The Forbidden City in Beijing: China's majestic heart of history

Located in the vibrant heart of Beijing, surrounded by modern skyscrapers and the bustling daily life of the Chinese capital, lies a place that has been the center of political power and cultural splendor for over five centuries – the Forbidden City. This world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a living symbol of China's imperial era and its deep-rooted cultural richness.

What is the Forbidden City?

The Forbidden City, in Chinese "紫禁城" (Zǐjìnchéng), is a sprawling imperial palace complex built during the Ming Dynasty and served as the political and ceremonial residence of the Chinese emperors from 1420 until the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1912. Over 980 buildings cover an area of approximately 720,000 square meters. The name "Forbidden City" derives from the fact that ordinary citizens were strictly forbidden to enter for centuries—only members of the imperial household and selected officials were permitted to enter the grounds.

Historical background

The Forbidden City was built during the reign of the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, who established Beijing as the new capital. Construction began in 1406 and was completed in just 14 years—an astonishing feat given the scale and craftsmanship of the project. The country's finest craftsmen and artists were mobilized to build the palace, which served not only as the seat of government but also as an expression of imperial power and heavenly order.

Over the course of almost 500 years, 24 emperors resided in the Forbidden City – 14 from the Ming Dynasty and 10 from the Qing Dynasty.

Architecture and symbolism

The Forbidden City is a prime example of traditional Chinese palace architecture. Every detail—from the orientation of the buildings to the choice of colors—is symbolically charged:

• North-South orientation : The complex is strictly laid out along a north-south axis, which has cosmological and ritual significance.

• Colors : Yellow, the color of the emperor, dominates the roofs. Red symbolizes good luck and is widely used on the walls.

• Yin and Yang : The arrangement of the rooms follows the principle of harmony between opposing forces – e.g. open courtyards (Yang) and closed halls (Yin).

• Numerical symbolism : The number nine (symbolizes power) is often found in the design – for example in the 9,999.5 rooms (according to legend, only the Heavenly Palace should have 10,000 rooms).

The most important buildings

1. Gate of Heavenly Purity (Qianqingmen)

This is the main gate to the inner palace complex, where the life of the imperial family took place.

2. Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian)

The largest building in the complex, it was the site of coronations, accessions, and grand ceremonies. The hall sits atop a three-tiered marble terrace and is decorated with elaborate dragon carvings.

3. Hall of Middle Harmony and Preservation of Harmony

These two halls served as places for preparation and smaller receptions.

4. Imperial Gardens

At the northern end of the complex is a beautiful garden with pavilions, centuries-old trees and sculptures – an oasis of peace at the end of the residence.

The Forbidden City today

Today, the Forbidden City is open to the public under the name "Palace Museum" (故宫博物院) and is one of the most visited museums in the world. It houses a collection of over 1.8 million works of art, including porcelain, paintings, calligraphy, and imperial treasures. Many visitors are overwhelmed by the sheer size, the splendor of its halls, and the timeless silence that hangs over the historic grounds.

Tips for visitors

• Best time to visit : Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant temperatures and clear weather.

• Admission : Admission is limited – it is recommended to book tickets online in advance.

• Guided tours : Audio guides in several languages or guided tours offer a deeper insight into history.

• Duration : Plan at least 3-4 hours – ideally half a day.

Conclusion

The Forbidden City is not only a striking testament to Chinese history, but also a place where past and present meet in a unique way. Those who walk through the courtyard, contemplate the dragon patterns on the roofs, or feel the silence in the inner chambers understand a little of the soul of China—complex, awe-inspiring, magnificent.

A visit there is more than sightseeing – it is a journey into the depths of a millennia-old civilization.