Why Was the Forbidden City Built and Who Was Allowed Inside?
Welcome to our special adventure into one of the world’s most mysterious and magnificent places—the Forbidden City! Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to walk in the footsteps of real-life emperors, surrounded by ancient walls and golden roofs? If yes, you’re in for a treat. Let’s travel back in time to discover amazing stories, beautiful buildings, and surprising secrets inside this famous Chinese palace.
What Exactly Is the Forbidden City?
Meet China’s Glorious Palace
The Forbidden City, or “Zijin Cheng” in Chinese, is the largest and most important palace ever built in China. You’ll find it in the very heart of Beijing. Long ago, it was home to China’s emperors during the great Ming and Qing Dynasties. Its name sounds a bit scary, doesn’t it? That’s because for almost 500 years, only the emperor, his family, and special officials could go inside—everyone else was strictly forbidden! Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular museums on Earth.
Why Was Entry “Forbidden”?
The palace was called “forbidden” because ordinary people could not enter without special permission. The emperor felt safest with strong walls, tall gates, and strict guards. Going in without approval was a huge crime! Only royal family members, trusted workers, and top officials got the chance to see its bright colors and hidden treasures.
How Was the Forbidden City Built?
An Amazing History—From Empty Ground to Glorious Palace
Let’s peek at how the Forbidden City came into existence:
- 1406: Emperor Yongle from the Ming Dynasty began work on the palace.
- 1420: The Forbidden City was finished after 14 years of hard work by nearly a million workers!
- 1420–1644: Ming emperors lived and ruled from here.
- 1644–1912: The Qing dynasty emperors took over and used the palace in the same way.
- 1925: It became The Palace Museum. Now, people from all over the world can visit.
- 1987: UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site for its beauty, history, and culture.
Building Secrets and Legends
Did you know that every part of the Forbidden City was carefully planned? The palace sits on a north-south line, which in Chinese tradition brings good luck and harmony. Its yellow rooftops, red walls, and amazing animal decorations were all chosen for powerful meanings. Builders followed Feng Shui to make sure the emperor’s home was the luckiest place possible!
The Most Awesome Features Inside
Secret Rooms, Serious Walls, and Symbolic Numbers
The Forbidden City’s design is one of a kind. Let’s explore its coolest bits:
- Number of Rooms: Legends say there are 9,999 rooms! In reality, there are about 8,700. Why so many? In Chinese culture, 9 is for the emperor, and 10,000 means “forever.” Only the gods deserved 10,000, so the emperor stopped at 9,999.
- Outer and Inner Courts: The Outer Court was for big official events. The Inner Court was where the emperor and his family lived.
- Huge Walls and Moat: It’s protected by a 10-meter-high wall and a 52-meter-wide moat. That’s taller than a three-storey building and wider than a football field!
- Glorious Halls: Main buildings include the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where the emperor met his officials, and more.
- Colors and Animals: Yellow roofs for royalty, red walls for happiness, and animal statues for extra magic and luck!
What Makes Its Architecture Special?
Its buildings are made almost entirely of wood (rare for palaces this old!) and lined up on one main line, which is called the Meridian. Everything follows careful order, showing the emperor was second only to the gods.
Why Is the Forbidden City So Famous Today?
The Special Importance of This Palace
- History: It was China’s power center for almost 500 years.
- Culture: Every part of the palace is filled with old Chinese beliefs, fairy tales, and ancient science.
- Art and Beauty: It’s the world’s biggest group of ancient wooden buildings.
- UNESCO Heritage: Chosen as a world treasure to protect forever.
- Tourism: Now the Palace Museum, it’s open for all to explore!
Can You Still Visit? What Are the Rules Nowadays?
Absolutely! The Forbidden City is now open to visitors. You need to buy a ticket, and there are special rules to protect the treasures inside. Nobody lives there anymore. Today, it welcomes millions of people (children like you too!) every year for tours and fun learning activities.
How Does the Forbidden City Compare to Other Palaces?
Forbidden City vs Imperial Palace of Tokyo—Big Differences!
- The Forbidden City was the royal home for hundreds of years; Tokyo’s palace is still home to Japan’s imperial family today.
- China’s palace is larger and much older.
