BEIJING
The Forbidden city
One of Beijing's most famous landmarks, The Forbidden City, was originally referred to as the Palace Museum. In its time, it was originally used as an imperial palace for the members of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was commonly referred to as "The Purple City," as it was the palace for the Emperor on Earth. In the past, it was forbidden for outsiders to enter without special permission from the government. The Forbidden City stands to the north of Tiananmen Square, and is the world's largest palace complex. The city itself is surrounded by a moat and a wall, and holds more than 8,000 rooms. It is divided into two parts: The Outer Court, where the work was done, and The Inner Court, where the royal family stayed. Construction on this magnificent structure began in the year 1407, and was completed in 1420. The dominant color in The Forbidden City is yellow, as it symbolizes the Royal Family in Chinese Culture. Yellow is shown through the structure, in it's decorations, tiles, bricks, roofing, and much more (Forbidden City).
|
|
Tiananmen square
|
Tiananmen Square is found in the center of the city of Beijing, off of Chang'an Avenue. Its name comes from the phrase "gate of heavenly peace." This location is most well-known from the protests held here by Chinese students in the year 1989. At the north end of the square lays Tiananmen Tower. Built in 1417, during the Ming Dynasty, this tower was originally to be used as the front door of the Forbidden City. Until the year 1911, no one was allowed to enter the tower except the royal family and aristocrats. Located in the center of the square is the Monument to People's Heroes. Built in 1952, this is the largest monument in the history of the country. On the west side of the square you'll find the Great Hall of the People. Built in 1959 this site holds the meetings of the China National People's Congress and is used for both political and diplomatic activities. On the opposite side of Tiananmen Square, constructed in 2003, is the National Museum of China. The museum is a combination of both Chinese history and the Chinese Revolution, and inside you will find pictures, books, models, and other objects that portray the development of Modern China. One of the most symbolic practices to take place in Tiananmen Square is the Flag Raising Ceremony. Crowds will arrive every morning at sunrise to witness the guard of honor raising the Chinese Five Star Red Flag (Tiananmen Square).
|
Resources:
Forbidden City (Palace Museum). (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2016, from https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/beijing/forbidden.htm
Header Image: "各种颜色的北京 / Beijing, colorful city / Пекин, красочный город" By: Nikolaj Potanin. CC: BY SA.
Tiananmen Square. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2016, from https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/tianan.htm
Forbidden City (Palace Museum). (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2016, from https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/beijing/forbidden.htm
Header Image: "各种颜色的北京 / Beijing, colorful city / Пекин, красочный город" By: Nikolaj Potanin. CC: BY SA.
Tiananmen Square. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2016, from https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/tianan.htm