Forbidden city beijing

The Forbidden City in Beijing is the world's largest palace complex, a symbol of Chinese imperial power for nearly 500 years.

About this subject

The Forbidden City, located in the center of Beijing, was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1420 to 1912. Covering 72 hectares, it is the largest collection of ancient wooden structures on the planet. The complex contains over 9,000 rooms and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

The name 'forbidden' derives from the fact that common people were not allowed entry; only the emperor, his court, and special guests had access. The architecture follows principles of feng shui and Chinese cosmology, with the north-south axis aligned to Beijing's meridian. The Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Hall of Supreme Harmony are among the most iconic buildings.

Today, the Forbidden City houses the Palace Museum, which holds a collection of over 1.8 million artifacts, including paintings, ceramics, jade, and court relics. It is one of the most visited museums in the world, receiving about 16 million visitors annually. A curiosity: the golden roofs of the main halls are decorated with mythical animal figures symbolizing power and protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many years did it take to build the Forbidden City?

Construction took 14 years, from 1406 to 1420, under Emperor Yongle of the Ming dynasty.

Why is the Forbidden City called 'forbidden'?

Because entry was restricted: only the emperor, his family, court officials, and authorized guests could enter. Common people were forbidden.

How many emperors lived in the Forbidden City?

24 emperors lived there: 14 from the Ming dynasty and 10 from the Qing dynasty, from 1420 to 1912.