Forbidden City Imperial Palace in Beijing. Why is the Forbidden City in Beijing famous? Gugong, or the Forbidden City, is an exemplary feng shui
forbidden city(Gugong Imperial Palace in Beijing)- the most extensive palace complex in the world. Conceived back in 1406, it has been closed to mere mortals for centuries (hence the name of the palace). From this place of the Middle Kingdom, 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties ruled. But even today, 75 years after the last Chinese emperor left the palace, it still remains forbidden, half of the city is still closed to curious tourists and surrounded by an aura of mystery. This Palace was the first of the Chinese sites listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site (in 1987).
Gugong Imperial Palace was built in 1406-1420. Its total area is 720 thousand square meters. m; The palace complex has 9999 rooms. Surrounded by a wall 3400 m long and a moat called "Golden Water". A million builders and 100 thousand other specialists took part in its construction - stone carvers, wood carvers, artists, etc. The Gate of Heavenly Peace leads into it.
About one of the main attractions of China - the Beijing Imperial winter palace- so-called. "The Forbidden City", or "Gugun", a lot has been written. But often the description is limited to a simple enumeration of where and what is in it.
The site would like to offer you, in addition, a unique material of the Russian broadcasting of China Radio International about some interesting little-known features of the palace complex that bear the stamp of historical events.
We note only to begin with that the double name of the Beijing residence of the Chinese emperors "Forbidden City", or "Gugong", is due to the fact that after the fall of the monarchy in China in 1911, the country began to gradually abandon official name"Purple Forbidden City" - "Zijingchen" in favor of the more politically correct, especially in communist China, the name "Gugong" - i.e. "palace of the old (former) rulers". Let us also mention that in 1949, after the evacuation of the Chinese government of the Kuomintang to Taiwan under pressure from the Communists, part of the Gugong collections containing imperial household items and works of art was evacuated to this island, where the so-called. "Palace-Museum" - something like "Gugun" in exile.
In the illustration from the archive: Panorama of the Forbidden City. In the foreground, you can see the Tiananmen Gate with a portrait of Mao. Very often, these gates, decorated with a portrait of a communist leader and slogans, are gates that have become in this form calling card of communist China, in order not to destroy the atmosphere of the imperial city, in many photographs they are deliberately left behind the scenes. This is how it was done in the picture below, which depicts the Forbidden City itself without the Tiananmen gate, although they historically belong to the imperial residence complex.
Little Known Facts
About the Forbidden City
So, the material of "Chinese Radio International" about some little-known features of the palace complex of the Chinese emperors in Beijing from the archive of the site. The spelling of the original source is preserved:
“The Forbidden City, which to this day delights the traveler with its brilliant splendor, served as the residence of the emperors of the last two Chinese dynasties - Ming and Qing, and in total 24 emperors ruled here for 491 years. The years of their reign are full of numerous dramatic events that left a deep mark on Chinese history. Let's walk through the Forbidden City from the southern gate of Wumen to the northern gate of Shenumen and try to lift the veil over some of its secrets...
signal system,
hidden in the pillars of the marble balustrade
The buildings of the Forbidden City are painted dark red and covered with gilded tiled roofs. The white marble balustrade, which surrounds the main palace buildings, gives a special charm to the palace complex. The pillars and railings of the balustrade are covered with skillful carvings, in some places it is erected in several tiers. It is interesting that the purpose of the balustrade is not limited to a decorative purpose; in addition, hidden signaling devices are hidden in it in some places. Here, for example, are the columns of the balustrade that encloses the small gates of Xiehe and Xihe, which are located on the sides of the large Taihe gate. The head part of these marble columns is made in the form of a luxuriant flower, and a spherical cavity is hidden in the center of the flower. Small stone balls are placed in this cavity. It will seem to the uninitiated tourist that the holes in these marble pillars, crowned with flowery carvings, are the result of the eroding action of the rains, it will not even occur to him that these holes had a special purpose. In fact, they are nothing more than a secret signaling system. Whenever there was a danger of an invasion by an external enemy or a fire, the guard inserted a special bronze funnel-shaped pipe into the signal hole of the marble pillar and began to blow into it with force. At the same time, the stone balls in the cavity of the column began to move, emitting a low rumble, reminiscent of the rumble of a large sea shell brought to the ear. It is said that this signal could also be heard in the far reaches of the Forbidden City.
figurines,
ridge roofs
On all the buildings of the Forbidden City, you can see glazed ceramic figurines of animals decorating the ridge of the roof. Some of the figurines have a frozen, handsome appearance, while others look more lively. But all of them play not only a decorative role, they are assigned an important role in Chinese architecture as integral elements of the structure.
If you stand facing the Taihedian pavilion, then on both sides of its roof you can see glazed elements in the form of dragon heads. Four paws are raised up, the dragon carries a sword on its back, the eyes are wide open and express ferocity, and the terrible mouth firmly grasps the ridge of the roof. The people of this dragon are called the "second son of the dragon" and are called the "Dragon Wen." According to the Ming and Qing Chinese, the dragon Wen was able to put out fires and eliminate other disasters. The location of the dragon's head is noteworthy: it covers the nodal part where the horizontal ridge of the roof and the falling row of tiles meet. It is in this place that a leak easily occurs during rain. So the dragon head serves as a reliable fastening element.
In the place of the roof, where it passes into its soaring section, small glazed figures lined up in a row. The row is headed by a saint riding a phoenix, followed by animal figurines lined up one after another, and the end of the row is crowned by a larger head of a mythical creature. The number of figures in a row is determined by the rank and importance of the building; on the roof of a large building, up to 10 sculptural images can be counted, and on the roof of an insignificant structure there can be only one barely noticeable figure. There are strict rules regarding the order of their location. The images imprinted in the roofing figurines are the characters of myths. Some of them represent prosperity, others - courage and stern inflexibility. From a distance, they resemble heavenly warriors who have flown down from heaven and stopped over the abyss. They can also be imagined as gods who descended to the roof in order to observe people's secrets.
The tradition of decorating the roof ridge with mythical figures not only aims to give the building splendor, but is also an expression of the wish for favorable weather and state tranquility. Much more important than just a decorative decoration is the role of roofing figurines in preventing roof leaks. These decorative elements also express the idea of well-being and are designed to serve as an amulet that scares away misfortune.
