• Approaching the Forbidden City (Zijin Cheng)
  • Authorities in Beijing insist on calling this place the Palace Museum (Gugong)
  • This used to be home to Ming and Qing dynasty rulers
  • Emperor Yongle employed up to one million labourers between 1406 and 1420 to build it
  • It is better to enter the forbidden City from the south
  • The entrance to the Forbidden City from the south - Meridian Gate towers are on each side.
  • Wumen means "meridian gate"
  • Just past the Meridian Gate, facing five marble bridges (they symbolize the five virtues of Confucianism)
  • Bridges cross the Golden Water, flowing from west to east, it resembles the jade belt worn by officials
  • Over the bridge, facing the Gate of Supreme Harmony (originally used for receiving visitors, later for banquets)
  • More details about the Hall of Supreme Harmony
  • This is not the greatest picture, I must admit...
  • Turtle and crane symbolize longevity
  • Because of frequent fires the buildings you can see today are mostly built after 18th century.
    These are water containers (bronze cauldrons), in case of fire...
  • Try to come to the Forbidden City as early as possible, after 10 AM most organized groups come
  • Roof Guardians are figures supposed to protect the building from fire (they are associated with water)
  • On one side of the gate of Supreme Harmony...
  • ...and the other side
  • In 2005 many buildings were renovated and freshly painted...
  • Just behind the Gate of Supreme harmony, facing the Hall of Supreme Harmony
  • ..another view of the Hall of Supreme Harmony
  • Lions (which symbolize imperial power) are guarding entrances of halls
  • Incense stick burners?
  • Qian Qing Gong
  • Palace of Heavenly Purity
  • Hall of Union and Peace (Hall of Preserving harmony)
  • Wuwei - harmony through "non-doing" (meaning be in tune with the pace of change)
  • Hall of Earthly Tranquility (Hall of Middle Harmony)
  • Almost at the exit point...
  • Roof decoration...
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