilt during 2008, until now it opened subway line 1, subway line 2, subway line 5, subway line 13, and line eight-passageway, covering the whole city and the airport. Morover, subway line 10 is plan to open during olym pic games period, which favor special for olym pic village. You may get to subway station easily in avenue. The subway is a great way to beat the growing Beijing traffic chaos.


  • How much do you konw about Beijing cuisine? and local food?

    Just like the capital's culture, Beijing cuisine has absorbed and been influenced by many of the flavours of China's regions. Chinese cuisine in general has the four distinct regional cooking styles of Sichuan (Chuan) to the West, Canton (Cantonese) to the South, Shangdong (Lu) to the East and Jiangsu (Huaiyang) to the North and the cuisine of Beijing brings together these contrasting styles. In Beijing you can find menus from around the world including Spanish, French and Italian restaurants that are well-established, and Japanese, Indian and Thai outlets, that are also very popular with local Beijingers.

    You can have steamed bread with bean filling, flour pancakes cooked with egg, coriander, chilli, and black onion seeds, pancakes stuffed with pork, egg and vegetables. These gems are available from little glass cabinettes on the back of three-wheeled bicycles or from stands on street corners, hidden down leafy hutongs.


  • What taste is a must in Beijing? Why is Peking Duck so popular in Beijing?

    Peking Duck, a delicious, lightly-smoked, rich meal complimented by pancakes, dipping sauce, vegetable filling and irresistible slivers of juicy meat, fat and crispy skin. As the favourit food in local Beijing, Peking duck is world famous nowadays.

    Peking duck has been prepared since the Yuan Dynasty, and is now considered one of China's national foods. Duck has been roasted in China since the Southern and Northern Dynasties. Peking Duck was first prepared for the Emperor of China in the Yuan Dynasty. The dish, originally named "Shaoyazi". In the Ming Dynasty, the Peking Duck was one of the main dishes on imperial court menus. By the Qianlong Period (1736-1796) of the Qing Dynasty, the popularity of the Peking Duck spread to the upper classes, inspiring poetry from poets and scholars who enjoyed the dish.

    Today, the Peking Duck had become a national symbol of China, favoured by tourists and diplomats alike. For example, Henry Kissinger, the Secretary of State of the United States met Premier Zhou Enlai in the Great Hall of the People on July 10, during his first visit to China. After a round of inconclusive talks in the morning, the delegation was served Peking Duck for lunch, which became Kissinger's favourite. The Americans and Chinese issued a joint statement the following day, inviting President Richard Nixon to visit China in 1972. The Peking Duck was hence considered one of the factors behind the rapproachement of the United States to China in the 1970's. Following Zhou's death in 1976, Kissinger paid another visit to Beijing to savour Peking Duck.


  • What should we pay attention to when having lunch or dinner in Beijing?

    • Restaurants in Beijing usually do not require tips or a service charge. Some expensive restaurants will charge 15% service.
    • Opening times usually 11am-2pm and 5pm-10pm
    • Menus written in Chinese, so be warned: bring a friendly translator
    • Do not worry about getting the chopsticks right first time: practice not perfection
    • Do observe some of the taboos associated with eating in Chin.a


  • Can I use my credit card when shopping in Beijing?

    Yes, paying credit card is available in most shopping centre, Beijing. Just like Wangfujing walking street. however, It is easy to find the ATM bank in some downtown districts, and it will not be a problem if you want working staff help you handle routine banking bussiness. The money used in Beijing is the Chinese RenMinBi, or RMB for short. The Chinese call it Yuan or Kuai in Beijing. There are approximately 8 RMB to the US dollar. Most star hotels offer a good service for exchanging your cash into RMB. Anyway, you may not worry about it.


  • What souvenirs can we buy in Beijing?

    Fancywork, mintmark, fogle, tablecloth designed in dragon and phenix, herbal medicine, etc.

  • Are toliet facilities clean in Beijing?

