China’s Forbidden City Is The World’s Largest Existing Palace

With 1.3 billion people and 20% of the world’s population, China is the largest and most populous country. Many cultural and architectural changes have occurred during China’s 5,000 year history.

The Forbidden City is located in the center of Beijing and is one of China’s most popular tourist destinations. It was the Chinese Imperial Palace of the Ming Dynasty until the Qing Dynasty. It is located within easy walking distance of many hotels.

As the world’s largest existing palace complex at 72 hectares (178 acres), the Forbidden City consists of 980 buildings and houses a large collection of art pieces and valuable objects from numerous dynasties. A tourist on the outside will notice elevated walls made from earth materials covered with baked bricks. These walls stood as fortresses against invaders. The towers at each of the four city corners, which were used as lookouts, are the most noticeable vanguards of the palace.

As one enters the city, you will find that it is subdivided into two major parts: the Outer Court is mainly used for ceremonial purposes and the Inner Court is where the emperor and his family and servants resided.

In the Outer Court, one can see the Gate of Supreme Harmony. Then you will be greeted by the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a grand structure built above three stone base and surrounded by bronze incense burners. This was the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties hosted their enthronement and wedding ceremonies. Next is the Hall of Central Harmony, a smaller hall used by the emperor to prepare and rest before and during ceremonies. Then there is the Hall of Preserving Harmony which was used for imperial activities.

In the Inner Court, one will be enthralled by the sight of a double-eaved building, the Palace of Heavenly Purity. It was once the emperor’s audience hall where he received dignitaries from foreign lands. A walk further will lead to the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, which was the residence of the empress.

After touring the Forbidden City, you can take a break in the Imperial Gardens just outside the city. Famous parks include the Jingshan Park and the Zhongnanhai. You will be amazed by the lakes, multicolored flowers, fountains and soothing trees which can ignite the senses.

For collectors who want to treasure their experience, you can buy souvenir items found as you exit the City’s gate. Merchandise ranging from apparel to miniature models will remind you of your trip. As the day ends it is time to relax in one of the good hotels in Beijing to pamper yourself and be ready for the next day.

The author is a long time expatriate living in Beijing and he works closely with the Phoenix Palace Hotel.