The Forbidden City (故宫, Gùgōng) is a grand imperial palace located in central Beijing. It is not only one of the most visited historical attractions in China, but also a symbol of Chinese power, culture and history. Construction of the Forbidden City began in the early 15th century and continued for several decades. The palace served as the official residence of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years, from the Ming dynasty to the Qing. This palace contains not only architectural magnitude, but also many secrets and mystical stories that continue to attract the attention of researchers and tourists from all over the world.
1. History of the Forbidden City
1.1 Construction and Architecture
The forbidden city was built during the reign of the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in 1406 and completed in 1420. This majestic structure became the centerpiece of Chinese power and served both the emperors' palace and the administrative center. The forbidden city covers an area of more than 720 thousand square meters, including about 980 buildings, and is not only a huge architectural structure, but also a symbol of peace, order and harmony.
- One of the most unique features of the Forbidden City is its symmetry and location in the center of Beijing. The entire palace complex is built in strict accordance with the principles of Feng Shui and Taoist philosophy, which symbolizes the harmony between heaven and earth.
1.2 Meaning for China
The forbidden city was not just the residence of the emperor, but also a symbol of power, reflecting his power and connections with heaven. The emperor was considered the son of Heaven, and his palace was intended to demonstrate his connection with the highest forces and isolation from ordinary people.
- During the Ming and Qing dynasty, access to the palace was severely restricted, and only the emperor and his closest servants had the right to enter its limits. Therefore, the name "Forbidden City" arose, which reflected the complete inaccessibility of this place for ordinary citizens.
2. Architectural features of the Forbidden City
2.1 Symmetry and Structures of the Palace
The architecture of the Forbidden City is strictly symmetrical and follows the principles of Chinese traditional construction. The complex is divided into two main sections: the outer court, where official ceremonies took place, and the inner court, where the emperor and his family lived. The outer court was used for state ceremonies, and the inner court was intended for more private matters, including the family life of the emperor and his immediate family.
- All buildings in the palace are oriented along the north-south axis, which symbolizes the connection between the earth and the sky. Most buildings have a golden roof, indicating the status of an emperor who was the "sun" on the ground.
2.2 Halls and rooms
The forbidden city consists of several main halls, each of which has its own meaning and functions:
- Hall of Supreme Power (太和殿, Tàihé Diàn) - the main hall where the emperor received the most important statesmen.
- The Hall of Peace and Well-Being (太和殿, Tàihé Diàn) - was used for large ceremonies such as weddings and ceremonial receptions.
Each room and each element of the palace has a symbolic meaning. The Forbidden City uses red and yellow roofs that symbolize happiness, longevity and power.
3. Secrets and myths of the Forbidden City
3.1 Legends about "prohibited" premises
The forbidden city is always surrounded by mysticism and rumors. One such myth is the mysterious story of secret premises hidden inside the palace. In parts of the Forbidden City, emperors and their families are said to have used secret passages to avoid danger or attempted coup.
- One of the legends tells that in the Forbidden City there is a secret room, which stores an inviolable scroll recorded by the emperor, with the most important strategies that could affect the fate of the empire.
3.2 Curse of Emperors
Other myths relate to the fate of emperors who lived in the Forbidden City. According to some versions, many emperors did not live to old age and died under mysterious circumstances. Some historians attribute this to the idea of a curse placed on the palace as punishment for cruel methods of government.
- This curse is associated with many mysterious deaths and political intrigues that have occurred among the imperial family over the centuries.
4. Forbidden City Today
4.1 Museum and Cultural Heritage
Today, the Forbidden City is one of the largest museums in China and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It attracts millions of tourists from around the world who can see the splendour of imperial life and experience the culture and history of China. Its walls contain a huge number of cultural artifacts, including books, pictures, paintings, dishes, ceramics and other objects related to the Chinese imperial court.
4.2 Tourism and Cultural Significance
The forbidden city is not only an important historical monument, but also serves as a symbol of Chinese identity and culture. It continues to be an important object for the study of Chinese history and culture and attracts more and more people interested in a deep understanding of Chinese tradition and art.