    Most toliets are repaired two years ago. Most are some squat toilets to Western ones, as your body won't have to come into contact with anything in there that might be dirty. No need to sit on dirty toilet seats.


  • Where should I go if I love Beijing's nightlife?

    Yuandadu Street is developed on Yuandadu Relics and also belongs to an up-and-coming youngster. Distinctive feature theme is its enchantment. Madami Mosuo flavor bar, gliding umbrella theme bar, Tibet breeding dog bar. There are more than 20 bars here. It is relatively quiet because of lower recognition.

    Hou hai bar area (lotus lane) seems to be taking over from Sanlitun as the major bar area of Beijing. It is situated around a man-made lake at the north of Beihai Park. Boating is available on the lake till 11pm or 12am (in the summer of course). Very pretty area.

  • Do you want to visit Tai Chi and Kung Fu performance in Beijing?

    Tai Chi quan(shadow boxing) is a famous Chinese Kung Fu. All the Chinese Kung Fu can be divided into two kinds, the "In - style" and the "Out - style". Tai Chi is the representative kind of the "In-style". This kind of Kung Fu emphasizes on the stuffs inside the fighter's body, which include the calmness of the spirit, the sensitivity of the sense and the speed of the reaction. In contrast, the out - style Kung Fu is to fight before your opponent's move or try to destroy your opponent's attack.

    We will arrange you a nice Tai Chi lesson and Kung Fu performance if you like.


  • Are you interested in chinese Facial Makeup?

    The Chinese Facial Makeup art was developed from the mask painting art which was initiated by Lang-Ling Hwang in the Pei-Gee dynasty and by Wu-Hsiang Dee in the Song dynasty. The painted masks were originally used in the fields of battle to make dreadful figures to frighten the enemy. Later on the masks were employed in the stage to show.

    Social standing and disposition of characters. Owing to difficulty and inconvenience of manufacturing and wearing masks, the colors were directly painted on the faces, afterwards. Generally speaking, the face without painting represents faithful and nice fellows, the multi-colored face represents wicked people, the red face represents loyal and straight characters, the black face represent bravery and preseverance. The buffoons are painted with coloured spots. Up to now, there are many types of face-painting.


  • Have you ever heard of "Chineses tea culture"? Do you want to learn drinking custom?

    Chinese tea culture refers to the methods of preparation of tea, the equipment used to make tea and the occasions in which tea is consumed in China. Tea culture in China differs from that of Europe, Britain or Japan in such things as preparation methods, tasting methods and the occasions for which it is consumed. Even now, in both casual and formal Chinese occasions, tea is consumed regularly. In addition to being a drink, Chinese tea is used in traditional Chinese medicine and in Chinese cuisine.

    There are several special circumstances in which tea is prepared and consumed:

    As a sign of respect
    For a family gathering
    To apologize
    To express thanks to your elders on one's wedding day
    To connect large families on wedding days
    To pass on the tradition


  • Why are "Hutong" so welcomed? May I take it as an symbol of Beijing?

    Hutong is a typical lane or small street in Beijing that originated during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). "Hutong" is a Mongolian word, meaning "water well". During that time, water well is the settlement around which people lived. There are tens of thousands of hutongs surrounding the Forbidden City. In the past, Beijing was composed of countless courtyards. Hutongs were formed when people left a passageway between two courtyards to make entering them more convenient.

    As the symbol of Beijing City, a hutong has its own layout and structure, which makes it a wonder in the world. When taking a bird's eye view of Beijing, you will find the combination of hutongs and courtyards just like an orderly chessboard with delicate gardens, fine rockeries, and ancient ruins. Hutongs have witnessed the development of Beijing. Where there is a hutong, there is a story.


  • Are you familiar with courtyard house(siheyuan)? Where can I visit it in Beijing?

