RSSHotels in Beijing around the Forbidden City of China
Dec 23
China Asia, beijing, China, Forbidden City, Hotels, travel, vacation No Comments
The People’s Republic of China, home to the world’s largest population, carries with her a rich culture and a continuing tradition wrought about by 5,000 years of history. Throughout this time, many characteristics of their culture was preserved and enhanced. One of these and probably the most visible is their architecture.
The Forbidden City, one of China’s most recognizable attractions the world over, was the Chinese imperial palace of the Ming until the Qing dynasty. Being a highly-visited site, numerous hotels in Beijing can easily be found within its environs. This advantage makes it less of a hassle for tourists to visit.
The Forbidden City is the world’s largest surviving palace complex and covers a total of 72 hectares. It consists of 980 buildings and houses an extensive collection of artwork and artifacts from many dynasties. On the outside, one would definitely notice high walls made from rammed earth core and layered with baked bricks which served as defense from past invaders. Aside from this, the towers at each city corner, which served as lookouts were and still are the most visible parts of the palace to commoners.
As one enters the city, he will find that it is subdivided into two: the Outer court, mainly used for ceremonial purposes and the Inner court, where the emperor and his family and servants resided.
In the Outer Court, one could see the Gate of Supreme Harmony. Next to this is the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a marvelous formation built above three stone bases and surrounded by bronze incense burners. It was here that the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties hosted their enthronement and wedding ceremonies. More interior is the Hall of Central Harmony which was used by the emperor to prepare and rest before and during ceremonies. Nearest to the inner court was the Hall of Preserving Harmony which was used for imperial functions.
In the inner court, one will be delighted by the sight of its largest building, the Palace of Heavenly Purity. It was once the emperor’s audience hall where he received visitors from other countries. The residence of the empress, The Palace of Earthly Tranquility, can be found within striking distance.
After hours of being immersed in history, one could take a break in the Imperial gardens which are located outside the city. Some of these are the Jingshan Park and the Zhongnanhai. Lakes, multicolored flowers, fountains and verdant trees will soothe ones’ senses and will leave the tourist wanting for more.
Tourists who want to treasure their experience in the Forbidden City can buy mementos which are readily available outside the city’s walls. Products like shirts, caps and replicas will help them relive their journey. At the end of the day, it is now time to return to one of the fine hotels in Beijing to rest the body and prepare for more wonderful surprises.
Author E. Larson is a long-time resident of Beijing, China. He works closely with the Guangxi Hotel Beijing and many other beijing hotels. Learn even more about the Guangxi Hotel Beijing here.
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