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The Tale of the Forbidden City, China
Published by Kristin Cowles, Editor-in-Chief
Country: China 
The Experience
Rooted deep in the center of Beijing, the Forbidden City dates back to an era where the Ming and Quing dynasties ruled for centuries, and functioned as the epicenter of both religion and politics. Built between 1406 and 1420 the Forbidden City architecture culminated with a mix between classical Chinese and East Asian flair, having proved to by quite influential for later structures both locally and nationally.
Surrounded by a 10 meter high outer wall and encircled by a 6 meter deep moat, the Forbidden City boasts over 980 surviving buildings with over 8,707 bays of rooms and spans some 720,000 square metres. The Forbidden City complex can be divided into two sections, the southern part also known as the Outer Court where political power was enforced, and the northern part, also known as the Inner Court where the Royal family lived. Now more currently referred to as the Imperial Palace, it wasn't until following the expulsion of the last emperor of the Quing Dynasty in 1924, did the status of the Forbidden City change. Prior to this only Royalty, political officials, concubines and servants were allowed into the gated surroundings of the palace, no commoners were allowed unless given express permission. Now a days people roam the intricate complex freely enjoying the lovely designs reminiscent of ancient Chinese dynasties.
A common colour featured throughout the the design is yellow, the colour of the Emporer. Several accents, walls, courtyards, and roofs reflect this theme. Visitors today are also able to explore the Palace Museum which houses a collection based on the Qing dynasty, comprised of ceramics, paintings, jade pieces, palace artifacts and bronze ware.
Surrounded by a 10 meter high outer wall and encircled by a 6 meter deep moat, the Forbidden City boasts over 980 surviving buildings with over 8,707 bays of rooms and spans some 720,000 square metres. The Forbidden City complex can be divided into two sections, the southern part also known as the Outer Court where political power was enforced, and the northern part, also known as the Inner Court where the Royal family lived. Now more currently referred to as the Imperial Palace, it wasn't until following the expulsion of the last emperor of the Quing Dynasty in 1924, did the status of the Forbidden City change. Prior to this only Royalty, political officials, concubines and servants were allowed into the gated surroundings of the palace, no commoners were allowed unless given express permission. Now a days people roam the intricate complex freely enjoying the lovely designs reminiscent of ancient Chinese dynasties.
A common colour featured throughout the the design is yellow, the colour of the Emporer. Several accents, walls, courtyards, and roofs reflect this theme. Visitors today are also able to explore the Palace Museum which houses a collection based on the Qing dynasty, comprised of ceramics, paintings, jade pieces, palace artifacts and bronze ware.
When to Go to Forbidden City China
The best time to visit the Forbidden City is during September to October, when the days are moderately hot with nice warm evenings, and little rain. March through May is also nice, but more prone to storms and sand. National holidays are to be avoided as this is when the congestion of sights tends to double, even triple at popular tourist destinations.
Want a Guide?
- Highlights of China - GAPAdventures.com
- This incredible journey explores the great cities, magnificent architecture, natural wonders, Buddhist heritage and archaeological treasures of Northern China. Marvel at the imperial wonders of the Forbidden City, discover the army of Terracotta Warriors and walk the Great Wall.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
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Beijing Tianrui Hotel is located in the city's most attractive commercial and cultural center. Neighboring the giant Catholic Church, Tianrui Hotel is only a 3-minute ... 0 miles away
$332 CNY+
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More Experiences Nearby
- Sample Traditional Chinese Street foods at the Donghuamen Night Market in Beijing
- China is a veritable foodie's paradise with a unique culinary tradition in every province. Beijing is no exception. One of the best ways to sample some traditional Chinese street foods is at the Donghuamen Night Snack Street in Beijing. The long stretch of road is lined with vendors selling everything from the mundane noodles to the strange, unusual, and sometimes a bit disgusting, but all for a good price. Once the sun goes down, join the throngs of Chinese and international tourists who flock to Donghuamen to fill their bellies or to simply catch a glimpse at some of the ...1 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
First stop on your full-day tour north of Beijing is the Great Wall of China, the greatest symbol of ancient Chinese engineering and one of ...0.60 miles away via Beijing.
$68+
Your full-day tour starts at Tiananmen Square to explore China's more recent history, influenced by Chairman Mao and the rise of communism. From there it's ...0.60 miles away via Beijing.
$78+
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Video
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Books and DVDs
- The Forbidden City (Paperback)
- A stunningly illustrated informative guide as well as an historical overview
- The Forbidden City (Hardcover)
- A prime site, in Beijing, is the Forbidden City, a walled palace founded in the 15th century by Ming emperors and later elaborated by emperors of the Manchu Qing dynasty. Barme describes the fabric of the palace, interpreting its history in the context of Chinese politics, psychology, religion and social conventions.
- Beijing City Guide - LonelyPlanet.com
- Beijing is an ancient city rushing towards the future at breakneck speed. Its economy is roaring, gleaming skyscrapers are shooting up and the Olympics are on their way. Be dazzled by its head-spinning blend of history and future.
Elsewhere on the Web
- Forbidden City - Wikipedia.org
- The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the mid-Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum.
- Forbidden City -- Introduction - TravelChinaGuide.com
- Lying at the center of Beijing, the Forbidden City, called Gu Gong in Chinese, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- The Forbidden City - About.com
- The Forbidden City, also called the Palace Museum, the Purple Forbidden City or Gugong Museum in Chinese, is located in the center of Beijing, China.
- Travel Report China - Voyages.gc.ca
- WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
Media References
- Forbidden City, aka Imperial Palace Museum - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
- "The world's largest courtyard-style house, with staggering proportions. For five centuries, this was the center of the universe."
- Restored, an Emperor’s Lair Will Be Forbidden No More - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- BEIJING, Aug. 1 — John Stubbs, an American historic preservationist, had flicked on his flashlight and was slowly ascending a darkened staircase inside the Forbidden City when he stopped at a dusty paneled wall etched with elegant lines of calligraphy.
- Artworks From the Forbidden City - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- An exhibition of 76 ancient and modern Chinese masterworks from the Palace Museum of the Forbidden City in Beijing is to tour five museums for 10 months next year to celebrate the 10th anniversary of resumed relations between China and the United States. Only five of the paintings have ever been outside
- Lost in the New Beijing: The Old Neighborhood - NY Times.com (newspaper)
- HISTORICAL cycles that took a century to unfold in the West can be compressed into less than a decade in today’s China. And that’s as true of Beijing’s preservation movement as it is of the nation’s ferocious building boom.
- Photo Gallery: Beijing Sights - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
- Framed by an intricate screen, the Forbidden City's grand Hall of Supreme Harmony sits across a broad courtyard.
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Language Guides
Mandarin 
,
Portugese
,
Russian
,
Vietnamese
are some of the languages spoken in China. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
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