east side, there are Fengxiandian (Hall for Ancestry Worship), Zhaigong (Palace of Abstinence) where emperors practiced abstinence a few days before going to offer sacrifices at the Temple of Heaven or the Temple of Earth, and Dongliugong (Six Eastern Palaces) which consists of Jingrengong (Palace of Great Benevolence), Chengqiangong (Palace of Celestial Favour), Yonghegong (Palace of Eternal Harmony), Jingyanggong (Palace of Great Brilliance), Zhongcuigong (Palace of Purity) and Yanxigong (Palace of Lasting Happiness). On the right side of the Outer Court, viz. The first three are on the right and the second three on the left along a north-south alley. North of Yangxindian, is Xiliugong (Six Western Palaces), which consists of Yongshougong (Palace of Eternal Longevity), Yikungong (Palace of the Queen Consort), Chuxiugong (Palace for Gathering Elegance), Taijidian (Hall of the Supreme Pole), Changchungong (Palace of Eternal Spring) and Xianfugong (Palace of Universal Happiness). Yangxindian (Hall of Mental Cultivation) was an important hall in the palace since from Emperor Yongzheng, most emperors later lived and attended to state affairs here. Yangxindian (Hall of Mental Cultivation) and Xiliugong (Six Western Palaces) stand from north to south on the left side of the Inner Court. The third hall on the central axis is Kunninggong (Palace of Terrestrial Tranquility), which was empress' bedroom. It was used to store the emperor's and empress's imperial seals. Emperors also gave banquets here.īehind it is a smaller hall named Jiaotaidian (Hall of Celestial and Terrestrial Union), where empresses received greetings from others concubines. The first hall inside the Qianqingmen is Qianqinggong (Palace of Celestial Purity), which was originally the bedroom of emperors as well as their office. Xiliugong (Six Western Palaces) and Dongliugong (Six Eastern Palaces) are also important complexes, for it was here that the imperial concubines resided. The three halls on the center axis are the main structures and they are smaller in size than the three halls in the Outer Court, although they look the same in style. The Inner Court is divided into three parts. Inside the gate, is the residence of the royal family. The gate to the north of Baohedian is Qianqingmen (Gate of Celestial Purity), which is the boundary of the Outer Court and the Inner Court. The ramp behind the Baohedian (Hall of Preserved Harmony) is the largest of these. A huge stone ramp carved with coiled dragons and clouds is located between the steps leading up to each hall. It was in this hall, emperors presided the final stage of national examinations to select officials from all over the country. Imperial banquets were often given here to entertain high officials. It was the place where the emperor rested on his way to Taihedian and interviewed his ministers or officials from the Ministry of Rites and rehearsals for ceremonies were also held here.īaohedian (Hall of Preserved Harmony), the second largest architecture in the palace. North of Taihedian is Zhonghedian (Hall of Central Harmony), a square building much smaller than Taihedian. This is where the emperor ascended his throne and granted audience to visiting officials and other important events were celebrated. The first and grandest hall is Taihedian (Hall of Supreme Harmony), where emperors exercised their autocracy over the whole country.

These halls are all situated on three-tier marble terraces, with ornate marble balustrades. Now we are in the out court, the three main buildings in front of us is Taihedian (Hall of Supreme Harmony), Zhonghedian (Hall of Central Harmony) and Baohedian (Hall of Preserved Harmony). Standing on the bridges, one can see a grand structure called Taihemen (Gate of Supreme Harmony), which is the most impressive gate in the city with two bronze lions guarding the front. Inside the Meridian Gate, there appear Inner Golden Water River Bridges. It's the main gate and south gate of the Forbidden City. Now start your tour in the Forbidden City from Wumen.

We will visit the Forbidden City from south to north along the central axis. Now I will take you for a virtual tour around the mysterious palace complex. Forbidden City is too huge, so it is easy to get lost.

Forbidden city virtual tour