Forbidden City

What is it?

It was the home and center of power for 24 emperors during the mid to latter Ming and Qing dynasties.

It was used for over 491 years (between 1420 and 1911)

Rectangular in shape

World's largest palace complex

960 meters from north to south and 750 meters from east to west, it covers 720,000 square meters.

History

In the early 1400s, the third Ming Emperor, YongLe, moved the capital of China to Beijing.

In 1406, he began construction of a new 'Forbidden City' that would include the imperial palace complex.

Where is it located?

It is located in the exact center of the Beijing

The Forbidden City is located directly to the north of Tian'AnMen Square and is accessible from the square via Tian'AnMen Gate.

MAP!!!!

Map!!!!!

More Info

It serves as a symbol of sovereignty and the image of its entrance gate appears on the seal of the People's Republic of China.

White marble, walls of terra-cotta, roofs of glazed golden tiles, and woodwork finished with vermillion paint, lacquer and gilding

More Info cont

Five elemental colors

white marble terraces

black paving of the courtyards

red columns

purple walled city

golden yellow rooftops

The Forbidden City Today

Today, the Forbidden City is a public museum, drawing the attention of millions of travellers and tourists from around the world

Now officially renamed as the 'Palace Museum' (Gu Gong)

People can view the traditional architecture and the treasures of the imperial family and its court.

Forbidden City Today cont

Recently, the Forbidden City has been under a major renovation that has limited visitors to a few areas. However, it remains open and the great majority of places are accessible.

It holds about 1 million treasures such as gifts of state, military campaign treasures, and the furnishings and possessions of members of the imperial household.

Fun Facts

Surrounded by a six meter deep, 52 meter wide moat

Estimated that 12 million bricks were required for the outer wall alone

Five halls, seventeen palaces, and numerous other buildings

Reputed to have a total of 9,999 rooms

The buildings represent the largest and best-preserved examples of Chinese traditional architecture found today

Pictures!!!!!!!

Pictures!!!!

Pictures

Pictures!!!!!

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Bibliography

http://www.forbiddencitychina.com/