Story
with imperial throne
If we compare the path through the series of passages leading from the Tiananmen stand to the Wumen gate (the official "imperial gate") with an opera overture, then further way to the Golden River, Taihe Square and Taihe Gate can be considered part of the opera libretto. Well, coming close to the Taihedian pavilion, resting on a 6-meter three-tiered white marble foundation, there is no longer any doubt that we hear the magnificent main aria, which embodied all the imperial greatness. The leitmotif of the main aria can be considered the imperial throne raised in the middle of the Throne Hall, decorated with dragon carvings and carefully varnished.
The surface of the details of the throne is covered with gilding, the back is decorated with a carved ornament of three writhing dragons. The throne rests on a solid plinth in the spirit of the lodges of Buddhist saints, it is richly inlaid with precious stones. As an examination of the lacquer coating and the style of the depicted dragons showed, this throne was made during the reign of the Ming under the Jiajing motto, but continued to serve its intended purpose even under the Qing. However, tourists are quite surprised to learn that for almost half a century this throne, worthy of embodying the greatness of the bogdykhan, lay in a closet, covered with dust.
In 1911, the Xinhai Revolution took place in China, overthrowing the emperor and proclaiming a Democratic Republic. However, in 1915, the head of the militaristic clan, Yuan Shikai, undertook a restoration by declaring himself emperor. The enthronement ceremony was scheduled to take place in the Throne Room of the Taihedian Pavilion. Yuan Shikai, whose legs turned out to be short, thought it would be better to replace the old throne with a new one, made in the form of a high-backed chair, as is customary in the West. Emperor Yuan Shikai stayed for 83 days, and then was swept away by a wave of popular protest. But the throne made by his personal order has been preserved. For several decades, attempts to find the former throne with carved dragons did not lead to success. Until, finally, in 1959, one of the experts working in the Forbidden City found among the old photographs a photo depicting the interior of the Taihedian Palace Pavilion. Searches were made in the pantries of old furniture, and in the end it was found. In 1963, furniture repairmen restored the old throne, spending a whole year on it. In September 1964, the restored throne took its original place.
Hieroglyph,
denoting peace and harmony, in the names of the three main pavilions of the Forbidden City
The not-so-friendly lion from Forbidden City.
The main buildings of the Forbidden City are three pavilions - Taihedian, Zhonghedian and Baohedian. They are designed to embody the unsurpassed authority of the emperor, they also served as a place for imperial audiences. It is noteworthy and no coincidence that the names of all three pavilions contain the hieroglyph "he" - "peace", "harmony".
According to the teachings of Confucius, the hieroglyph "he" meant universal harmony in the world. Although there is a huge difference between the greatness of a bogdykhan (emperor - Approx. Site) and the position of a mere mortal, but both a bogdykhan and a mere mortal live on the same Earth, under the same Heaven, and there must be a balance between them spiritually. This balance is "he". Everything has its place: the emperor is exalted above the whole world around him, mere mortals are content with their subordinate position; "he" exists between a ruler and a servant, between a father and a son, between older and younger brothers, between husband and wife. Without "he" it is impossible to connect the seasons of the year (spring, summer, autumn and winter), it is impossible to understand the relationship in the animal world, it is impossible to understand the relationship between the Earth and the Universe. In a word, the balance of “he” is needed on Earth, in Heaven and in the vast world of things. Otherwise, there will be discord in the world, everything will be turned upside down. The importance of "he" was recognized by scientists of other schools Ancient China. We can say that since ancient times, the Chinese considered "he" the most ideal state of things and affairs. The founders of the Qing Dynasty are newcomers from the north who conquered China. (Manchus - Approx. site) No wonder that for them nothing was more important than the duration of maintaining their power and order in the country. "He" for the Qing rulers was the main wish. Adhering to the idea of \u200b\u200bhe, they sought to unite the country in order to maintain their dominance forever. This idea can be clearly seen in the name of the motto of the reign of the Qing emperor "Shunzhi" (literally meaning "good rule"). All of the above will help you understand the presence of the character "he" in the names of the three main pavilions of the Forbidden City.
Giant
carved stone slab
Located behind the Baohedian Pavilion, a giant stone slab covered with bas-reliefs depicting dragons against clouds is the largest and most highly artistic work of bas-relief art in the Forbidden City. This slab was installed in the Ming dynasty; under the Qings, the old relief pattern was chipped off and replaced with a new one. The pattern is made up of 9 writhing dragons, each of which holds a large pearl ball in its mouth. The relief images of mountains, seas and clouds serve as a background for dancing dragons. Tourists are amazed not only by the skillfulness of the relief carving, but also by the very dimensions of the stone slab. According to experts, the weight of the stone slab before its processing exceeded 300 tons. How, then, was such a gigantic stone brought to the Forbidden City? According to the "Ming History", this stone was obtained in the Fangshan quarry in the western suburbs of Beijing. To take it out of the quarry, more than 10,000 working people and more than 6,000 soldiers had to be mobilized. No less difficult was the issue of delivering the stone to the capital. First of all, it was necessary to make the road leading to Beijing absolutely level, for which several tens of thousands of workers were sent. They filled in and compacted potholes and dug wells along the entire route. With the onset of frost, the roadbed was carefully filled with water from wells, so that a smooth and hard track was obtained. On it, a stone firmly bound by people and horses was dragged to its destination. It took 20,000 men and 1,000 horses, and it took 28 days to transport. Everything cost the treasury 110,000 lians of silver. Unfortunately, no records of the exact date of delivery of the stone have been found. One can only assume that the stone was delivered even before the completion of the construction of the imperial residence, since otherwise such a stone could not have been moved through the numerous gates of the palace. That is, the giant stone from Fangshan is one of the first building details of the palace complex and is more than 570 years old.
Arrow,
pierced into a board with an inscription over the Longzongmen gate
Between the Baohedian pavilion and the Qianqingmen gate lies a square that separates the outer (service) part of the Forbidden City from the inner (family) courtyards. On the sides of the square there are gates: eastern Jingyunmen and western Longzongmen. Penetration into the inner chambers was strictly controlled. Under the Qing, anyone, even princes of imperial blood, was forbidden to enter the gate; only the official on duty and those called to the imperial audience used it. If you carefully examine the banner with the inscription above the Longzongmen Gate, you may notice an arrow stuck in the banner. There is a story associated with it.
