Despite being deserted, burnt, ambushed, invaded, and being laid siege from time to time by various groups of people, the Forbidden City lays claim to being the largest and most well maintained palace compound in the world.
Named as such because it was literally out of bounds to most of the world for well over 500 years, it was built in 1406, and was completed only in 1420. This is not at all surprising considering that the entire complex houses 9,999 rooms – one less of being what mystical and symbolic China believes to be the number of divine perfection. The entire palace compound was built using precious phoebe zhennan wood – whole logs of them in fact – and large slabs of marble.
The palace’s architecture is astounding and has had a massive impact on the architectural world of East Asia as well as influencing the design of other sites around the world.
In the formidable history of the Forbidden City, it has housed 24 emperors (till 1912) belonging to two dynasties, namely the Ming and the Quin. Not only did the Forbidden City provide the reigning emperor with a colossal home but also was the heart of traditional China and hub of political China.
The very name Forbidden City has had many meanings – all of which symbolises the all important connection between the celestial and terrestrial emperor and their abode. But now it is more commonly used to mean Former Palace.
Since 1925 the city has been administered by the Palace Museum, who undertakes extensive restoration programs to ensure the continuing glory of the Forbidden City.
Naturally a proper excursion of this World Heritage Site would require you to have the assurance of accommodation at a hotel in Beijing. If you are looking for a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, Traders Hotel Beijing may be a hotel Beijing you want to consider.
