The Forbidden City is a great example of imperial Chinese architecture, and is designed with the idea that the palace is the very center of a land that is the center of the world, the “middle kingdom” between heaven and earth. Decorations, numbers, even colors that are reserved only for use by the emperor are seen throughout the palace and other imperial buildings, and travelers who get the chance to visit Beijing’s central attraction will enjoy it more  when they know the stories behind each design.

The general layout of the Forbidden City follows two rules, called Qianchao Houqin. The first rule is that the ancestral temples are placed at the front left of the main palace while the front right serve as altars for the gods of earth and grain (the left is considered superior). The second rule is that the forecourt is for handling national affairs while the rear is meant for living quarters. The entire palace is aligned along a straight axis running north to south, with minor structures arranged symmetrically on parallel axis. Because the north has come to symbolize harsh winds and barbarian invaders, most of the buildings face south, with only the pavilions reserved for rejected concubines facing the other way.

Shishi: These are the Chinese guardian lions made of stone or bronze, found at the entrances of traditional Chinese buildings in order to ward off evil influence. These snarling stylized figures usually come in pairs, with a male lion playing with a ball while a lioness plays with her cub. The mouth of one shishi is stylized to form an “A”, while the other is tightly closed, expressing an “M”; these sounds are based on the Indian belief that the universe began with the first sound and will end with the last. Lions installed in front of residences signify that the occupant is an official. First-rank officials have lions with 13 bumps on their heads, decreasing down to 8 for lesser officials.

Huabiao: Ornamental pillars which is designed with ornate clouds and spiraling dragon carvings, located in front of most large imperial complexes. Hubiao were used to be made of wood and acted as landmarks and opinion poles (pun intended). The most of these are found in the gate of Tiananmen, two in front and two in the rear. On top of these pillars sit mythical animals called Hou, which express the wishes of the people. The Hou behind the gate face the palace, reminding the emperor to go out and connect with the common folk, while the Hou in front express longing for the emperor to return to the palace.

Tunjishou: Found on the ridges of each roof of imperial buildings, the “ridge-devouring beast” prevents the roof from sliding, as well as indicate the significance of the building based on the size and number of the creatures. Up to ten tunjishou protect major buildings, while minor ones have only three or four at each corner.

The colors red and yellow: With red symbolizing happiness and yellow representing earth, these two colors compose the palette of the Forbidden City. Yellow itself was used exclusively by the Chinese emperors in ancient times; the roofs, decorations, even the road bricks are painted that color. However, the emperor’s roof is painted purple, which represents heaven, and the library’s roof is colored black, which represents water (because of the amount of flammable material housed within, everything is designed in order to prevent even the idea of a fire outbreak.).

Menhai: There are 308 decorative bronze vats distributed throughout the city which used to hold water in case of fire.  The term menhai means, “sea of the front door”, belaying their important function. During winter, fires are lit under the vats to keep the water from freezing. The vats themselves have different grades, with the more important ones adorning the more important structures and vice-versa.

The number 9: Being the largest single digit as well as symbolizing everlastingness, this number is considered lucky among the Chinese, and is reflected in all the art and designs of the buildings. It is said that there are 9,999 rooms in the Forbidden City. Doors are decorated with nine rows of nine bolts.

Posted in Attractions, China

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