On the 15th day of the 9th month of 1813, units of the Peasant Army of the rebels invaded the Forbidden City, who acted in collusion with the eunuchs - servants of the palace. Part of the rebels went to the Yangxindian Pavilion in the northern part of the Forbidden City, where the imperial quarters were located. But at the Longzongmen gate, they were met with fire by the Qing guard troops. The emperor himself was not in the palace at that moment, but the members of the imperial family and the servants panicked from fear. Grand dukes and high-ranking officials began to prepare wagons to take relatives and goods from the Forbidden City. Some even hid in the closet. During a fierce battle, one of the peasant leaders took aim and fired an arrow from his bow, which was stuck in a banner with an inscription above the Longzongmen gate. However, the forces were unequal, and the rebels were crushed. This uprising was a serious lesson for the Qing. In order to preserve the memory of him as a warning to posterity, the court decided not to touch the arrow stuck in the banner above the Longzongmen gate.
Red lanterns
in Yungang lane
Entering the Naishimen Gate, located west of the Qianqingmen Gate, you find yourself in Yungang Lane. Here are the chambers of the empress and concubines. In total, there are 4 such lanes in the Forbidden City.
In each of them, road lamps are installed, reaching the height of human growth, they rest on a stone plinth. The lantern itself is made of bronze, braided with copper wire on the outside. With the onset of dusk, special eunuch lamplighters filled the lanterns with oil and lit them. Lanterns burned all night until morning.
Under the Mines did not exist mandatory, which determines in the chambers of which wife or concubine the emperor will spend the night. The specific choice was made on a case-by-case basis. In front of the entrance to the chambers of each of the wives and concubines, lanterns made of red silk were hung out. The absence of a lantern indicated that it was in the chambers of this wife that the bogdykhan spends the night. The eunuch, who made a night round of Yungan Lane, noticing from the absence of a lantern that the choice had already been made by the emperor, notified the rest of the concubines that they could go to bed.
It is a different matter under the Qing. Already during the evening meal, the emperor decided which wife he would spend the night with or alone. But he certainly slept in the Yangxindian Pavilion. It was not customary for eunuchs to go around the 12 chambers of Yungan Lane.
Refrigerators
Forbidden City
Nowadays, a household refrigerator in the house is the most common thing. Well, what was the situation in ancient times, before the advent of special equipment? It turns out that in the Forbidden City, refrigerators were used to store food and drinks. natural ice prepared from winter. In the vaults of the Forbidden City there is, for example, a refrigerator, skillfully finished with cloisonné enamel. It has a height of one and a half chi (1 chi = 33 cm), its shape is cubic, and it consists of two parts, the lower part is narrower than the upper one. The decoration of the cabinet is extremely carefully and brightly, inside the cabinet is lined with lead sheet for better insulation and protection from moisture. In its lower corner there is a hole for draining the accumulated water. In addition, there are two round holes in the cabinet lid through which the cooled air from the refrigerator penetrated into the surrounding space.
But much more often, special wooden chests with a lid were used as refrigerators. Food was well preserved in them, and cold air through the holes in the lid could be used to cool the air in the room. So, we can say that the refrigeration units of the Forbidden City also successfully played the role of the current air conditioners. Ice was harvested on the river during the coldest period of winter, it was stored in underground cellars and, as needed, delivered to the palace premises.
Is there in the Forbidden City
chimneys?
From the eyes of an attentive observer, the absence of chimneys in all of Gugun will not hide. The fact is that for the Forbidden City, where all the buildings are made of wood, the biggest danger is fire. Fire protection measures were given particular importance under all rulers. So what was the deal with fire sources for cooking and space heating?
In the era of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the main fuel of the Forbidden City was charcoal. It had a number of advantages: it burned without smoke and had no smell, allowing you to do without chimneys.
Here is how, for example, the issue of space heating was solved. In many pavilions, underground chimneys were dug, the rooms above which were called "warm". The chimney went to a hatch located in the ground passage of the Forbidden City. The depth of the hatch was equal to the height of a person, on top of the hatch was closed with a wooden cover measuring a square meter. Heating was carried out by burning charcoal in a special stove installed inside the chimney. The beginning of the heating of the premises fell on the season of "hoarfrost".
In addition to heating due to the heat coming from the chimney, open braziers were provided in the rooms, in which charcoal was burned. Palace braziers were made with great skill, for example, they were made of bronze and covered with gilding or inlaid with mother-of-pearl. They had a cap on a wire frame, preventing the release of hot coals to the outside. Large braziers weighed up to a thousand jin, small ones could be carried in the hands. Until now, braziers of various types and sizes can be seen everywhere in the Forbidden City: in the pavilions of Taihedian, Zhonghedian, Baohedian, Qianqinggong, Jiaotaidian, Kunningong, Yangxindian and Western chambers. At the service of the Empress and concubines were also hand and foot stoves. Thanks to these means, the inhabitants of the Forbidden City were not afraid of the most severe cold. Truly effect, these devices can compete with modern heating devices.
When the gong sounded
In the old days, with the onset of night, guards went out into the street and, with the help of blows on a gong or a mallet, announced the change of guards. The first watch was at about 6 pm.
In the Forbidden City, the northern gate of Shenumen actually served as a clock tower, in which guards were on duty, hitting the gong. In addition, a large bell was installed on the tower. During the absence of the emperor in the palace, every day at dusk the bell tolled 108 times, and after that the sentry beat the gong to announce the change of guards. After the 5th watch, that is, already at dawn, the bell again struck 108 times. Why exactly 108? This number was the sum of the number of months in a year (12), the number of climatic seasons (24) and the number of agricultural seasons (72).
In addition to the bell tower on the Shenumen gate, bell towers were also installed in the Forbidden City on the right and left of the Wumen gate. However, their purpose was different. Since the Wumen gate was the main gate of the Forbidden City, there were strict regulations regarding the circumstances under which the Umen bells should be struck. These circumstances included, for example, the time of departure imperial train to participate in sacrifices. At that moment the bell-ringer struck the bell. And when the emperor went to the Taimyao Temple for the ceremony of worshiping the ancestors, gongs were struck on the tower. In addition, the ringing of bells and the sounds of gongs on the towers of the Wumen gate announced the surroundings during especially solemn occasions: the enthronement of the emperor, at the time of the celebration of the New Year, the season of winter, on the day of longevity, the announcement of the name of the empress, etc.
