Why Is It Called the Forbidden City?
The name “Forbidden City” comes from its Chinese name, 紫禁城 (Zǐjìnchéng), which translates to “Purple Forbidden City”:
Term | Meaning |
紫 (Zǐ) | Purple : Refers to the North Star (Polaris), which symbolized the emperor’s divine status. |
禁 (Jìn) | Forbidden : Ordinary people were barred from entering without permission. |
城 (Chéng) | City : A walled complex with over 980 buildings and 8,886 rooms. |
The emperor was considered the “Son of Heaven,” and his palace was seen as the earthly counterpart to the celestial Purple Palace (home of the North Star in Chinese cosmology). For over 500 years, only royalty, officials, and servants could enter—hence “forbidden” to the public.
🎁 Grab the cheapest flights to Beijing and the best Beijing hotels now! Get connected in Forbidden City with Beijing eSIM.When Was the Forbidden City Built? Why Was It Built?
The Forbidden City's story began in 1406 when the Ming Emperor Yongle ordered its construction.
Imagine 14 years of intense work, with over a million laborers - from skilled craftsmen to humble workers - creating this architectural marvel.
By 1420, Beijing had its new palace, which would serve as the imperial home for the next 500 years.
Key Details | Description |
Construction Period | 1406–1420 (14 years). |
Commissioned By | Emperor Yongle (3rd Ming emperor), who moved China’s capital from Nanjing to Beijing. |
Purpose | - Political Power: Strengthen imperial authority. |
- Defense: Beijing’s location protected against Mongol invasions. |
- Symbolism: Designed to reflect cosmic order and the emperor’s divine mandate. |
Workforce | Over 1 million laborers, including artisans and soldiers. |
Materials | Precious timber from Sichuan, marble from Hebei, and “Golden Bricks” from Suzhou. |
Why Build Such a Massive Palace?
Emperor Yongle wanted to:
- Legitimize his rule (he seized power through rebellion).
- Centralize governance by relocating the capital north.
- Showcase Ming Dynasty’s wealth and power through grand architecture.
The Forbidden City served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties (1420–1912). It wasn’t just a home—it hosted coronations, ceremonies, and diplomatic events, solidifying its role as China’s cultural and political nucleus.
Forbidden City Map & Route
Source from china highlights
The Forbidden City is divided into two main areas – the grand Outer Court and the private Inner Court. Here's your simple route through 600 years of imperial history!
Recommended Route (2-3 hours)
Enter through the magnificent Meridian Gate (South) → Outer Court (ceremonial halls) → Inner Court (living quarters) → Exit through North Gate to Jingshan Park for panoramic views.
🎁 Grab the cheapest flights to Beijing and the best Beijing hotels now! Get connected in Forbidden City with Beijing eSIM.Outer Court (South)
This is where emperors showed their power. You'll see:
- Meridian Gate – The grand entrance
- Hall of Supreme Harmony – Largest and most important hall
- Hall of Middle Harmony – Emperor's preparation room
- Hall of Preserving Harmony – Imperial examination venue
Inner Court (North)
The private living area of the imperial family:
- Palace of Heavenly Purity – Emperor's residence
- Hall of Union – Imperial seal storage
- Palace of Earthly Tranquility – Empress's residence
- Six East and West Palaces – Where concubines lived
- Imperial Garden – Beautiful royal retreat
Side Exhibitions (Extra Time)
If you have another hour:
- Treasure Gallery (East)
- Clock Exhibition (West)
- Painting and Calligraphy Gallery
Pro Tip:
Most tourists stick to the central axis. The most interesting stories and quietest spots are often found in the side courts!
What to See Inside the Forbidden City
With 9,999 rooms spread across 72 hectares, the Forbidden City can feel overwhelming! Here's your curated guide to the absolute must-sees, following the palace's north-south axis.
Outer Court - The Power Center
Start your journey at the magnificent Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest wooden structure in China. This was where emperors hosted major ceremonies. Inside, you'll find the spectacular Dragon Throne, surrounded by massive pillars wrapped with real gold dragons. Next, discover the Hall of Middle Harmony – the emperor's preparation room, followed by the Hall of Preserving Harmony, where imperial examinations took place.
Inner Court - Where Emperors Lived
Moving north, you'll enter the more intimate Inner Court. The Palace of Heavenly Purity served as the emperor's residence, while the Hall of Union preserved the imperial seals. Don't miss the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, home to the empress. The six eastern and western palaces housed concubines and royal family members – each room tells fascinating stories of palace life.
Must-See Treasures
The Hall of Mental Cultivation, where later Qing emperors handled state affairs, offers a glimpse into imperial governance. Visit the Palace of Tranquil Longevity to see the retirement suite of Qianlong Emperor. The Clock Exhibition Hall displays an incredible collection of timepieces, while the Treasure Gallery showcases priceless imperial items.
Imperial Gardens
End your visit at the Imperial Garden, a peaceful retreat with 7,000 square meters of ancient trees, rock gardens, and pavilions. Look for the Hall of Imperial Peace, where emperors prayed for good harvests, and the elegant Nine-Dragon Screen wall.
Best Time to Visit the Forbidden City
Best Seasons
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer perfect weather for exploring. Expect comfortable temperatures around 20°C (68°F), clear skies, and stunning photo opportunities. Fall brings spectacular golden ginkgo trees, while spring offers blooming flowers in the courtyards.
Best Time of Day
Early morning is golden – arrive by 7:30 AM to beat tour groups and enjoy cooler temperatures. The palace opens at 8:30 AM (April-October) and 8:30 AM (November-March). Afternoon visits (after 2 PM) also work well as crowds thin out. Avoid 10 AM-2 PM when tour groups flood the complex.
Busy Dates & Holidays
The Forbidden City experiences extremely high visitor numbers during Chinese New Year (January/February), National Day Holiday (October 1-7), and summer weekends, often reaching the daily visitor limit by mid-morning.
Local Secret: Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are typically quietest. Plan for 3 hours+ to explore comfortably, more if you want to see everything. Last entry is 4 PM (summer) or 3:30 PM (winter).
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