The Forbidden City

Summary

In 1420, the Ming Dynasty Emperor relocated China's capital to Beijing, constructing the vast Forbidden City, a symbol of imperial power spanning 178 acres. It took a million workers nearly two decades to build this complex, embodying the Emperor's vision of order. The Forbidden City served as the seat of 24 emperors for over 500 years, housing the inner court and hosting grand audiences in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Despite its grandeur, it was a 'golden cage' for its inhabitants. The 1911 abdication of Puyi marked the end of the imperial era, and today, the Forbidden City stands as a museum, celebrating China's illustrious history.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Forbidden City was built in 1420 by the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty to consolidate control over the throne, moving the capital to Beijing.
• 👑 It was named the Forbidden City because access was restricted to the imperial family and their guests, covering 178 acres.
• 🏗️ Construction of the Emperor's new palace took 1 million workers and nearly 20 years to complete.
• 🔍 The architectural design of the Forbidden City is symbolic, with every detail from the main building's location to the colors and numbers carrying meaning.
• 🌟 The palace's design reflects the order the Emperor aimed to impose on his empire, influencing the layout and aesthetics.
• 🚶 Visitors to the Forbidden City had to pass through several gates, including the Meridian Gate, and were subject to strict protocols.
• 👥 The Hall of Supreme Harmony was the largest building and the site of audiences with the Emperor, where officials were meticulously arranged.
• 🐉 The Emperor was associated with the dragon, symbolizing the apex of the Empire, seated on a dragon throne and wearing a dragon robe.
• 🏡 The inner court was the living quarters of the Emperor, Empress, and concubines, reflecting the outer court's layout but on a smaller scale with a more intimate feel.
• 🔒 Despite the luxuries, the Forbidden City was a 'golden cage' for its inhabitants, who rarely left once they entered.
• 🧯 Precautions against fire and evil spirits included animals and figures on the roofs, but these could not prevent the end of the Empire in 1911.
• 🏛️ Today, the Forbidden City is a museum and a monument, accessible to the public, showcasing China's glorious past.

Q & A

Why did the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty move the capital to Beijing in 1420?

The Emperor moved the capital to consolidate his control over the throne and built a vast complex of palaces and administrative buildings, which is now known as the Forbidden City.

What is the Forbidden City and why was it called so?

The Forbidden City is a vast complex of palaces and administrative buildings that served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was called the Forbidden City because access was restricted to the imperial family and those serving or having business with them.

How many emperors ruled from the Forbidden City, and for how long?

24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties ruled their country from the Forbidden City for over 500 years.

How long did it take to construct the Emperor's new palace in the Forbidden City?

The construction of the Emperor's new palace took almost 20 years with the labor of 1 million workers.

What symbolic meanings are embedded in the design of the Forbidden City?

The design of the Forbidden City, including the location of main buildings, the colors of roofs and walls, and the number of bosses on doors, carries symbolic meaning reflecting the order the Emperor aimed to bestow on his empire.

What was the significance of the Meridian Gate in the Forbidden City?

The Meridian Gate was the main entrance to the Forbidden City, where visitors would pass through before approaching the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

What is the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and what took place there?

The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest building in the Forbidden City, where military and civil officials would line up for an audience with the Emperor.

How was the Emperor traditionally associated in the Forbidden City?

The Emperor was traditionally associated with the dragon, seated on his dragon throne wearing a dragon robe, representing the apex of the Empire.

What was the role of the inner court in the Forbidden City?

The inner court was where the Emperor, his Empress, and concubines lived, attended by numerous maid servants and eunuchs, and it was the place where the daily business of the Empire was conducted.

Why was the Forbidden City described as a 'golden cage' for its inhabitants?

The Forbidden City was described as a golden cage because, despite its luxuries, the inhabitants, including the women and even the Emperor, rarely got to leave once they entered.

What happened in 1911 that marked the end of the Forbidden City's role as an imperial palace?

In 1911, Puyi, a six-year-old Emperor, abdicated the throne, marking the end of China's imperial era. The Forbidden City then became accessible to ordinary people for the first time in history.

What is the current status of the Forbidden City today?

Today, the Forbidden City serves as a museum and a monument to China's glorious past, open for visitors to explore and learn about its history.