    Traditionally most urban Chinese used to live in quadrangles called siheyuan or "four-side enclosed courtyards." These courts, as the name implies, are formed by inward-facing houses on four sides, closed in by enclosure walls. Such a residence offers space, comfort and quiet privacy. It is also good for security as well as protection against dust and storms. Grown with plants and flowers, the court is also a sort of garden.

    In feudal times, the courtyard dwellings were built according to the traditional concepts of the five elements that were believed to compose the universe, and the eight diagrams of divination. The gate was made at the southeast corner which was the "wind" corner, and house was made to face the south with the main building on the north side which was believed to belong to "water" - an element to prevent fire.

    Today, Beijing still has about 400,000 residential quadrangles, mainly distributed over the East, West, Xuanwu and Chongwen districts of the city. Those in the East and West districts are in the best shape.


  • What festivals do peking friends celebrate? How do they celebrate Spring festival?

    Spring festival, Lantern festival, Qingming festival, Dragon boat festival, Double seven festival, Mid-autum festival, Double ninth festival, Winter solstice festival. These festivals are celebrated by Peking friends.

    The Spring Festival, which falls on the 1st day of the 1st lunar month, often one month later than the Gregorian calendar. It originated in the Shang Dynasty (1600 B.C. - 1100 B.C.) from the people's sacrifice to gods and ancestors at the end of an old year and the beginning of a new one. It is the most important festival for the Chinese people and is when all family members get together, just like Christmas in the West. All people living away from home go back, becoming the busiest time for transportation systems of about half a month from the Spring Festival.

    On spring festival, people decorate their clean rooms featuring an atmosphere of rejoicing and festivity. All the door panels will be pasted with Spring Festival couplets, highlighting Chinese calligraphy with black characters on red paper. The content varies from house owners' wishes for a bright future to good luck for the New Year. Also, pictures of the god of doors and wealth will be posted on front doors to ward off evil spirits and welcome peace and abundance.


  • How much do you know about Beijing opera?

    Beijing opera is deemed the national opera of China. The accompanying music, singing and costumes are all fascinating and artistic. Full of Chinese cultural facts, the opera presents to the audience an encyclopedia of Chinese culture as well as unfolding stories, beautiful paintings, exquisite costumes, graceful gestures and acrobatic fighting. It is generally accepted that Beijing opera gradually came into being after 1790 when the famous four Anhui opera troupes came to Beijing. Beijing opera underwent fast development during the reign of Emperor Qianlong and the notorious Empress Dowager Cixi under the imperial patron, and eventually became more accessible to the people.


  • What to pack for Beijing tours?

    Besides the medicines you usually take at home, you need to bring pain killers, anti-
    inflammatory prescriptions and medicines for colds, fever and diarrhea. These medicines are
    especially helpful if you are going to visit Beijing.

    You' better take apropriate cloth in season. In autumn, jeans and a sweater are usually enough. In the warmer months, T-shirts and light pants or shorts are the best bet. In the colder months, it is wise to dress in layers: long underwear and jeans, shirt, sweater and down jacket. If you want to go local, you can buy a thick cotton army coat (jun da yi) for less than 100 yuan (12 bucks). Rain gear is necessary, especially during the summer months.


  • What is emergency number in Beijing?

    Fire: 119
    Traffic: 122
    Ambulance: 120
    Police: 110


  • What is Beijing time?

    Beijing is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (London) and 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (New York), is the standard time used in China.


  • What do I need to prepare if I want to visit Beijing attractions?

    Some attractions need to pay cash, like Tian'an men square, summer palace, and other activities in hutongs. so it is much adivsible to take enough RMB when tour in local residents. A handerchief should be prepared for your Great wall explor. In addition, you'd better take storage battery with camera, because it costs expensive in some senenic spots.


Nowadays, the Forbidden City, or the Palace Museum is open to tourists from home and abroad. Splendid painted decoration on these royal architectural wonders, the grand and deluxe halls, with their surprisingly magnificent treasures will certainly satisfy 'modern civilians.'

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