Conclusion
The forbidden city is not only an architectural miracle, but also a symbol of the greatness of the Chinese empire, as well as an important element of China's cultural heritage. This palace, with its rich history, mysticism and secrets, continues to fascinate people around the world and serves as a reminder of the power of emperors and their role in the history of China.
1. History of the Forbidden City
1.1 Construction and Architecture
The forbidden city was built during the reign of the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in 1406 and completed in 1420. This majestic structure became the centerpiece of Chinese power and served both the emperors' palace and the administrative center. The forbidden city covers an area of more than 720 thousand square meters, including about 980 buildings, and is not only a huge architectural structure, but also a symbol of peace, order and harmony.
- One of the most unique features of the Forbidden City is its symmetry and location in the center of Beijing. The entire palace complex is built in strict accordance with the principles of Feng Shui and Taoist philosophy, which symbolizes the harmony between heaven and earth.
1.2 Meaning for China
The forbidden city was not just the residence of the emperor, but also a symbol of power, reflecting his power and connections with heaven. The emperor was considered the son of Heaven, and his palace was intended to demonstrate his connection with the highest forces and isolation from ordinary people.
- During the Ming and Qing dynasty, access to the palace was severely restricted, and only the emperor and his closest servants had the right to enter its limits. Therefore, the name "Forbidden City" arose, which reflected the complete inaccessibility of this place for ordinary citizens.
2. Architectural features of the Forbidden City
2.1 Symmetry and Structures of the Palace
The architecture of the Forbidden City is strictly symmetrical and follows the principles of Chinese traditional construction. The complex is divided into two main sections: the outer court, where official ceremonies took place, and the inner court, where the emperor and his family lived. The outer court was used for state ceremonies, and the inner court was intended for more private matters, including the family life of the emperor and his immediate family.
- All buildings in the palace are oriented along the north-south axis, which symbolizes the connection between the earth and the sky. Most buildings have a golden roof, indicating the status of an emperor who was the "sun" on the ground.
2.2 Halls and rooms
The forbidden city consists of several main halls, each of which has its own meaning and functions:
- Hall of Supreme Power (太和殿, Tàihé Diàn) - the main hall where the emperor received the most important statesmen.
- The Hall of Peace and Well-Being (太和殿, Tàihé Diàn) - was used for large ceremonies such as weddings and ceremonial receptions.
Each room and each element of the palace has a symbolic meaning. The Forbidden City uses red and yellow roofs that symbolize happiness, longevity and power.
3. Secrets and myths of the Forbidden City
3.1 Legends about "prohibited" premises
The forbidden city is always surrounded by mysticism and rumors. One such myth is the mysterious story of secret premises hidden inside the palace. In parts of the Forbidden City, emperors and their families are said to have used secret passages to avoid danger or attempted coup.
- One of the legends tells that in the Forbidden City there is a secret room, which stores an inviolable scroll recorded by the emperor, with the most important strategies that could affect the fate of the empire.
3.2 Curse of Emperors
Other myths relate to the fate of emperors who lived in the Forbidden City. According to some versions, many emperors did not live to old age and died under mysterious circumstances. Some historians attribute this to the idea of a curse placed on the palace as punishment for cruel methods of government.
- This curse is associated with many mysterious deaths and political intrigues that have occurred among the imperial family over the centuries.
4. Forbidden City Today
4.1 Museum and Cultural Heritage
Today, the Forbidden City is one of the largest museums in China and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It attracts millions of tourists from around the world who can see the splendour of imperial life and experience the culture and history of China. Its walls contain a huge number of cultural artifacts, including books, pictures, paintings, dishes, ceramics and other objects related to the Chinese imperial court.
4.2 Tourism and Cultural Significance
The forbidden city is not only an important historical monument, but also serves as a symbol of Chinese identity and culture. It continues to be an important object for the study of Chinese history and culture and attracts more and more people interested in a deep understanding of Chinese tradition and art.
Conclusion
The forbidden city is not only an architectural miracle, but also a symbol of the greatness of the Chinese empire, as well as an important element of China's cultural heritage. This palace, with its rich history, mysticism and secrets, continues to fascinate people around the world and serves as a reminder of the power of emperors and their role in the history of China.