The Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City, is now one of the most visited tourist attraction in Beijing. The construction of the Imperial Palace is truly one of the great feats of human history, comparable to the pyramids of China’s own Great Wall. Although it is China’s most imposing architectural masterpiece, it is characterized by simple lines and elegant decoration. Located in the heart of Beijing, the Imperial Palace covers an area of 101.2 hectares. It is surrounded by a wide moat and protected by a wall of 10.7 meters high, marked off by towers at each corner.
The entire complex includes six main palaces, as well as many small buildings, together containing over 9,000 rooms. Nearly all of the buildings stand two stories high, flanked by courtyards with dimensions proportionate to the importance of their former inhabitants. The palace grounds are divided into two sections. In the foreground are three public halls from which the Ming and Qing emperors conducted important state ceremonies. The rear part of the complex is composed of three main palaces, a few smaller “east” and “west” palaces, and the Imperial Gardens. The Imperial Palace formerly housed the emperor, the queen consort, and his other wives, eunuchs, ministers, favored court officials, and thousands of artisans and servants. The 9,000-romm complex is a vast treasure house of precious art objects and rich architecture.
Meridian Gate（午门）is the main entrance to the Forbidden City. Beyond the Meridian Gate is a courtyard, traversed by the Golden Water stream. Five marble bridges crossing the stream lead to the Gate of Supreme Harmony （太和门）. Beyond this gate is a huge courtyard, designed to accommodate 90,000 people during imperial ceremonies. Hall of Supreme Harmony is the tallest and largest of the palace buildings. It is filled with art treasures of symbolic significance. A nine-dragon screen behind the emperor’s throne symbolizes both longevity and the unity of earth and heaven. The famous Imperial Palace is behind the palaces. The pines and cypresses in it are several hundred years old. On the grounds are statues, rock gardens, pebble walkways laid out in intricate design, and an artificial hill adorned with a cave, waterfall, and pavilion. The Imperial Palace is such a huge place that at least a full morning or afternoon is required even for a superficial overview of the buildings and the treasures in it.
(Adapted from The China Guidebook by Fredric M. Kaplan et. al., 翰唐 录入)
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