How many in the Forbidden City
premises?
The Forbidden City can be considered the largest and best preserved of the ancient palace ensembles that have survived to this day. It covers an area of 780 thousand square meters. meters. According to legend, the Ming Emperor Zhu Di, who ruled under the Yongle motto, originally planned to build a palace with 10,000 rooms. But on the night of the fifth day after the emperor's decision, he was visited in a dream by the Jade Ruler of the Universe. Extremely irritated, he pointed out to the bogdykhan that, planning to build 10 thousand rooms, he encroaches on his divine authority, since there are only 10 thousand rooms in the palace of the gods. In the morning, the emperor immediately ordered the dignitaries to be summoned to discuss the situation with them. In the end, it was decided to build 9999 and a half rooms and thus preserve the authority of both Heaven and the emperor intact.
After 4 years the palace was built. At the sight of the splendor that opened his eyes, Emperor Zhu Di was overjoyed. Here is the Wumen gate, striking in its size and solemnity, here is the Fengtian pavilion (renamed Taihedian under the Qing), decorated with colorful ornamentation of beams and pillars. The structures shone with gilded roofs, creating a sense of grandeur and high style. Truly, the new palace on the shoulder was equal to the transcendental mansions of the Jade God, the image of which was present in the imagination of the bogdykhan. After spending half a day to inspect the palace, Zhu Di finally asked the escorts if there really were 9999 and a half rooms in the palace. The answer was yes. “Well, where is that half of the room?” asked the emperor. “It is considered a small room on the first floor of the Wenyange tower,” was the answer. Zhu Di rewarded the answerer with a satisfied smile, saying "excellent, excellent." After this imperial inspection, everyone around already knew that there were 9999 and a half rooms in the Forbidden City.
The dignitary who confirmed the number of rooms in the palace ensemble was called Liu Bowen. In a conversation with the emperor, his hamstrings were shaking, since in reality it is unlikely that the number of rooms was exactly 9999 and a half. Responsible for the procurement of building materials, Liu Bowen traveled to many places, on his trips he observed the miserable living conditions of the people and considered it unnecessary luxury to build such a magnificent palace, which only made the burden of the common people even more difficult. Liu Bowen even made some changes to the design drawings, reducing the number of rooms by a few hundred.
Currently, the Forbidden City has 980 palace structures, 8,728 rooms. But what about the now famous "half of the room"? It turns out that this half room really exists and is located in the Wenyange chamber, which served as a repository for the complete collection of books of the Four Repositories. It is noteworthy that in the western part of the tower, the pillars painted green were arranged so that the distance between them was 5 chi (about 1.5 m), while usually it was 3 meters. The Wenyange Tower was the only building in the Forbidden City with such a unique layout. Therefore, the room, bounded by two closely spaced pillars, was called "half".
(This site archive material was broadcast by Chinese Radio International's Russian broadcast in Beijing as a series of radio programs in April 2005).
Description
Palace complex "Gugun"
In the illustration: Plan of the "Forbidden City", or, in other words, "Gugun".
In the illustration: Plan of the "Forbidden City", or, in other words, "Gugun". On the lowest edge of this plan is the "Gate of Heavenly Peace" - "Tiananmen". Further up, the Duonmen gate and the front gate of the Forbidden City - Umen (Midday Gate) are depicted. "Umen" are located on the bridge over the moat, surrounding the entire palace complex. On the top edge of the picture is the Shenumen gate. Just above the Wumen gate, the plan shows the Neijinshuihe Golden River Canal. Behind the "Golden River" is the main palace gate Taihemen ("Gate of Supreme Harmony"). Then a huge courtyard in front of the actual palace premises, lined with slabs. And further on the plan shows the main three palace pavilions " various kinds Harmony" - the main pavilions of the palace complex. Again the gate, and around the various auxiliary palace rooms inside the perimeter of the wall and the moat with water.
The State News Agency of the People's Republic of China "Xinhua" in the old version of its Russian Internet page placed quite detailed description of all the buildings of the imperial palace complex "Gugong", or as Xinhua calls this building in the mentioned article - "Museum of Gugong" ("Winter Imperial Palace")". This essay, which we offer below, as usual for Xinhua, accurately places all the accents, according to the official doctrine of the Chinese Communist Party, and therefore contains criticism of the last Chinese emperor and the Kuomintang government for "plundering" the wealth of "Gugong". (The spelling and style of the original source is preserved, with the exception of obvious typos.):
“The Gugong Museum, or as it was also called - Zijingcheng (“Purple Forbidden City”) is located in the center of Beijing, next to Tiananmen Square. To the north of the Tiananmen Gate and the Duonmen Gate is the front gate to the Gugong Museum - Wumen ("Midday Gate"). Above them is erected a splendid structure, usually called Ufenlow ("Tower of Five Phoenixes").
It began to be built during the Minsk dynasty in 1420. It took 14 years to build. The width of the entire Forbidden City from east to west is 760 m, from south to north 960 m. Effective area 150 thousand sq.m. It has more than 9 thousand rooms. On four sides it is surrounded by a wall 10 m high. There are four gates in the walls. The gate facing directly south is called Umen. This is the front gate. In the tower of this gate there is a bell and a drum. When the emperor went to offer prayers to a temple or shrine, he always left the gates of Wumen. When he was heading to the Temple of Agriculture, the bell was struck when he left, and when he entered the Taimiao (“Temple of the Ancestors”), they beat the drum. During the Qing Dynasty, when victories were won, ceremonies were held here according to custom - offerings of prisoners as a gift to the emperor. Now this tower serves as a room for temporary exhibitions. Around the wall there was a canal, the width of which was 52 meters.
The northern gate is called Shenumen. Under the Ming Dynasty, they were called Xuanyumen. But under Emperor Kangxi, they were renamed Shenumen, since the name of this emperor contains the hieroglyph Xuan, and according to custom, the name of any object should not coincide with the name of the emperor. There is also one bell and one big drum on the tower of this gate. Every day at dusk and at dawn, first they made 108 strokes on the bell, and then on the drum. This gate is located in front of Jingshan Park.
