BeiJing-The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City
Location
It is located at No. 4, Jingshan Qianjie, Dongcheng District, in the center of Beijing. Situated at the center of Beijing’s central axis, it is surrounded by many landmark buildings and scenic spots in Beijing, with very convenient transportation.
Opening Hours
High season (April 1 – October 31): 8:30 – 17:00. Ticket sales stop at 16:10, and ticket checking stops at 16:30. Low season (November 1 – March 31 of the following year): 8:30 – 16:30. Ticket sales stop at 15:40, and ticket checking stops at 16:10. It is closed every Monday (except for legal holidays and the summer vacation).
Recommended Visiting Time
It is recommended to spend 3 – 5 hours visiting. If you want to visit each palace and exhibition in the Forbidden City more thoroughly, you can arrange a whole day.
Historical and Cultural Background
The Forbidden City was built in 1406 (the 4th year of the Yongle reign of Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty), modeled after the Nanjing Imperial Palace, and completed in 1420 (the 18th year of the Yongle reign). The construction took 14 years. It served as the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and a total of 24 emperors lived and ruled here successively. The Forbidden City is not only a treasure of ancient Chinese architecture but also the core symbol of the feudal dynasty’s rule in China. Its architectural layout strictly follows feudal etiquette, embodying the idea of “the supremacy of imperial power.” Countless major events that influenced the historical process of China took place in the Forbidden City, witnessing the rise and fall of dynasties.
Featured Landscapes
The Three Great Halls:
The Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony are the core buildings of the Forbidden City. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is where grand ceremonies such as the emperor’s enthronement and imperial weddings were held. It is grand in scale and exquisitely decorated. The Golden Dragon Throne and other decorations inside the hall showcase the majesty of the royal family. The Hall of Central Harmony is where the emperor took a rest before going to the Hall of Supreme Harmony for grand ceremonies, with a delicate and compact architectural style. The Hall of Preserving Harmony is the place where the emperor held the imperial examinations and entertained princes and nobles.
The Three Rear Palaces:
The Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Union, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility were the residences of the emperor and the empress. The Palace of Heavenly Purity was the emperor’s palace for handling daily government affairs and sleeping. The Hall of Union implies the harmony of heaven and earth and the harmony of yin and yang. The Palace of Earthly Tranquility was the empress’s bedroom in the Ming Dynasty and became a place for sacrificing gods and the emperor’s wedding in the Qing Dynasty.
The Three Rear Palaces:
The Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Union, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility were the residences of the emperor and the empress. The Palace of Heavenly Purity was the emperor’s palace for handling daily government affairs and sleeping. The Hall of Union implies the harmony of heaven and earth and the harmony of yin and yang. The Palace of Earthly Tranquility was the empress’s bedroom in the Ming Dynasty and became a place for sacrificing gods and the emperor’s wedding in the Qing Dynasty.
The Imperial Garden:
Located on the central axis of the Forbidden City, the garden has antique buildings, towering ancient trees, strangely shaped Taihu stones, and various flowers. It was a place for the emperor, empresses, and concubines to rest and play.
Precautions
1.Ticket Reservation:
Ticket Reservation: Tickets need to be reserved in advance on the official website or WeChat mini – program of the Palace Museum. Same – day tickets are not sold.
2.Visiting Route:
The Forbidden City implements a one – way visiting route. Enter from the Meridian Gate (South Gate) and exit from the Shenwu Gate (North Gate) or the Donghua Gate (East Gate). Pay attention to following the signs to avoid taking unnecessary detours.
3.Cultural Relics Protection:
Touching cultural relics and buildings is strictly prohibited. Do not carve or scribble on ancient buildings and cultural relics.
4.Civilized Visiting:
Keep quiet and do not make loud noises. Avoid staying too long in narrow passages and crowded areas to prevent congestion.
5.Items to Carry:
Lighters, tripods, and other items are prohibited from entering. You can carry an appropriate amount of drinking water and food, but do not eat or drink in the exhibition halls.