The Forbidden City is a magnificent palace complex located in the center of Beijing, China. Here are some interesting facts about this historic site:
1. It took almost 15 years to build the Forbidden City
Construction of the Forbidden City began in 1406, during the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty. It took more than 200,000 laborers and 1 million artisans to build the palace complex, which was completed in 1420. The project involved extensive use of stone, brick, and wood, and was a massive undertaking that required a significant amount of resources and manpower.
2. The Forbidden City was designed to be a reflection of the cosmos
The Forbidden City was designed to be a microcosm of the universe, with the buildings and structures arranged according to the principles of feng shui. The palace complex is oriented north-south, with the main entrance facing south. The main buildings are arranged in a precise pattern, with the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the most important building in the complex, at the center. The complex is also surrounded by a moat and a wall, which symbolizes the emperor’s absolute power and control.
3. The Forbidden City was home to the emperor, his family, and his servants
The Forbidden City was not just a palace complex; it was also a city within a city. The palace was home to the emperor, his family, and his concubines, as well as thousands of eunuchs, servants, and court officials. The palace complex had its own markets, gardens, temples, and theaters, and was completely self-sufficient.
4. The Forbidden City was off-limits to the general public for centuries
The Forbidden City was off-limits to the general public for almost 500 years, from the time it was built in 1420 until the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912. The only people allowed inside were the emperor, his family, and his closest advisors. Even high-ranking officials were not allowed to enter the palace complex without permission.
5. The Forbidden City was the site of many important ceremonies and events
The Forbidden City was the site of many important ceremonies and events during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The most important of these was the emperor’s birthday celebration, which was a grand affair that lasted for several days. The palace was also the site of imperial weddings, funerals, and coronations, as well as the annual New Year’s celebrations.
6. The Forbidden City was looted and damaged during the Boxer Rebellion
The Boxer Rebellion was an anti-foreign, anti-Christian uprising that took place in China between 1899 and 1901. During the rebellion, the Forbidden City was looted and damaged by the Boxers, who set fire to several buildings and stole many priceless treasures. The damage to the palace complex was extensive, and it took years to repair.
7. The Forbidden City became a museum in 1925
In 1925, the last emperor of China, Puyi, was expelled from the Forbidden City by the new Republic of China government. The palace complex was then converted into a museum, which opened to the public in 1928. Today, the Palace Museum, which is located in the Forbidden City, is one of the most visited museums in the world.
8. The Forbidden City has over 8,000 rooms
The Forbidden City is one of the largest palace complexes in the world, with over 8,000 rooms spread across an area of 720,000 square meters. The palace complex is divided into two main sections: the Outer Court, where the emperor conducted state affairs and held ceremonies, and the Inner Court, where the emperor and his family lived.
9. The roofs of the buildings in the Forbidden City are color-coded
The roofs of the buildings in the Forbidden City are color-coded to indicate the importance of the building and the rank of the people who used it. Yellow was reserved for the emperor, as it was considered the most important color, representing the emperor’s power and status. Green was used for the imperial family, and red for high-ranking officials. Blue and black were used for lower-ranking officials, while white was reserved for temples and altars.
10. The Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Forbidden City was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, in recognition of its cultural and historical significance. It is considered one of the most important and best-preserved examples of ancient Chinese architecture and design. The palace complex has undergone extensive restoration and conservation work over the years, and is now open to visitors from all over the world. It remains a symbol of China’s rich cultural heritage and a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the craftsmen and artisans who built it.