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The construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing c. 1420 AD

The construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing c. 1420 AD

By Tza Fire Published about a year ago 3 min read
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The construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing c. 1420 AD
Photo by Ishan @seefromthesky on Unsplash

The Forbidden City, located in the heart of Beijing, is one of the most significant historical landmarks in China. It was constructed during the Ming Dynasty, in the early 15th century, and served as the imperial palace for over 500 years. This magnificent palace complex was the center of political and cultural life in China for centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Forbidden City, or Zijin Cheng in Chinese, was constructed between 1406 and 1420, during the reign of the Yongle Emperor, who moved the capital of China from Nanjing to Beijing. It was built as a symbol of imperial power and authority, and served as the residence of 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The Forbidden City is the largest palace complex in the world, covering an area of 720,000 square meters, with 980 buildings, and 8,704 rooms. The construction of the palace complex involved more than one million workers, including skilled craftsmen and artisans from all over China.

The design of the Forbidden City is based on traditional Chinese principles of Feng Shui and the ancient principles of the Book of Changes (I Ching). The palace complex is surrounded by a moat and a 10-meter high wall, symbolizing the emperor's power to keep out evil spirits and protect his people. The main entrance to the palace complex is the Meridian Gate, which was reserved for the emperor's use only. The Forbidden City was built on a north-south axis, which is believed to be in harmony with the principles of the universe and the balance of yin and yang.

The palace complex is divided into two main parts: the Outer Court and the Inner Court. The Outer Court consists of three main buildings: the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. These buildings were used for state ceremonies, and were the site of the emperor's public appearances. The Inner Court is where the emperor and his family resided, and it includes the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Union, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.

The Forbidden City was not only a residence for the emperor and his family, but it also served as the center of political power in China. The emperor met with officials and foreign ambassadors in the palace complex, and the Imperial Council, which was responsible for governing the country, met in the palace complex. The Forbidden City was also a center of art and culture, with many artists and scholars residing there and producing works of art and literature.

The construction of the Forbidden City was a major undertaking, and required significant resources and manpower. The materials used to construct the palace complex were carefully selected, and included marble, stone, and wood. The buildings were decorated with exquisite carvings and sculptures, and the roofs were covered with yellow glazed tiles, which were reserved for the emperor's buildings.

The Forbidden City was not without its challenges, however. Fires were a constant threat to the palace complex, and several buildings were destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries. The palace complex was also the site of several rebellions and uprisings, including the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, which resulted in significant damage to the palace complex.

Today, the Forbidden City is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Chinese history and culture. Visitors can explore the palace complex and see the exquisite artwork and architecture that make it so unique. The Forbidden City is a reminder of the power and influence of the emperors who ruled China for over 500 years, and it remains an important cultural and historical landmark for the Chinese people.

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Tza Fire

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