I. The Palace Museum in Beijing, formerly known as the Forbidden City, was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. Stepping into this ancient architectural complex is like traversing a time tunnel and returning to that prosperous dynasty, witnessing the glory and vicissitudes of emperors. The grandeur of the Forbidden City is astonishing. The towering city walls and thick city gates highlight the majesty and inviolability of the royal family. Proceeding along the central axis, the first thing that catches the eye is the majestic Tian’anmen. Tian’anmen is the main entrance to the Forbidden City and also the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held important ceremonies. Standing in front of Tian’anmen, one can feel the solemn and sacred atmosphere.
1. Passing through Tian’anmen is the main part of the Forbidden City. Along the central axis from south to north are the Taihe Palace, Qianqing Palace, Jiaotai Palace, Kunning Palace and the Back Three Palaces. These palace buildings have unique styles and strict layouts, reflecting the aesthetic principles of ancient Chinese architecture. Each palace has its own story and history, recounting the daily life trivia and patriotism of the emperors who once lived here.
2. The Taihe Palace is the largest palace in the Forbidden City and was also the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties handled state affairs. This was once an important place where emperors summoned ministers and held court meetings. Today, the furnishings such as the dragon throne and screen in the Taihe Palace still retain their original appearance, making people can’t help but imagine the majestic scene of the emperor presiding over the court.
3. The Qianqing Palace is one of the most mysterious palaces in the Forbidden City. This is where the emperor lived and handled private state affairs. The architectural style inside the Qianqing Palace is different from other palaces and is more delicate. The carvings and murals in the hall are all art treasures, showing the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. The Jiaotai Palace is located behind the Qianqing Palace and is an important ceremonial building in the Forbidden City. This was once the place where the emperor held major ceremonies such as conferring titles on empresses and crown princes. The architectural style of the Jiaotai Palace is unique, and the roof is covered with yellow glazed tiles, shining in the sunlight, symbolizing the dignity and honor of the royal family.
4. The Kunning Palace is the sleeping quarters of the empress in the Forbidden City and also represents the female palace. The architectural style here is gentle and soft, in sharp contrast to the masculinity of the Qianqing Palace. The furnishings in the Kunning Palace are full of feminine charm, making people feel the living scenes and court charm of ancient empresses.
5. The Back Three Palaces are located in the northern part of the Forbidden City and are the private living areas of the emperor and empress. The environment here is quiet and elegant, and the architectural style is also more relaxed and natural. The Imperial Garden in the Back Three Palaces is a major highlight in the Forbidden City. The garden is full of green trees, with birds singing and flowers fragrant, adding a bit of vitality and energy to this ancient palace. Visiting the Forbidden City not only allows one to appreciate the magnificence and exquisiteness of ancient Chinese architecture but also feel the profound historical and cultural heritage of the Chinese nation.
Every brick and tile, every plant and tree here carries rich historical information and cultural connotations, making people constantly think and understand during the tour.
Walking in the corridor of the Forbidden City, it seems that one can hear the echo of history ringing in the ears.
The stories and experiences of those emperors who once lived here have left deep marks in the long river of history and also left precious spiritual wealth and cultural heritage for future generations.
In general, the Forbidden City in Beijing is an ancient palace full of charm and legendary colors. It has witnessed the glory and vicissitudes of Chinese history and also carries the cultural genes and spiritual pursuits of the Chinese nation.
After a tour here, it seems as if one has traveled back and forth in the long river of history again and again, and the soul has also been greatly shocked and baptized.
For those who love history and culture, this is undoubtedly a rare treasure trove and palace.
