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Have you ever heard of a forbidden city??? Although it is named so, its beauty is world famous. Beijing is completed by the grandeur of the Forbidden city palace which is a must visit and also the most ancient palace in the world. It was home for 24 Chinese emperors of two dynasties the Ming and the Qing. Palace was supposed to be a replica of the Purple Palace in heaven as the constructor, Emperor Yongle was regarded as the son of heaven. Because of its divinity and godliness perhaps that was why it was forbidden for normal people.
The City covers 178 acres with 90 palaces, 980 buildings and 8704 rooms. There is also a 10m high wall enclosing the city. For security purposes there are watchtowers at each corner. Here are the places you will find attractive inside the city- Meridian Gate, Hall of Literary Glory, Hall of Martial Valor, Gate of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserved Harmony, Gate of Heavenly Purity, Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Celestial & Terrestrial Union, Palace of Earthly Tranquility, Hall of Mental Cultivation, Six Western Palaces, Hall for Ancestry Worship, Six Eastern Palaces, Palace of Tranquil Longevity, Treasure Gallery, Qianlong Garden, Pavilion of Pleasant Sounds, Imperial Garden, Moat, Corner Towers and Gates.
Meridian Gate is the only entrance to the city now which is located at the southern part. It has 5 gates. When you enter through the Meridian Gate you get the Inner Golden River Bridges. To the east of the bridges is the Hall of Literary Glory and to the west is the Hall of Martial Valor. Behind the Meridian Gate you will find a courtyard and to the northern side of it is the Gate of Supreme Harmony which was the place that held emperor's weddings. Gate of Supreme Harmony paves the way to enter the Hall of Supreme Harmony. It was used as a ceremonial hall that hold festivities when a new emperor is elected. In between the Hall of Supreme Harmony and Hall of Preserved Harmony, is the Hall of Central Harmony. Altogether they are known as Three Great Halls of the Outer Court and they are found on the central axis of the city.
Gate of Heavenly Purity serves as a divider for the city as Inner Court and Outer Court. And inside the Gate of Heavenly Purity is the Palace of Heavenly Purity. Also the Palace of Heavenly Purity is one of the three main palaces inside the Inner Court. The other two are the Palace of Earthly Tranquility and the Hall of Celestial and Terrestrial Union.
The six western palaces consist of Palace of Eternal Longevity, Palace of the Queen Consort, Palace for Gathering Elegance, Hall of the Supreme Pole, Palace of Eternal Spring and Palace of Universal Happiness which were for the emperor's wives. Hall for Ancestry Worship is the place where the emperors used to worship their ancestors. The six eastern palaces consist of Palace of Great Benevolence, Palace of Celestial Favour, Palace of Eternal Harmony, Palace of Great Brilliance, Palace of Purity and Palace of Lasting Happiness. These were the living quarters of imperial concubines. The treasure gallery lies northeast of the palace museum.
Travellers' Guide
If you are planning to visit the Forbidden City, check in with these tours which include Forbidden City travelling.
Beijing Highlights TourBeijing Hutong Tour
If you get the chance don't forget to visit the following hotels too.
Days Inn Forbidden City, Beijing
No. 1, Nanwanzi Hutong, Nanheyan street, Dongcheng District,Beijing, China,100006
King Parkview Hotel
No. 55, Shatan Houjie, Dongcheng District,Beijing, China,100009
Red wall Garden Hote
No.41 Shijia Hutong, Dongcheng District,Beijing, China,100010
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