Imperial Forbidden City – the world's largest grand palace complex

The Imperial Forbidden City was once the residence of 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. By 1925, it had become a renowned tourist destination, attracting numerous visitors.

Imperial Forbidden City – the world's largest grand palace complex

The Imperial Forbidden City served as the imperial palace and winter residence for Chinese emperors from the time of the Ming dynasty (starting with Emperor Vĩnh Lạc) to the end of the Qing dynasty, spanning from 1420 to 1924. It was both the home of emperors and their families and the central hub for ceremonial and political activities of the Chinese government for 500 years.

The Imperial Forbidden City comprises 980 buildings, believed to have 9,999 rooms, covering an area of 72 hectares (over 180 acres). The four corners of the fortress feature ornate towers and walls, with four main gates leading out of the fortress: Meridian Gate in the South, Divine Might Gate in the North, East Prosperity Gate in the East, and West Prosperity Gate in the West. Inside the Imperial Forbidden City, it is divided into two areas:

– Outer Court, also known as the Front Court, located in the South, is where important ceremonies, rituals, and imperial exams take place. In the center is the Hall of Supreme Harmony, behind it is the Hall of Preserving Harmony. On the East and West sides are the Hall of Literary Glory – where imperial documents and books are stored – and the Hall of Martial Valor – where the emperor meets high-ranking officials and holds court.

Inner Palace, also known as the Rear Court as depicted in Chinese historical dramas, is the residence of the Emperor and the Empress. During the Qing dynasty, it served as both living and working quarters for the Emperor. The Front Court was solely used for important ceremonies. The three main palaces in the Rear Court, namely the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, and the Giao Thái Palace, are collectively referred to as the Three Rear Palaces.

For over 5 centuries, the Forbidden City housed 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The last monarch in China's feudal history to reside within the Forbidden City was Puyi, who abdicated in 1912. To this day, the Forbidden City remains the world's largest wooden palace.

By 1925, the Forbidden City had evolved into a tourist destination, welcoming millions of visitors annually. Inside the Forbidden City, there is a museum displaying over 1.7 million artifacts from various feudal dynasties.

The Forbidden City continues to attract numerous tourists, offering a glimpse into its beauty and the historical stories it harbors. This palace stands as evidence of the opulence where Chinese emperors once resided, showcasing the traditional imperial architecture of China. It significantly influenced the cultural and architectural development in East Asia and various other regions.

Not only recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1987, but the Forbidden City is also listed among the world's largest preserved wooden architectural structures. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the glorious eras of ancient China's feudal history.

As per Mytour

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour