China, the sleeping Dragon of Asia, is now opening its doors to the world. Most people would probably think of the Chinese people as strict and stiff because of their political background. But far from the racial issues, lie a rich culture that is yet to be uncovered.
The Forbidden City, along with the Great Wall of China, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Beijing. During the afternoon breeze, one could see the distinct beauty of the Forbidden City from afar. Its golden roof and bright red walls magnificently reflect the symbol of China's longstanding power and grandeur.
Beijing, being the most anticipated economic powerhouse player of today, offers a number of hotels for her visitor and guests who are into Asian culture and dining. There are also a number of hotels in Beijing that are also proximal to the cultural centers of China, making it easier for tourist to organize their time efficiently while enjoying city's sights and sound.
When visiting China's Forbidden City, it is best to schedule your tour on a weekday since crowding usually happen on the weekends. It would also be best to take a tour guide with you during your tour so you could accurately understand the unique and stunning architectural designs and structures of the palace. If you plan on going the extra mile, then buying a guidebook from a near by coffee shop or hotel lobby would also work for that matter.
Considered as the world's largest palace, The Forbidden City, locally known as Gugong or Zinjincheng, has an area that covers 0.3 square miles or 720,000 square meters of land. There are only four gates that connect the palace to the outside world, the Tiananmen Gate, which is located at the southern end of the complex, serves as the main gate to the palace.
After entering the main gate, you should see an inner gate, this is the Meridian or the Interior Gate, and this gate will lead you to the heart of the palace. Beyond the Interior Gate, is a vast plaza that is connected to another sacred gate, the Gate of Supreme Harmony.
This Imperial Court of Harmony has two divisions to it: There is an inner court that serves as a living quarter for both the emperor and his subordinates, and another court, dubbed as the outer court; that contains the Hall of Supreme Harmony, China's larges wooden structure to date.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony, back in the olden times, played a very important role in shaping Chinese culture and tradition. This is the hall where most of China's important gatherings have taken place, from enthroning a King to celebrating royal marriages.
The hall is bounded with numerous symbols that symbolize China's magnificent culture. The dragon, being the known symbol of imperial supremacy and power, is one of the most diverse structures found in the room that would surely get ones attention. Another vital configuration which lies afar from this hall is the Midway Hall of Harmony, where the sovereign exposes himself to the common people to tackle issues that surrounds his statute.
The Hall of Heavenly Purity houses the emperor, his eunuch, and some concubines. Eunuchs are political advisers to the emperor, it is said that these advisers were forced to get their testicles remove to satisfy the emperor's security with regards to his position in the dynasty. During the Ming dynasty, there was a slight change in the room assignment, instead of the emperor and empress sleeping together, they were separated by another hall.
Finally, The Imperial Garden, where the Hall of Mental Cultivation and the Palace of Tranquil Longevity is located. This Garden lodges the overwhelming artifacts and astounding remnants of China's civilization which proves its passion for excellence and perfection.
No doubt, China, its people and its culture has proven in many ways their active participation and exceptional part in the world's history. Today, being the pioneer of the world's most life changing technologies and inventions, China is encouraging foreigners and locals to experience a unique and more exciting of scenes in the city. From the Hotels in Beijing to the Forbidden City Courtyards, the marvelous blend of culture, history and technology, will surely bring a new flavor to the table, a person should never miss this once in a lifetime experience - 30294
The Forbidden City, along with the Great Wall of China, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Beijing. During the afternoon breeze, one could see the distinct beauty of the Forbidden City from afar. Its golden roof and bright red walls magnificently reflect the symbol of China's longstanding power and grandeur.
Beijing, being the most anticipated economic powerhouse player of today, offers a number of hotels for her visitor and guests who are into Asian culture and dining. There are also a number of hotels in Beijing that are also proximal to the cultural centers of China, making it easier for tourist to organize their time efficiently while enjoying city's sights and sound.
When visiting China's Forbidden City, it is best to schedule your tour on a weekday since crowding usually happen on the weekends. It would also be best to take a tour guide with you during your tour so you could accurately understand the unique and stunning architectural designs and structures of the palace. If you plan on going the extra mile, then buying a guidebook from a near by coffee shop or hotel lobby would also work for that matter.
Considered as the world's largest palace, The Forbidden City, locally known as Gugong or Zinjincheng, has an area that covers 0.3 square miles or 720,000 square meters of land. There are only four gates that connect the palace to the outside world, the Tiananmen Gate, which is located at the southern end of the complex, serves as the main gate to the palace.
After entering the main gate, you should see an inner gate, this is the Meridian or the Interior Gate, and this gate will lead you to the heart of the palace. Beyond the Interior Gate, is a vast plaza that is connected to another sacred gate, the Gate of Supreme Harmony.
This Imperial Court of Harmony has two divisions to it: There is an inner court that serves as a living quarter for both the emperor and his subordinates, and another court, dubbed as the outer court; that contains the Hall of Supreme Harmony, China's larges wooden structure to date.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony, back in the olden times, played a very important role in shaping Chinese culture and tradition. This is the hall where most of China's important gatherings have taken place, from enthroning a King to celebrating royal marriages.
The hall is bounded with numerous symbols that symbolize China's magnificent culture. The dragon, being the known symbol of imperial supremacy and power, is one of the most diverse structures found in the room that would surely get ones attention. Another vital configuration which lies afar from this hall is the Midway Hall of Harmony, where the sovereign exposes himself to the common people to tackle issues that surrounds his statute.
The Hall of Heavenly Purity houses the emperor, his eunuch, and some concubines. Eunuchs are political advisers to the emperor, it is said that these advisers were forced to get their testicles remove to satisfy the emperor's security with regards to his position in the dynasty. During the Ming dynasty, there was a slight change in the room assignment, instead of the emperor and empress sleeping together, they were separated by another hall.
Finally, The Imperial Garden, where the Hall of Mental Cultivation and the Palace of Tranquil Longevity is located. This Garden lodges the overwhelming artifacts and astounding remnants of China's civilization which proves its passion for excellence and perfection.
No doubt, China, its people and its culture has proven in many ways their active participation and exceptional part in the world's history. Today, being the pioneer of the world's most life changing technologies and inventions, China is encouraging foreigners and locals to experience a unique and more exciting of scenes in the city. From the Hotels in Beijing to the Forbidden City Courtyards, the marvelous blend of culture, history and technology, will surely bring a new flavor to the table, a person should never miss this once in a lifetime experience - 30294
About the Author:
Author E. Larson is a long-time resident of Beijing, China. He works closely with the Phoenix Palace Beijing hotel and many other beijing hotels. Go to his website on the Phoenix Palace Beijing Hotel here.
