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taboo5 | profile | all galleries >> China >> Beijing, China Photo Travelogues (March 2011) >> Beijing, China - The Forbidden City (March 2011) tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Beijing, China - The Forbidden City (March 2011)

Beijing’s Forbidden City was the imperial palace during China’s Ming and Qing dynasties. Emperor Yongle (1360 –1424), who would later rise to become the Hongwu Emperor, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, built the Forbidden City after he moved China’s capital from Nanjing to Beijing. Construction lasted for 14 years (from 1406 to 1420) and required more than a million workers. Today, the Forbidden City is known as the Palace Museum. Located north of Tiananmen Square, it is rectangular shaped and the world's largest palace complex comprising 178 acres (it is ten times larger than Buckingham Palace). The complex consists of 980 buildings and 9,999 rooms. The Forbidden City is surrounded by a six-meter deep moat and a ten-meter high wall with a gate on each side. Since yellow is the symbol of the royal family, it is the dominant color. The Forbidden City is divided into two parts: the southern section, or the Outer Court, where the emperor exercised his supreme power and the northern section, or the Inner Court, where the emperor lived with the royal family. Until 1924 when Emperor Puyi (1906-1967), the last emperor of China, was driven from the Inner Court, fourteen emperors of the Ming dynasty (1420 to 1644) and ten emperors of the Qing dynasty (1645 to 1912) reigned there. When Emperor Puyi abdicated from the throne in 1912, the Forbidden City was no longer the political center of China. Under an agreement with the new Chinese government, Puyi remained in the Inner Court, while the Outer Court was for public use. Puyi was evicted after a coup in 1924. As a result, the Palace Museum was established in the Forbidden City in 1925. It contains priceless, imperial treasures that accumulated in the Imperial Palace for five centuries. The Forbidden City was listed by as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987.
Beijing, China - The Forbidden City cover page.
Beijing, China - The Forbidden City cover page.		 Map of China with the star indicating Beijing.
Map of China with the star indicating Beijing.		 Moat surrounding the Forbidden City with a Chinese man contemplating the Northwest Tower.
Moat surrounding the Forbidden City with a Chinese man contemplating the Northwest Tower.		 View of the Northwest Tower.
View of the Northwest Tower.
Me posing outside of the Forbidden City.
Me posing outside of the Forbidden City.		 View of Shenwumen, the Gate of Divine Prowess, the northern gate of the Forbidden City.
View of Shenwumen, the Gate of Divine Prowess, the northern gate of the Forbidden City.		 Both in Ming and Qing Dynasties, the empresses would come and go through this gate for official ceremonies
Both in Ming and Qing Dynasties, the empresses would come and go through this gate for official ceremonies		 Close-up of the Gate of Divine Prowess.
Close-up of the Gate of Divine Prowess.
The outer court behind the Gate of Divine Prowess.
The outer court behind the Gate of Divine Prowess.		 This two-storey building is just situated in the south-north axis of the City, where the Emperors' edicts were announced.
This two-storey building is just situated in the south-north axis of the City, where the Emperors' edicts were announced.		 Another smaller gate near the Imperial Garden.
Another smaller gate near the Imperial Garden.		 This inner courtyard was also within the gate.
This inner courtyard was also within the gate.
Rooftop details and a sinuous cypress tree off of the courtyard.
Rooftop details and a sinuous cypress tree off of the courtyard.		 Gate of Prolonged Harmony, Imperial Gate. Through this gate are the Perilous Hills.
Gate of Prolonged Harmony, Imperial Gate. Through this gate are the Perilous Hills.		 Another Perilous Hills view.
Another Perilous Hills view.		 Doors heading into the inner sections of the Forbidden City.
Doors heading into the inner sections of the Forbidden City.
A bronze elephant and cypress trees within the Royal Garden.
A bronze elephant and cypress trees within the Royal Garden.		 Internal wall with decorated with dragons.
Internal wall with decorated with dragons.		 Dragon heads are used as water spouts. In Chinese mythology, Paxia, the sixth of the dragon's nine sons, loved water.
Dragon heads are used as water spouts. In Chinese mythology, Paxia, the sixth of the dragon's nine sons, loved water.		 Sign for Diu Xiu Shan, the Hill of Accumulated Elegance.
Sign for Diu Xiu Shan, the Hill of Accumulated Elegance.
The hill is about 10 meters high. On top stands Yu Jing Ting (the Pavilion of Imperial Scenery), which is accessible by a path.
The hill is about 10 meters high. On top stands Yu Jing Ting (the Pavilion of Imperial Scenery), which is accessible by a path.		 Courtyard in the Imperial Garden is where members of the imperial household came to relax.