The eastern side gate is called Donghuangmen and the western side gate is called Xihuamen. Gugong is the former residence of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Here, for 491 years, 24 emperors managed the affairs of the empire. Under the Ming dynasty, there were 14 emperors, and under the Qing dynasty, 10. And now this residence is a Museum, where over 900 thousand exhibits are stored.
The Gugong Museum is the largest architectural and art museum in our country. The building itself is one of the greatest historical achievements of the culture of our country. Having preserved the traditional forms of Chinese architecture, combining the majesty of forms, architectural perfection and strict order of location, it is one of the most brilliant architectural monuments world and is the pearl of the centuries-old culture of our Motherland. This is the most grandiose and most complete of the surviving architectural ensembles.
The whole complex of the palace consists of two main parts, external and internal.
At the entrance to the front gates of Wumen, first of all, you see the channel crossing the square - Neijinshuihe ("Internal River with Golden Water"), through which five beautiful marble bridges are thrown. Along the banks of the canal, also lined with white marble, winding railings of the most diverse forms stretch, resembling a precious jade belt in their appearance.
To the north of the bridges are the main palace gates of Taihemen (“Gate of Supreme Harmony”). Behind them is another large courtyard. At the center of it north side a massive pedestal rises, 8 m high, where one after the other pavilions are located: Taihedian (“Pavilion of Supreme Harmony”), Zhonghedian (“Pavilion of Complete Harmony”) and Baohedian (“Pavilion of Preserving Harmony”), These three pavilions are the most important architectural complex Outer court of the imperial. They are intended for state and court ceremonies. Taihedian in architecture and decoration is a unique example, not only unparalleled in comparison with other pavilions of Gugong, but also in the entire collection of wooden structures of ancient China.
The Taihedian Pavilion serves as the venue for official palace receptions. He is the most big building Gugun. Its height is 35.5 m, width 63.96 m, depth 37.2 m, area over 2300 sq.m. The roof of the pavilion is supported by 86 wooden columns one meter in diameter, six of them, surrounding the throne, are gilded and decorated with carvings of wriggling dragons. The throne is set on a pedestal, in front of which are graceful bronze cranes - a symbol of success and good luck, incense burners, large copper tripod vessels - a symbol of the throne, behind the throne there is a screen of fine workmanship.
The entrance to the Taihedian Pavilion is guarded by ferociously grinned bronze lions, personifying the power of power.
On a spacious platform in front of the pavilion there is a large bronze tortoise, which raised its fanged, almost wolf-like mouth - a symbol of longevity, a bronze long-legged crane, as a symbol of successful progress up the ladder of ranks, large copper tripods and other superbly executed sculptures and products.
The Taihedian pavilion was built in 1417, rebuilt in 1645, then rebuilt in 1697 after a fire. January 1, according to the old style - a holiday (Winter Solstice), the birthday of the emperor, also on the day of the accession to the throne of the emperor, solemn ceremonies were held. The most important government decrees were announced. After the announcement, the decrees were lowered from the gate tower in the beak of a wooden phoenix, placed in a palanquin decorated with images of a dragon and sent to the Ministry of Ceremonies, from where copies of it were sent throughout the country. On the days of state holidays and celebrations, the emperor accepted congratulations and arranged receptions. And in this pavilion, the emperor appointed commanders of the expeditionary forces and was present at state exams.
A few words should also be given to the completely empty courtyard, which is located in front of the Taihedian pavilion. The area of this yard is more than 30,000 sq. m. Every time during the palace ceremonies in this courtyard, the ranks of armed guards lined up in strict order, in order of subordination, civilian and military dignitaries knelt facing north. Incense smoke rose from numerous tripods and censers, adding to the already mysterious atmosphere that surrounded the emperor.
The Zhonghedian pavilion was built during the Ming Dynasty and was called Huagaidian and Zhongjidian. Under the Qing Dynasty in 1645, it was rebuilt and renamed Zhonghedian. It served as a place where the emperor rested before the start of the ceremonies, the ritual was rehearsed here, the Emperor, before going to the Temple of Heaven (June 21), to the Temple of Agriculture (November 22) for prayers, got acquainted with the content of prayers here. And every year on New Year's Eve, the emperor held banquets here, to which vassal princes were invited.
The Baohedian Pavilion is located behind Zhonghedian. It began to be built in 1420. Its original name was Jinshendian, but later it was renamed Jianjidian. In 1625 it was rebuilt, and in 1645 it was named Baohedian.
The Baohedian Pavilion was originally intended for feasts. Especially under the Qing Dynasty, on January 1, old style, and January 15, the emperor annually invited Mongol and Uyghur princes to the Baohedian Pavilion for banquets. 70 tables were set, 63 sheep were slaughtered and 70 bottles of wine were opened. During such banquets, musicians performed Mongolian traditional music and songs. But from the time of Emperor Yongzheng (since 1723), the Baohedian pavilion was intended to receive the highest state examinations.
If you strictly adhere to the center line to the north, you will see the Qianqingmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Purity) behind the Baohedian Pavilion. This gate was built under the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt under the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt in 1655. Emperors of the Qing Dynasty sometimes received official reports here. On this day, the throne was arranged and the heads of all departments reported on their affairs in turn. To the left of the gate was the office of the highest civil and military dignitaries.
Then you need to go through the Jianqingmen gate to find yourself on the back half of the Gugong Palace Ensemble, where the inner chambers are located. The Qianqinggong (Palace of Heavenly Purity), Jiataidian (Palace of Heaven and Earth Communication) and Kunninggong (Palace of Earthly Peace) lined up along the central line, with six eastern and six western palaces on either side of them.
The Qianqinggong Palace was built during the Ming Dynasty, rebuilt in 1797. The emperor's bedchamber was located in this palace. Here the emperor was engaged in daily state affairs, looked through documents, made orders. On holidays, feasts were held here, to which the emperor invited his dignitaries. At the end of the Qing Dynasty, emperors received heads of foreign diplomatic missions in this palace. In the eastern wing were kept: the headdress, costumes, shoes of the emperor, and in the western wing was the emperor's office.
