The People's Republic of China, home to the world's largest population, carries with her a rich culture and a continuing tradition wrought about by 5,000 years of history. Throughout this time, many characteristics of their culture was preserved and enhanced. One of these and probably the most visible is their architecture.
The Forbidden City, one of China's most sought after man-made wonders, was the Chinese imperial palace of the Ming down to the Qing dynasty. Since the spot is centrally-located, many hotels in Beijing abound, making it more practical for tourists to include this site in their daily itineraries.
The Forbidden City is the world's biggest surviving palace complex and sits in a total of 72 hectares of land. It is made up of 980 buildings and houses a wide array of artwork and artifacts from many dynasties. When one is outside, he would notice high walls made from rammed earth core and overlaid with baked bricks which served as defense from invading tribes. Aside from this, the four lookout towers at each city corner, were and still are the most visible parts of the palace to commoners.
As one enters the city, he will find that it is subdivided into two: the Outer court, mainly used for ceremonial purposes and the Inner court, where the emperor and his family and servants resided.
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 a worthwhile time of touring this historic site, one could take a break in the Imperial gardens which are dispersed just outside the city. Famous parks include the Jingshan Park and the Zhongnanhai. One will be amazed by the lakes, multicolored flowers, fountains and soothing trees which can ignite the senses.
For those who want to take a piece of the Forbidden City, they can also buy souvenir items which are readily found outside the city's walls. Shirts, mugs, caps and replicas will help them rekindle their amazing experience. Alas, as the sun sets and breeze starts to cool, it is now time to head back to one of the nice hotels in Beijing to relax and prepare for the next journey ahead. - 30294
The Forbidden City, one of China's most sought after man-made wonders, was the Chinese imperial palace of the Ming down to the Qing dynasty. Since the spot is centrally-located, many hotels in Beijing abound, making it more practical for tourists to include this site in their daily itineraries.
The Forbidden City is the world's biggest surviving palace complex and sits in a total of 72 hectares of land. It is made up of 980 buildings and houses a wide array of artwork and artifacts from many dynasties. When one is outside, he would notice high walls made from rammed earth core and overlaid with baked bricks which served as defense from invading tribes. Aside from this, the four lookout towers at each city corner, were and still are the most visible parts of the palace to commoners.
As one enters the city, he will find that it is subdivided into two: the Outer court, mainly used for ceremonial purposes and the Inner court, where the emperor and his family and servants resided.
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 a worthwhile time of touring this historic site, one could take a break in the Imperial gardens which are dispersed just outside the city. Famous parks include the Jingshan Park and the Zhongnanhai. One will be amazed by the lakes, multicolored flowers, fountains and soothing trees which can ignite the senses.
For those who want to take a piece of the Forbidden City, they can also buy souvenir items which are readily found outside the city's walls. Shirts, mugs, caps and replicas will help them rekindle their amazing experience. Alas, as the sun sets and breeze starts to cool, it is now time to head back to one of the nice hotels in Beijing to relax and prepare for the next journey ahead. - 30294
About the Author:
Author E. Larson is a long-time resident of Beijing, China. He works closely with the Fuhao Hotel Beijing and other hotels in Beijing. Check out his website about the Fuhao Hotel Beijing here.