Courtyard in the Imperial Garden is where members of the imperial household came to relax.		 Exquisite architectural details in the garden.
Exquisite architectural details in the garden.		 A table and seats on this marble stand.
A table and seats on this marble stand.
An ornamental rock formation in the Imperial Garden.
An ornamental rock formation in the Imperial Garden.		 A gilded bronze incense burner in Imperial Garden, Forbidden City.
A gilded bronze incense burner in Imperial Garden, Forbidden City.		 Outer courtyard building with dual steps.
Outer courtyard building with dual steps.		 Branch interlocked cypresses symbolize love. Puyi and Wanrong, the last emperor and empress, had a wedding picture taken here.
Branch interlocked cypresses symbolize love. Puyi and Wanrong, the last emperor and empress, had a wedding picture taken here.
A royal water vat with decorative handles.
A royal water vat with decorative handles.		 Close-up of the handles. The vats were guilded in the Qing Dynasty.
Close-up of the handles. The vats were guilded in the Qing Dynasty.		 The Hall of Union and Peace, built during the Jiajing reign (1522 to 1566) - Ming Dynasty.
The Hall of Union and Peace, built during the Jiajing reign (1522 to 1566) - Ming Dynasty.		 Frontal view of the hall.
Frontal view of the hall.
Many tourists were there that day.
Many tourists were there that day.		 Interior of the Hall of Union and Peace.
Interior of the Hall of Union and Peace.		 The empress used the Hall of Union and Peace for receptions.
The empress used the Hall of Union and Peace for receptions.		 The hall symbolizes the union between heaven and earth, between Yin and Yang, male and female, and the emperor and empress.
The hall symbolizes the union between heaven and earth, between Yin and Yang, male and female, and the emperor and empress.
Architectural details of the Hall of Union and Peace.
Architectural details of the Hall of Union and Peace.		 Directly east from the Hall of Union and Peace, the Jinghe Gate now serves as display space for the Palace Museum.
Directly east from the Hall of Union and Peace, the Jinghe Gate now serves as display space for the Palace Museum.		 Beast figures are widespread on the buildings in the Forbidden City. The more beasts, the more important the building.
Beast figures are widespread on the buildings in the Forbidden City. The more beasts, the more important the building.		 Courtyard near the the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.
Courtyard near the the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.
Note the sundial off of the courtyard.
Note the sundial off of the courtyard.		 Sundial, with its intricate detailing, is located outside the Emporer's wife's quarters, the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.
Sundial, with its intricate detailing, is located outside the Emporer's wife's quarters, the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.		 Interior view of the Empress' quarters in the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.
Interior view of the Empress' quarters in the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.		 More beast figures on the roof. On the far left is a dragon and on the right an immortal rides a phoenix.
More beast figures on the roof. On the far left is a dragon and on the right an immortal rides a phoenix.
Close-up of the dragon on the left.
Close-up of the dragon on the left.		 Some more rooftop beasts. This is an important building because there are so many.
Some more rooftop beasts. This is an important building because there are so many.		 Yellow is a royal color, thus the color of the roof tiles. The red color of the walls symbolize happiness and auspiciousness.
Yellow is a royal color, thus the color of the roof tiles. The red color of the walls symbolize happiness and auspiciousness.		 View of the Jinghe Gate. It serves as display space for the Palace Museum. There is another similar gate on the west side.
View of the Jinghe Gate. It serves as display space for the Palace Museum. There is another similar gate on the west side.
Palace of Heavenly Purity is the largest construction in the Inner Court of the Forbidden City.
Palace of Heavenly Purity is the largest construction in the Inner Court of the Forbidden City.		 Stone carving near the Palace of Heavenly Purity. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it once was the residence of 16 emperors.
Stone carving near the Palace of Heavenly Purity. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it once was the residence of 16 emperors.		 The Palace of Heavenly Purity with tortoise and stork statues, a sundial and an incense burner in the foreground.
The Palace of Heavenly Purity with tortoise and stork statues, a sundial and an incense burner in the foreground.		 A huge bronze tortoise, which is a symbol of longevity.
A huge bronze tortoise, which is a symbol of longevity.
Sign for the Palace of Heavenly Purity was the sleeping quarters of the emperors inside Forbidden City.
Sign for the Palace of Heavenly Purity was the sleeping quarters of the emperors inside Forbidden City.		 Interesting tile work on the ceiling at the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
Interesting tile work on the ceiling at the Palace of Heavenly Purity.		 Interior view of the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
Interior view of the Palace of Heavenly Purity.		 Decorative dragon bas-relief sculpture in the palace.
Decorative dragon bas-relief sculpture in the palace.
Throne inside Palace of Heavenly Purity.
