The Forbidden City
By Kacey Huffman
An introduction into The Forbidden City
Known to many as a place of mystery, the Forbidden City holds many of ancient China's greatest secrets and most extravagant events. "The whole palace context is built along a central axis, the axis of the world, everything in the four directions suspend from this central point represented by these palaces.” . The ancient palace, centuries old, represents 15th century China's greatest power base.
Moat
171 feet wide moat
Layout
Spread across 178 acres
Inside
The Idea Sparks
The idea of the Forbidden City blossomed in early 15th century China. At the time, under Emperor Yongle's reign, the idea for a grand palace in China's power base city sparked. The palace was to serve as a home for future emperors but, it also needed to exhibit Yongle's great rule. For the people of ancient Beijing, the Forbidden City would prove to be a magnificent place of mystery. Over the years of it being built, the citizens of Beijing would gain higher and higher expectations for the wonder that is the Forbidden City.
Construction Begins
The construction of the Forbidden City was difficult, but quickly implemented. It was to be aligned with the Polar Star and become a maze of hundreds of buildings . Spread across 178 acres and equipped with 32 feet high walls , all this surrounded by a 171 feet wide moat . The stone used for construction had to be hauled by workers using sledges on a nice path . The Forbidden City has a very meaningful color scheme. The red and yellow you can see all around throughout the palace has muchimportance to China. With the red representing good luck, but also fire and the yellow standingfor supreme power. The colors greatly went with the structure of the building, which was and still is a remarkable and quite intimidating landmark.
The Forbidden City Today
Hoped and expected by Emperor Yongle, the Forbidden City's impact has been stupendous. With its representation of China's power and being one of the most famous features of China, up there with the Great Wall. The city houses about 7 million visitors each year. Not surprising due to its magnificent structure and the rich history that lies beyond the Forbidden City's walls. Even to this day, centuries later, the Forbidden City still wows the onlookers.
Wrapping It Up
The Forbidden City has been a marvelous reminder of ancient China's history, along with one of the world’s best palaces. “From the gate’s parapets, emperors presided over military ceremonies and victory parades, as well as the annual proclamation of the calendar which determined agricultural and ritual activities throughout the empire.” explains the many ways the Forbidden City has made and impact; Not only to China but to the rest of the world as well.