The second building in a row was the Jiaotaidian Pavilion, built during the Ming Dynasty, rebuilt in 1697. It served as a hall for family celebrations. During the Ming and Qing times, it was in this hall that celebrations were held on the occasion of the birthday of the empress. During the Qing Dynasty, the imperial seal was kept here. 25 main seals were kept under the Jianlong Emperor. On the right side, there is an ancient Chinese water clock - it consists of three copper funnels, under which the Buddha sits, holding a dial in his hands. Water is poured from above and passes through funnels. The dial shows the time. On the left, there are large chimes made by the masters of our country over 200 years ago.
Kunninggong Palace was built during the Ming Dynasty, rebuilt in 1655. During the Ming Dynasty, it was the bedchamber of empresses. During the Qing Dynasty, this palace was used for its intended purpose only during the wedding of emperors, usually religious ceremonies for worshiping spirits and offering sacrifices to them were held in its reception rooms. After the wedding ceremony, the empress was supposed to live here for three days.
Behind the Kunninggong Palace is an exhibition of a wide variety of clocks.
In terms of volume, the Qianninggong, Qiaotaidian and Kunninggong palaces are significantly inferior to the three large pavilions of the outer courtyard.
Behind the Kunninggong Palace is the Kunningmen Gate. Behind them lies the lush imperial garden of Yuhuayuan. Through this imperial garden, the road leads to the exit of Shenumen ("Gate of the Almighty Spirits").
On both sides of the central line of the ensembles there is a labyrinth of palaces, courtyards connected to each other by passages and gates. This is a whole world, once cut off from life, but rich, lush and strictly regulated. The emperor, empress, concubines of the emperor, his children, relatives lived in these palaces - the top of the feudal-serf power, overthrown as a result of the bourgeois revolution of 1911.
The main Western palaces and pavilions (built during the Ming Dynasty) include:
The Taijidian Pavilion was built during the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt in 1683. Now it houses an exhibition of artistic enamel products.
Yongshougun Palace ("Palace of Eternal Longevity") was built during the Ming Dynasty. For 200 years, this palace was the warehouse for the Yangxingdian Pavilion (Heart Preservation Pavilion). Now lacquer products are exhibited here.
Changchun Gong Palace (“Palace of Eternal Spring”) was built during the Ming Dynasty, rebuilt in 1683. Here is the coffin of the wife of Emperor Jianlong. In 1884, during the reign of Empress Cixi, a musical drama was staged here.
The Xianfugong Palace was built during the Ming Dynasty, rebuilt in 1683. When one of the emperors' relatives died, they were in mourning here. Now there is an exhibition of writing materials.
Ikungun Palace was built during the Ming Dynasty, rebuilt in 1655. Artistic enamel products are also exhibited here now.
The Chusyugun Palace was also built during the Ming Dynasty. Emperor Jiaqing's wife once lived here. Empress Cixi also lived here when she was still a concubine and then when she ruled the country.
The above palaces and pavilions are the main ones in the western half, but it will be interesting to know something about the Tihedian Palace, which was built in 1802. Here Cixi chose a bride for the emperor's son Guangxu. Now art enamel products are exhibited here.
It is also impossible not to mention the Yangxindian Pavilion. It was built during the Ming dynasty. Starting from the third emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty, all the emperors lived in this pavilion and discussed state affairs. Officials from different provinces were also received here.
The western (part) includes several more minor palaces and pavilions, such as the Qiningun Palace. It was built during the Ming dynasty, rebuilt in 1790. The mothers of the emperors of both the Ming and Qing dynasties lived here. When the time came for the princesses to get married, wedding ceremonies were held here.
There is also the Shoukanggong Palace (“The Palace of Longevity and Health”), the Shouangong Palace (“The Palace of Longevity and Peace”), the Chongxidian Pavilion (“The Pavilion of Spring Joys”), there is also a small garden - Qining (“Garden of Kindness and Peace”). To the south, not far from the gates of Wumen, there are the Pavilions of Jinsidyan, Wingdian and several other buildings. Now there is an exhibition of applied art of the Minsk and Qing eras. The premises are partly occupied by an exhibition telling about the life of the empresses.
And the eastern main palaces and pavilions (also built during the Ming dynasty) include:
Jingren Gong Palace, Chengqian Gong Palace, Zhongcuigong Palace, Yanxi Gong Palace, Yonghe Gong Palace, Jinyang Gong Palace ("Sunny Landscape Palace").
In addition to these six palaces, this half also has many minor palaces and pavilions.
We must also mention the famous "Wall of Nine Dragons", built in the eastern part of the Forbidden City at the Huangjimen gate. It is a copy of the same wall in Beihai Park. This wall is decorated with intricate and intricate designs and lined with glazed bricks of many colors. It strikes with the brightness of colors, great expressiveness and dynamism of the images of nine purple and yellow dragons wriggling against a green background. "The Wall of Nine Dragons" is a work of genuine folk art.
During the Ming Dynasties, Gugong Palace served as the political center of the Chinese empire.
In 1912, the second year of the Xinhai Revolution, the last Chinese emperor of the Qing Dynasty, Pu Yi, abdicated but continued to live in the palace. Puyi gave away, pawned and sold many ancient relics for 13 years. Thus, many valuables leaked from the palace.
And almost on the eve of liberation, at the direction of the Kuomintang government, books and valuables were stacked in 13,427 boxes and 64 packages. It intended to ship it all to Taiwan. However, a quick victory in liberation war prevented him from carrying out this robbery. It was possible to take away only 2972 boxes.
Gugun is an ensemble of palace buildings harmonious in composition and perfect in planning, one of the most beautiful medieval palace complexes. Built mainly of wood, Gugong serves as a wonderful example of national Chinese architecture. Here is a harmonious, skillful combination of buildings of different sizes and shapes, gates, passages, and multi-tiered roofs with curved edges, covered with glazed bright golden tiles, and carved folding walls under red lacquer.
Remarkable Chinese architects created all these structures. Tens of thousands of Chinese workers have invested their talent and labor in these historical monuments created for the ages. Huge arches painted with colorful ornaments, artificial lakes and ponds covered with lilies and pale pink lotuses, marble bridges, colossal stone and stucco vaults, walls painted with bright colors, columns decorated with fantastic dragons and phoenixes are unique in their beauty.