Throne inside Palace of Heavenly Purity.		 Palace of Earthly Tranquility (Kunninggong) is the northernmost of the 3 main palaces in the Inner Court of the Forbidden City.
Palace of Earthly Tranquility (Kunninggong) is the northernmost of the 3 main palaces in the Inner Court of the Forbidden City.		 With a double-eaved roof, giled tiles and side buildings, it looks just like the Palace of Heavenly Purity but smaller.
With a double-eaved roof, giled tiles and side buildings, it looks just like the Palace of Heavenly Purity but smaller.		 Courtyard and side buildings near the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.
Courtyard and side buildings near the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.
Close-up of one of the side buildings.
Close-up of one of the side buildings.		 Buildings in the Inner Palace courtyard.
Buildings in the Inner Palace courtyard.		 Bronze female lion situated in front of Gate of Heavenly Purity. The lion cub symbolizes fertility of the royal family.
Bronze female lion situated in front of Gate of Heavenly Purity. The lion cub symbolizes fertility of the royal family.		 Bronze male lion. Note the bal, which represents the imperial power.
Bronze male lion. Note the bal, which represents the imperial power.
Sign describing how copper and iron vats were filled with water and used for dousing fires in the palace.
Sign describing how copper and iron vats were filled with water and used for dousing fires in the palace.		 An vat with the Hall of Central Harmony in the background.
An vat with the Hall of Central Harmony in the background.		 Close-up of one of the vats in the Imperial City.
Close-up of one of the vats in the Imperial City.		 Sign for the Hall of Preserved Harmony. It is one of three great halls in Outer Court.
Sign for the Hall of Preserved Harmony. It is one of three great halls in Outer Court.
During the Ming Dynasty, emperors changed their ritual garments in this hall before grand ceremonies.
During the Ming Dynasty, emperors changed their ritual garments in this hall before grand ceremonies.		 A cute Chinese boy at the Forbidden City.
A cute Chinese boy at the Forbidden City.		 Close-up of the Chinese boy.
Close-up of the Chinese boy.		 Another cute Chinese boy bundled up at the Forbidden City.
Another cute Chinese boy bundled up at the Forbidden City.
Sign for the Hall of Central Harmony, which served as a resting place for the emperor on his way to important ceremonies.
Sign for the Hall of Central Harmony, which served as a resting place for the emperor on his way to important ceremonies.		 Front view of the Hall of Central Harmony. It was originally built in 1420, restored in 1627 and again 1765.
Front view of the Hall of Central Harmony. It was originally built in 1420, restored in 1627 and again 1765.		 Side view of the Hall of Central Harmony
Side view of the Hall of Central Harmony		 One side of Hall of Supreme Harmony.
One side of Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Front view of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. It was the place where emperors received high officials and exercised their rule.
Front view of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. It was the place where emperors received high officials and exercised their rule.		 View inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
View inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony.		 A close-up of the interior.
A close-up of the interior.		 Looking down from the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Looking down from the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Taihedian Square covers an area of 2,377 square meters.
Taihedian Square covers an area of 2,377 square meters.		 Entering Taihemen Square, you will see Taihedian (Hall of Supreme Harmony).
Entering Taihemen Square, you will see Taihedian (Hall of Supreme Harmony).		 Located in the heart of the Forbidden City, the hall is where where emperors received high officials and exercised their rule.
Located in the heart of the Forbidden City, the hall is where where emperors received high officials and exercised their rule.		 Elaborate, labyrinth-like stone walls near the Gate of Preserved Harmony forming the Inner Golden Water River Bridges.
Elaborate, labyrinth-like stone walls near the Gate of Preserved Harmony forming the Inner Golden Water River Bridges.
More stone wall views.
More stone wall views.		 View from the Gate of the Supreme Harmony looking at the Meridian Gate.
View from the Gate of the Supreme Harmony looking at the Meridian Gate.		 View from inside the Forbidden City looking south at the Meridian Gate.
View from inside the Forbidden City looking south at the Meridian Gate.		 View of the Meridian Gate, or Wumen in Chinese.
View of the Meridian Gate, or Wumen in Chinese.
It is the southern gate and entrance to the Forbidden City.
It is the southern gate and entrance to the Forbidden City.		 After exiting the Meridian Gate, this pathway leads to Tian'anmen Square.
After exiting the Meridian Gate, this pathway leads to Tian'anmen Square.		 Unusual dragon statue on top of a pillar that I saw walking towards Tian'anmen Square.
Unusual dragon statue on top of a pillar that I saw walking towards Tian'anmen Square.		 Tunnel that leads to Tian'anmen Square.
Tunnel that leads to Tian'anmen Square.

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