The Forbidden City, located in the heart of Beijing, is one of the most iconic historical sites in China. Built during the Ming Dynasty in the early 15th century, it served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors until the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it spans 180 acres and consists of nearly 1,000 buildings, showcasing traditional Chinese palatial architecture and art.
Due to its immense popularity, the Forbidden City can be very crowded, especially during holidays and peak tourist seasons. Navigating the large crowds can make it challenging to explore on your own, and much of the palace’s history and significance may be missed without proper context. Therefore, it is highly recommended to visit with a knowledgeable tour guide. A guide can explain the stories behind the structures, artwork, and ceremonial traditions, providing a much deeper understanding of the site’s role in Chinese history and culture.
A guided tour also helps you prioritize key areas to visit and avoid getting overwhelmed by the sheer size of the complex. This ensures that you not only see the most important parts but also gain valuable insights into the intricate details that make the Forbidden City a symbol of China's...
Read moreThis is the most important city gate located on the south side of the central axis of Beijing. It was built in the Ming Dynasty of China more than 500 years ago. It was a city gate of Beijing at that time. In this century, the city walls next to the city gate were demolished, leaving this city gate. This city gate has witnessed the glory and vicissitudes of the ancient city of Beijing for hundreds of years. The experience of 200,000 days has made this city gate undergo many repairs and has always been glorious in Beijing City, becoming a landmark of Beijing. This city gate was built during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty (1419). It was originally for defense. It was tall and solid. It was an important line of defense to defend the capital. It consists of a city tower and an arrow tower. The city tower is used for defense, and the arrow tower is used for observation and shooting, forming a complete defense system. During the Qing Dynasty after 1650, it became a special passage for the emperor to travel, with important ceremonial functions. After the Revolution of 1911, the military function of Zhengyangmen gradually weakened, and it became more of a symbolic...
Read moreZhengyangmen is located on the south side of Tiananmen Square, at the intersection of Qianmen Street and Chongwenmen Street. Zhengyangmen is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can climb to the top of the gate tower for panoramic views of the city. The surrounding area is also a vibrant commercial district, with many shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Zhengyangmen, also known as Qianmen, is a gate in Beijing's historic city wall. It is situated to the south of Tiananmen Square and once guarded the southern entry into the Inner City.
Built in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty, Zhengyangmen was originally known as Lizhengmen. It was burnt to ashes in 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion and was later rebuilt in 1902.
The gate consists of three parts: the gate tower, the arrow tower, and the Wengcheng (a walled enclosure). The gate tower is the most prominent feature, with five archways and a large bell tower on top. The arrow tower is located on either side of the gate tower and was used for...
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