After the formation of the People's Republic of China, the People's Government listed the Gugong Palace as one of the most important cultural monuments protected by the state. For a long time in a state of disrepair, old palace changed.
Refurbished old buildings The Gugunas are now shining with their colorful decorations. Gugong Museum, its buildings and treasures are admirable ancient culture and the art of China among the broad masses of the people ... "
(This material was posted by the state news agency of the People's Republic of China "Xinhua" in the old version of the Russian website of the agency).
The review was compiled based on the materials of China Radio International (Russian broadcast) and the state news agency of the PRC Xinhua.
One of the most mysterious, extensive and famous palace complexes in the world is called "Gugong", which means "palace of the former rulers" in Chinese. Better known as " forbidden city". It was built at the beginning of the 15th century under Emperor Zhu Di (Ming Dynasty), who made Beijing the capital of the Chinese Empire. Gugun, this "city within a city", was closed to ordinary mortals for 500 years, as it served as a home for "celestials" - emperors.
From here, 24 generations of rulers led the Middle Kingdom - from 1421 to 1912. Gugong is the first of the architectural masterpieces of China, classified by UNESCO as a "world heritage".
Debunking the myths about the Forbidden City in Beijing
Complete historical name contemporary museum complex Gugong, which covers a total area of 720,000 square meters, is the Purple Forbidden City, as it is fenced off from the rest of Beijing by high 10-meter bright red walls with a total length of 3,400 meters and 52-meter wide moats filled with "golden" water. And any inhabitant of the country who would dare to enter the territory of the palace complex was awaiting the death penalty.
In connection with the centuries-old veil of secrecy that reliably surrounded Gugun, many legends have been composed about the imperial palace. It is believed that the design of the forbidden city of China was dreamed of by a hermit monk, who created all the main building designs. He showed them to Prince Zhu Di and thereby gave the future wen-huangdi ("cultural emperor") a great dream of building a house for the Sons of Heaven.
The third emperor from the Ming Dynasty wanted to make a complex consisting of 10,000 rooms, but the Jade Lord Yu-di himself came to him and forbade Zhu Di to build a palace using the sacred number "wan". Only the Lord of Heaven could afford it. Then it was decided to make 9999.5 rooms. Whether they were actually built is unknown, since the Forbidden City of Gugong burned many times and was repeatedly rebuilt. Now it has 8707 rooms.
It is curious, but if you spend the night in each room in Forbidden City only once, it would take a person 27 years to have time to sleep in each room. Such a number of rooms also had a practical meaning: no one, except for a trusted eunuch, knew in which particular room the emperor would sleep today, which reliably protected him from assassins.
The future dwelling of the "earthly gods" was erected for almost 16 years. According to legend, 1 million people were involved in the construction, 200 million tiles, 100 million bricks and marble were used. In 1421 the last apartments were finished. The construction was carried out in accordance with strict feng shui requirements: the entrance to the palace and all the main buildings are oriented to the south, and from the north the complex is surrounded by mountains that protect it from cold winds and evil spirits. Each of the parts of the palace corresponded to a certain season, so that the emperor could live in constant harmony with nature.
In general, the whole Googong is complex and intricate sign system and symbols. For example, together with the city gates located on the south-north line, the complex forms a single hieroglyph zhong (“middle”) - this is one of the main categories of Chinese philosophy and culture.
The true story of the Forbidden City with a touch of fiction
For five centuries, the owners of Gugong changed 24 times: 14 times representatives of the Ming dynasty ascended the throne and 10 times - emperors from the Qing dynasty. During this time, strangers penetrated the territory of the palace only a few times. So, in 1644, Zhu Yujian, the last Ming emperor, imposed such exorbitant taxes on the entire country that it caused the population to rebel. The rebels broke into the Forbidden City and plundered it. But how badly the abode of the "earthly gods" suffered then is unknown. But it was thanks to this uprising that the Qing dynasty reigned on the throne.
Zhu Yujian killed his concubines and daughters, and then hanged himself in order, according to ancient beliefs, to ascend to heaven, sitting on a dragon. But this was far from the last blood that stained the marble of the imperial palace. During the reign of the Qing, the general line of power was to completely isolate China from the rest of the world, which led to increased intrigues within the palace.
It is known that At least 3,000 eunuchs lived in the Forbidden City in China and several thousand concubines. The eunuchs wove intrigues, the concubines were spies, and for several centuries the history of Gugun was replenished with many scandalous stories in which the truth cannot be distinguished from fiction. Like the Vatican in Rome, the palace lived its own life, and, of course, the almost 50-year reign of Cixi became the brightest page in the book called “the era of Qinn”. Having made a career from a concubine to an empress, having ruined many lives in her lifetime, this woman has become an integral and most secret part of the Forbidden City. At the same time, it was thanks to her, or rather, to Cixi's passion for photography, that the world first saw pictures of the interior of the palace.
The death of the empress (1908) almost coincided with the end of the Qing dynasty. After 3 years, the last ruler, the juvenile Pu-Yi, signed the abdication of the throne. He lived in the palace until 1924, when the last major fire broke out during his reign, destroying many hiding places and warehouses in the Forbidden City. A number of historians believe that the palace was set on fire by eunuchs who wanted to hide the extent of the plunder from the imperial treasuries. This theory is supported by the fact that in all huge complex there is not a single chimney: underground pipes provided heat to the buildings, and in general the entire heating system was designed in such a way that it practically excluded the possibility of spontaneous combustion.
The birth of a museum, or the transformation of the Forbidden City into an open temple of art
The first museum was opened in the Forbidden City in 1914 and was located in the Hall of Military Glory. In 1925, an inventory of the palace property was carried out, which included 1.17 million units. Later, the collection of the Gugun Museum was significantly enlarged. In 1933, due to the invasion of the Japanese army in China, a significant number of exhibits were evacuated to the provinces of Guizhou and Sichuan, but the Beijing part of the collection was also preserved. In 1948, almost 3,000 cases of imperial treasures came to Taiwan, and in 1965, the National Museum was opened in Taipei, where almost 700,000 bronze sculptures, paintings, ceramics and porcelain products, jewelry, books, historical documents, ancient coins and other exhibits from Gugun. The Forbidden City Museum in Beijing opened in 1949.
