The People's Republic of China, the world's most populous country, brings with her a rich culture and an enduring tradition shaped about by 5,000 years of history. Throughout this time, many facets of their culture was preserved and enhanced. A unique part of this was their architecture.
The Forbidden City, one of China's most popular tourist destinations, was the Chinese imperial palace of the Ming until the Qing dynasties. As it is located near the main urban center, many hotels in Beijing can easily be accessed, making it easier for visitors to include this site in their walking tours.
As the world's most expansive and existing palace complex at 72 hectares, the Forbidden City consists of 980 buildings and houses a wide-ranging collection of art pieces and valued 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 from other places. Aside from this, the towers at each of the four city corners, which were used as lookouts, were and still are the most noticeable vanguards of the palace to the locals.
Upon entering the city, the visitor will realize that the city is divided into the Outer court, which was mainly used for ceremonial purposes, and the Inner court, where the imperial family and their subjects lived.
In the Outer Court, one could view the Gate of Supreme Harmony. Just a few steps away, he will be awed by the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a magnificent edifice built above three stone foundations and bordered by bronze incense burners. It was here where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties celebrated their wedding and enthronement ceremonies. Further down is the Hall of Central Harmony, a smaller hall used by the ruler to prepare and rest before and during special occasions. Finally, there is the Hall of Preserving Harmony which was used for rehearsing activities.
In the inner court, one will be delighted by the sight of its largest building, the Palace of Heavenly Purity. It was once the emperor's audience hall where he received visitors from other countries. The residence of the empress, The Palace of Earthly Tranquility, can be found within striking distance.
After hours of being immersed in history, one could take a break in the Imperial gardens which are located outside the city. Some of these are the Jingshan Park and the Zhongnanhai. Lakes, multicolored flowers, fountains and verdant trees will soothe ones' senses and will leave the tourist wanting for more.
Tourists who want to treasure their experience in the Forbidden City can buy mementos which are readily available outside the city's walls. Products like shirts, caps and replicas will help them relive their journey. At the end of the day, it is now time to return to one of the fine hotels in Beijing to rest the body and prepare for more wonderful surprises. - 33385
The Forbidden City, one of China's most popular tourist destinations, was the Chinese imperial palace of the Ming until the Qing dynasties. As it is located near the main urban center, many hotels in Beijing can easily be accessed, making it easier for visitors to include this site in their walking tours.
As the world's most expansive and existing palace complex at 72 hectares, the Forbidden City consists of 980 buildings and houses a wide-ranging collection of art pieces and valued 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 from other places. Aside from this, the towers at each of the four city corners, which were used as lookouts, were and still are the most noticeable vanguards of the palace to the locals.
Upon entering the city, the visitor will realize that the city is divided into the Outer court, which was mainly used for ceremonial purposes, and the Inner court, where the imperial family and their subjects lived.
In the Outer Court, one could view the Gate of Supreme Harmony. Just a few steps away, he will be awed by the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a magnificent edifice built above three stone foundations and bordered by bronze incense burners. It was here where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties celebrated their wedding and enthronement ceremonies. Further down is the Hall of Central Harmony, a smaller hall used by the ruler to prepare and rest before and during special occasions. Finally, there is the Hall of Preserving Harmony which was used for rehearsing activities.
In the inner court, one will be delighted by the sight of its largest building, the Palace of Heavenly Purity. It was once the emperor's audience hall where he received visitors from other countries. The residence of the empress, The Palace of Earthly Tranquility, can be found within striking distance.
After hours of being immersed in history, one could take a break in the Imperial gardens which are located outside the city. Some of these are the Jingshan Park and the Zhongnanhai. Lakes, multicolored flowers, fountains and verdant trees will soothe ones' senses and will leave the tourist wanting for more.
Tourists who want to treasure their experience in the Forbidden City can buy mementos which are readily available outside the city's walls. Products like shirts, caps and replicas will help them relive their journey. At the end of the day, it is now time to return to one of the fine hotels in Beijing to rest the body and prepare for more wonderful surprises. - 33385
About the Author:
Author E. Larson is a long-time expatriate in Beijing, China. He works closely with the Emperor Hotel Beijing and many other hotels in Beijing. Go to his website on the Emperor Hotel Beijing here.
