TimeOut

The 'Forbidden City' PART1

 

On our visit to Beijing, China we had the opportunity to see same amazing sights:  The Great Wall ( timeout.watchprosite.com ) and The Summer Palace ( timeout.watchprosite.com ).  Just north of Tiananmen Square is another landmark: the 'Forbidden City'.

You can see how cold it can get in Beijing...

On the outer perimeter of the Forbidden City is a 50 meter wide  by 3.5 kilometer long moat....

As we close to the main entrance (known as the Meridian Gate) we get a glimpse of the outer structure.  It's amazing to see what was accomplished by engineering minds during that time and we are just outside!  The red Grand City wall is an incredible 35 meters high, 8.6 meters thick at the base and to 6.66 meters at the top making it a strong and very protective first barrier.

The Solemn Tower of the Meridian Gate...

During the early 1400's, Ming Emperor Yong-Le, moved the capital of China from Nanjing to Beijing and in 1406 he began construction of a new 'Forbidden City' that had an imperial palace.  14 years later, the complex was completed The palace was the home and center for 24 Chinese Emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties.  There are approximately 800 buildings on more than 700,000 sq. meters!

The Forbidden City is divided into two parts. The southern section ( Outer Court ) was where the Emperor held court for formal matters while ruling China. The northern section ( Inner Court ) was where the Emporor lived along with the royal family.

The Meridian Gate:

Note that there are 3 openings.  The center arched gate was originally used exclusively by the Emporor, officials used the 2 side entrances but common citizens were not allowed inside.  The exception for entering thru the center gate was by the Empress and only on her wedding day.

From the main entrance we walk through a tunnel and from here you can see how massive the Outer Wall is.

Once out of the tunnel, we see the view of the other side of the Outer Wall...

The first building we encounter is the Gate of Supreme Harmony.

The Inner Golden River flows beneath the bridges but the Central Bridge was used exclusively by the Emperor. The two lateral bridges were for members of the royal family whereas the two outer bridges were for court officials.

The courtyard itself is over 10,000 meters!

Standing guard are two bronze lions which symbolizes Imperial power. The lion on the east is male and on the west is the female.  If you look closely, at left front paw of the female lion is a lion cub. This denotes a thriving and prosperous Imperial family.

The next section we head towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony. 

The open area covers more than 30,000 square meters with a impressive three-tier marble terrace.

At the top and inside of the Hall is the Golden Carriage Palace  which was used by the Emperors to received high officials and for his matters of state.  All the major celebrations and ceremonies were held in this area.

Part of the design of the marble terrace are the dragon sculptures was also functional.  Since the buildings were made entirely of wood, fire was a large potential threat.  Water would be collected

Part of the design of the marble terrace are the dragon sculptures was also functional.  Since the buildings were made entirely of wood, fire was a large potential threat.  Water would be collected when it rain and filled into these large pots surrounding the perimeter of the grounds. 

Since the Hall of Supreme Harmony symbolized of the Imperial power, it was the highest structure of the Chinese empire during the Ming and Qin dynasties. No other building was permitted to be higher any where in the country. The heavily glazed hall is 35.02 meters high (37.44 meters including the rooftop decoration). It is 63.96 meters in width and 37.2 meters in length. There is a total of 72 pillars, in six rows, supporting the roof.  Inside you can see the sandal wood throne surrounded by 6 gold lacquered pillars where the Emperor ruled China.

One of the many large water filled pots in case of a fire.  Each one holds 200 gallons and weighs more than 2 tons.  The handles and sculptures were originally made of gold but is now replaced with a colored bronze material as too many tourist tried to scratch off gold for a souvenir!

The buildings are highly detailed, even the roof...

-MW





This message has been edited by DRMW on 2012-05-01 01:24:41

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