Forbidden City after 25 Years

From the Temple of Heaven, we proceeded to our next destination - the Forbidden City. Similar to our visit 25 years ago, before entering the Forbidden City, we paused at Tiananmen Square to take in the vastness of this enormous public space - one of the largest public squares in the world and a significant political and historical landmark in modern China. Surrounded by monumental government buildings, the square serves as the principal venue for national ceremonies and major public events. In the distance stood the iconic Gate of Heavenly Peace (天安门), prominently displaying the large portrait of Mao Zedong, an enduring symbol of modern Chinese history.

25 years ago, we managed to visit the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong situated at the centre of the Tiananmen Square. This is the final resting place for Mao Zedong.

Beyond Tiananmen lies the Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, one of China’s most significant historical landmarks and a symbol of imperial authority. Located in the heart of Beijing, it served as the political and ceremonial center of China for nearly 500 years, housing 24 emperors of the Ming dynasty and Qing dynasty. Built between 1406 and 1420 during the reign of the Yongle Emperor, the vast palace complex covers about 720,000 square metres and contains hundreds of buildings with nearly 9,000 rooms.

We entered through the imposing Meridian Gate (午门), the grand southern entrance to the palace. The Forbidden City is arranged along a strict north-south central axis and divided into two main sections: the Outer Court, used for state ceremonies and official affairs, and the Inner Court, reserved for the emperor and the royal household.

Just outside the Meridian Gate (Wumen), the southern gate

25 years ago just outside the Wumen, the southern gate.

Immediately after entering the Meridian Gate (Wumen), we crossed the five white marble bridges, known as the Inner Golden Water Bridges, which span the artificial Inner Golden Water River. From there, we proceeded toward the Gate of Supreme Harmony, beyond which lies the vast square of the Outer Court, home to the three great ceremonial halls.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest and most important building in the Forbidden City. It was used for major imperial ceremonies such as coronations, royal weddings, and New Year celebrations. Its elevated marble terrace and elaborate dragon motifs symbolized the emperor’s supreme authority.

Behind it stands the Hall of Central Harmony, where the emperor rested and prepared before important ceremonies. Further north is the Hall of Preserving Harmony, which was used for imperial banquets and later served as the venue for the highest-level imperial examinations.

A large crowd, with umbrellas in hand to shield themselves from the rain, gathered just outside the Gate of the Hall of Supreme Harmony on the morning of 23 May 2026.

Outside the Gate of Supreme Harmony (Taihemen) stand two impressive bronze guardian lions, symbols of protection and imperial authority. The male lion, positioned on the right when facing the gate, rests his paw on a decorative ball, representing imperial power, control over the world, and the unity of the empire. The female lion, on the left, places her paw on a lion cub, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and the continuity of the imperial lineage. Together, they embody both strength and nurturing power, guarding the entrance against evil spirits and unwanted influences. Their fierce expressions, curly manes, muscular forms, and ornate collars emphasize their status and grandeur. Although lions are not native to China, their image was introduced through Buddhist influence from India and Central Asia. Over time, guardian lions became important architectural symbols in palaces, temples, and official buildings throughout imperial China.

At the Gate of Supreme Harmony (Taihemen) 25 years ago.

Beyond the ceremonial zone lies the Inner Court, which offers a glimpse into the more private and domestic side of imperial life. At its center stands the Palace of Heavenly Purity, which served as both the emperor’s residence and an important administrative hub where state affairs were often conducted. Behind it is the Hall of Union, a smaller yet symbolically significant structure that housed the imperial seals and represented the harmonious balance between heaven and earth. Completing the central residential axis is the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, traditionally associated with the empress and reflecting her role within the imperial household.

Unfortunately, our guide moved through the section where the emperor’s concubines once lived rather quickly, giving us little time to properly observe or appreciate this part of the Inner Court. As a result, we missed the opportunity to gain a fuller understanding of the living quarters and daily lives of the women who played significant roles within the imperial court.

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At the northern end lies the Imperial Garden, a beautifully designed retreat with ancient cypress trees, pavilions, and decorative rock formations that offered relaxation to the imperial family. Today, the Forbidden City remains a masterpiece of architecture and history, offering visitors a remarkable glimpse into the grandeur, rituals, and authority of China’s emperors.

A pavilion in the Imperial garden.

At the Imperial Garden, many stopped to take photo at the Lianli Cypress (also called the Consort Pine), features intertwined branches of two trees, symbolizing eternal harmony between emperor and empress.

Our tour of the Forbidden City finally concluded at the Mountain of Accumulated Excellence (Duixiu Shan), located in the northern section of the Imperial Garden. This impressive 10-m-high artificial stone hill was carefully constructed to enhance the garden’s landscape and symbolic grandeur. At its summit stands the Imperial Prospect Pavilion (Yujing Ting), offering an elevated vantage point over the palace grounds.

Historically, during the Double Ninth Festival, the emperor, empress, and imperial concubines would ascend the hill to the pavilion to enjoy the panoramic views and celebrate the occasion. The tradition of climbing to a high place during this festival symbolized longevity, good fortune, and protection from misfortune.