China Sight Seeing|Explore the Forbidden City

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The Forbidden City (zǐ jìn chéng 紫禁城), located in the heart of Beijing, is a magnificent royal palace complex that served as the home of emperors and their households for over 500 years. As one of the most famous historical sites in China, it attracts millions of visitors every year. Recently, the Qianlong Garden (qián lóng huā yuán 乾隆花园) has opened to the public, adding more charm to this ancient palace. Let's take a closer look at the must-visit spots and useful travel tips for exploring the Forbidden City.

Must-Visit Attractions

1. The Meridian Gate (wǔ mén 午门)

The Meridian Gate is the main entrance to the Forbidden City. It's a grand structure with five arches, and in ancient times, only the emperor could walk through the central arch. Today, visitors enter through the side arches. Climb up the stairs to enjoy a panoramic view of the palace complex.

2. The Hall of Supreme Harmony (tài hé diàn 太和殿)

Also known as the "Golden Throne Hall," this is the largest and most important hall in the Forbidden City. It was used for grand ceremonies such as the emperor's coronation and the celebration of important festivals. The golden throne inside is a symbol of imperial power.

3. The Palace of Heavenly Purity (qiān qīng gōng 乾清宫)

This was the living quarters of the emperor during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It's also where the emperor held daily court meetings. The famous plaque "Upright and Honorable" (zhèng dà guāng míng 正大光明) hangs above the throne.

4. The Imperial Garden (yù huā yuán 御花园)

A beautiful garden located at the northern end of the Forbidden City. It features ancient trees, rockeries, pavilions, and flower beds. It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery after exploring the palaces.

5. The Qianlong Garden (qián lóng huā yuán 乾隆花园)

Recently opened to the public, this garden was built for Emperor Qianlong's retirement. It's a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design, with exquisite architecture, winding paths, and lush greenery. Don't miss the intricate carvings and paintings in the pavilions.

6. The Treasure Gallery (zhēn bǎo guǎn 珍宝馆)

Housing a vast collection of imperial treasures, including jade, gold, silver, and precious stones. Highlights include the "Golden Cup of Eternal Stability" (jīn ōu yǒng gù bēi 金瓯永固杯) and the "Red Coral Lion" (hóng shān hú shī zi 红珊瑚狮子).

7. The Clock Gallery (zhōng biǎo guǎn 钟表馆)

Showcasing a variety of elaborate clocks and watches from the Qing dynasty. Many of them are mechanical and can still work today. There are also clock demonstrations at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm every day.

Travel Tips

Opening Hours

· Peak Season (April 1st - October 31st):8:30 am - 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:00 pm)

· Off-Peak Season (November 1st - March 31st):8:30 am - 4:30 pm (last entry at 3:30 pm)

· Closed on Mondays (except for national holidays)

Ticket Information

· Gate Ticket:60 yuan (peak season), 40 yuan (off-peak season)

· Treasure Gallery & Clock Gallery:10 yuan each

· Free Entry:Children under 18, seniors over 60, disabled people, and active-duty military personnel (with valid ID)

· Student Discount:20 yuan for undergraduate and below students (with valid student ID)

· Booking:Tickets must be booked in advance through the "Palace Museum" WeChat mini-program or official website.

Transportation

· Subway:Take Line 1 to Tian'anmen East Station or Tian'anmen West Station, then walk to the Meridian Gate.

· Bus:Take Bus 1, 5, 10, 22, 52, etc., to Tian'anmen East Station or Tian'anmen West Station.

· Taxi:Ask the driver to take you to the "Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City" or "Donghua Gate."

Recommended Routes

2-Hour Quick Tour:Meridian Gate → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Imperial Garden → Shenwu Gate

Half-Day Tour:Meridian Gate → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Treasure Gallery → Clock Gallery → Imperial Garden → Shenwu Gate

Full-Day Tour:Meridian Gate → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Treasure Gallery → Clock Gallery → East Six Palaces → West Six Palaces → Imperial Garden → Shenwu Gate

Vocabulary List

Forbidden City(zǐ jìn chéng 紫禁城)

Definition:A large imperial palace complex in Beijing, China, where emperors lived and ruled for centuries.

Example:The Forbidden City is a symbol of Chinese imperial history.

Meridian Gate(wǔ mén 午门)

Definition:The main entrance to the Forbidden City.

Example:We entered the Forbidden City through the Meridian Gate.

Hall of Supreme Harmony(tài hé diàn 太和殿)

Definition:The largest and most important hall in the Forbidden City, used for grand ceremonies.

Example:The Hall of Supreme Harmony is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture.

Palace of Heavenly Purity(qiān qīng gōng 乾清宫)

Definition:The living quarters of the emperor in the Forbidden City.

Example:The emperor held daily court meetings in the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

Imperial Garden(yù huā yuán 御花园)

Definition:A beautiful garden in the Forbidden City, used by the imperial family for relaxation.

Example:We spent a peaceful afternoon in the Imperial Garden.

Qianlong Garden(qián lóng huā yuán 乾隆花园)

Definition:A garden built for Emperor Qianlong's retirement, recently opened to the public.

Example:The Qianlong Garden is a hidden gem in the Forbidden City.

Treasure Gallery(zhēn bǎo guǎn 珍宝馆)

Definition:A museum in the Forbidden City that houses a collection of imperial treasures.

Example:We were amazed by the precious jade and gold in the Treasure Gallery.

Clock Gallery(zhōng biǎo guǎn 钟表馆)

Definition:A museum in the Forbidden City that displays a variety of ancient clocks and watches.

Example:The clock demonstrations in the Clock Gallery are very interesting.

Peak Season(wàng jì 旺季)

Definition:The time of year when a tourist attraction is most crowded, usually during holidays or summer.

Example:It's better to visit the Forbidden City during the off-peak season to avoid crowds.

Off-Peak Season(dī jì 淡季)

Definition:The time of year when a tourist attraction is less crowded, usually during winter or weekdays.

Example:The ticket price is lower during the off-peak season.

Booking(yù dìng 预定)

Definition:The act of reserving a ticket or a place in advance.

Example:You need to make a booking before visiting the Forbidden City.

Transportation(jiāo tōng 交通)

Definition:The means of getting from one place to another, such as buses, trains, and taxis.

Example:The transportation to the Forbidden City is very convenient.