Currently, a significant part of the Forbidden City is closed for major repairs, and Googong will appear in all its splendor only in 2020. But even the part that is accessible to tourists attracts about 7 million people to the chambers of the emperors every year: in the high season there are 70,000-75,000 tourists a day.
The main attractions of Gugun
The main entrance to the mysterious Forbidden City of China is the Gate of Heavenly Peace, located on south side. Immediately behind them begins a wide road, on the left side of it is a luxurious imperial garden, and on the right is the Taiji cypress forest. The road will lead us to the Gate of Right Conduct.
The Forbidden City itself begins behind the Midday Gate. On huge area there are always a lot of people: some are resting, others are just preparing for the journey. Having crossed the bridge over the Golden Water, the tourist sees the Gate of Supreme Harmony in front of him. Passing them, another truly gigantic square spreads before the astonished gaze, on which military formations were held in previous centuries. After walking a couple more kilometers, you can reach the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
In general, the entire imperial the complex is divided into outer and inner palaces. In the premises of the Outer Palace, the ruler held all the solemn ceremonies: the hall of Supreme Harmony was considered the main one, as well as the halls of the Preservation of Harmony, where the throne of the emperor is installed, and Full Harmony. The families of emperors, eunuchs, servants and concubines lived in the Inner Palace. Here are such world-famous (thanks to hundreds of photos taken by tourists) as the halls of the Unification of the World, Heavenly Purity and Earthly Tranquility. How to find - rakskzhet special article.
Also, one of the most popular "miracles" of China is installed here - a carved marble slab 16.75 meters long and weighing 250 tons. The pattern on it was embossed in 1761: relief images of mountains, foamy seas and cirrus clouds, and dancing dragons holding a huge pearl ball in their mouths invariably arouse delight among tourists from all over the world.
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The Forbidden City of Gugong is the largest and most famous palace complex in the world, located in Beijing. It served as the residence of twenty-four powerful rulers of two dynasties of the Celestial Empire - Ming and Qing.
The place for its construction was determined by astronomers and, in their opinion, it is located exactly in the center of the globe.
Today, heading to the Forbidden City, you need to go through only three gates: Tiananmen, Duanmen and, finally, the main gate of the palace - Wumen. In former times, for foreign ambassadors and officials, the path to the palace was longer: they passed through five gates.
All the decoration and design of the Forbidden City is permeated with philosophical and religious ideas and principles of China, which say, among other things, that the emperor, despite all his greatness, must be fair and wise.
A bit of history
The construction of the Forbidden City began in 1406. The emperor who ordered its construction was Zhu Di. There is a legend that one of the monks dreamed about the project of the Forbidden City, and he told the prince about it, who later became emperor.
The main material used for the construction of the palace is wood, as well as brick, marble, and tiles. Almost all buildings inside the complex are one-story, and massive roofs rest on powerful columns, such a construction is most resistant to earthquakes. The facades of all the main buildings are turned to the south - thus the Forbidden City turned its back on all the hostile forces of the north. Main entrance also located on the south side.
forbidden city
The Forbidden City is not just a pretty name, it is also a statement of fact. Simple people didn't have access to it. The family of the reigning emperor and their numerous servants lived in the closed palace. It was forbidden to enter the city without permission under pain of a slow and painful execution - although even this sometimes did not frighten the most curious. However, not only curiosity forced people to enter the Forbidden City, for example, the last emperor of the Ming Dynasty was driven to suicide by the inhabitants who burst into the palace, who were angry with exorbitant taxes and hunger.
According to legend, the Qing clan, the last ruling dynasty in the Forbidden City, was cursed - the Qing house would fall at the hands of a woman. In general, this is what happened. Cixi's former concubine ruled China after her husband's death, until her two-year-old nephew Pu Yi became her successor. The kid became the last emperor and owner of the Forbidden City. In 1912, at the age of five, he abdicated, but remained in the palace.
At present, there is no longer a residence of the rulers in the Forbidden City, now it is the Gugong Imperial Museum, where anyone can get.
According to legend, there are ten thousand rooms in the palace of the Heavenly Emperor. The Palace of the Son of Heaven, as the emperors of China called themselves, should be at least a little more modest so as not to outshine the Heavenly Ruler. So it covers an area of 72 hectares, on which there are about eight hundred buildings and a total of 9,999 rooms.
In fact, there are, of course, fewer of them - obviously, the love of the Chinese for the number nine just seemed here.
The city is surrounded by a high wall and a moat filled with water - the Jinshuihe Canal (Golden River). Several bridges were thrown across the moat - the central two were intended only for members of the imperial family, the next - for senior military and civil officials, and the extreme ones were called public and any inhabitant of the Forbidden City could pass through them, regardless of his rank and origin.
There are many beautiful and graceful buildings on the territory of the Forbidden City. Pavilions, gazebos, galleries, as well as lakes, rivers, gardens. And their names, as a rule, are in no way inferior to grace. appearance- for example, the pavilion of the Contact of Heaven and Earth, the Gate of Heavenly Purity or the Gazebo, from where you can see the arrival of spring.
The Forbidden City was repeatedly rebuilt after fires, destruction and robberies. However, they tried to reproduce its appearance with maximum accuracy, so that what we can see there now is not too different from the original appearance of the palace.
The collection of valuable exhibits is replenished year by year, has already reached a million. The main part of the exhibition consists of paintings, books, bronze items, imperial clothes and jewelry, made with amazing skill.
The Forbidden City is divided by a central axis, eight kilometers long. In the center stands the Taihedian Pavilion (Hall of Supreme Harmony), which is almost forty meters high. For many centuries, it remained the tallest building in Beijing, because during the time of the empire it was not allowed to erect buildings higher than it - the ban did not apply only to temples. In the center of the pavilion is the Throne, a symbol of the emperor's power on earth.
Practical information
Address: 4 Jingshan Qianjie, Dongcheng, Beijing.
The museum is open from 01.04 to 31.10 - from 08:30 to 17:00; from 01.11 to 31.03 - from 08:30 to 16:30.
Entrance fee for adults: from April 1 to October 31 - 60 CNY, other days - 40 CNY. Discounts are provided for children, students and schoolchildren, pensioners. Accepted for payment bank cards major international payment systems.