- Both are symbols of their countries, but only the Forbidden City is open for everyone to visit almost every day!
Quick Facts Table – Let’s Learn Fast!
| Feature | What It Means | Fun to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Where is it? | Beijing, China | Right in the middle of the city! |
| Who built it? | Ming Emperor Yongle | Used a million workers! |
| How many rooms? | About 9,999 | To be almost as grand as heaven |
| Walls & Moats | Strong and wide for protection | No uninvited guests allowed! |
| Now used as | The Palace Museum | Visitors can explore |
| UNESCO Heritage? | Yes, since 1987 | Saved for all time! |
Curious Kids Ask: Example Q&A
Why is the Forbidden City called “forbidden”?
Because ordinary people were not allowed inside! Only important people with permission from the emperor could go in. That’s how it got its mysterious name.
How many rooms really are there, and why?
The story says 9,999, as number 9 in China means the highest and greatest. It made the emperor feel super special—almost like a god! Today, if you count, there are a little fewer, but the magic number remains in history and stories.
Try These Practice Questions!
- What year did the Forbidden City become a museum?
- Who was the first emperor to live there?
- Why do you think no “regular” people were allowed inside the palace before?
- How many rooms is the Forbidden City famous for having?
- Name one special building found in the Outer Court.
You can check your answers as you read, or ask your Vedantu teacher for extra help!
Don’t Get Confused! The Forbidden City Is Unique
Some children mix up the Forbidden City with castles in Europe or the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. But the Forbidden City is special—built for Chinese emperors, with thousands of rooms and a strict entry rule that no other palace had! It’s also much older than many palaces still standing today.
Let’s Wrap Up—Why You Should Remember the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is one of Earth’s greatest treasures—a symbol of China’s long, colorful history, full of incredible stories, powerful meanings, and jaw-dropping buildings. Whether you're learning for CBSE, ICSE, UPSC, SSC, or just for fun, knowing about the Forbidden City helps you understand not only Chinese history but also world heritage and architecture. If you loved this journey, check out more amazing facts about Chinese culture, like the national bird of China, right here with Vedantu!
Keep exploring, keep learning, and maybe one day, you’ll make your own marvelous discovery about the world’s coolest places!
FAQs on The Forbidden City: Origins, Architecture, and Legacy
1. Why is it called the Forbidden City?
The Forbidden City is named for its historic strict access restrictions. Entry was forbidden to ordinary people, as only the emperor, royal family, and select officials were allowed inside during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- The term 'forbidden' signifies restricted access and imperial exclusivity.
- The palace was known as Zijin Cheng (紫禁城) in Chinese, meaning Purple Forbidden City.
- This exclusiveness symbolized the emperor's supreme authority over China.
2. What was the Forbidden City used for?
The Forbidden City was the imperial palace of China, acting as the political and ceremonial center from the Ming through the Qing dynasties.
- Residence of emperors and their families (1420–1912)
- Site for major state ceremonies, royal administration, and governance
- Housed royal officials, eunuchs, and concubines in the inner and outer courts
- Since 1925, functions as the Palace Museum showcasing cultural heritage and art
3. How many rooms are there in the Forbidden City, and what is their significance?
The Forbidden City is traditionally believed to have 9,999 rooms, although modern counts list about 8,704. This number is highly symbolic in Chinese culture.
- 9 is considered the supreme number, associated with imperial power.
- 9,999 rooms represent 'nearly' the divine perfection, as 10,000 was reserved for Heaven.
- The vast number underlines the emperor's connection to cosmic authority and heavenly mandate.
4. Are tourists allowed in the Forbidden City?
Yes, the Forbidden City is open to tourists and is one of China’s most popular attractions.
- Entry is regulated through ticket sales and daily visitor limits.
- Major halls, courts, and exhibitions can be visited with guided tours or self-exploration.
- The site is now known as the Palace Museum, and no one lives there today.
5. Who lived in the Forbidden City?
For nearly 500 years, the Forbidden City was home to the Chinese emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- The emperor and his immediate family lived in the Inner Court.
- Royal concubines, high-ranking officials, and eunuchs also resided and worked within the palace.
- Ordinary citizens and lower officials were not permitted inside without authorization.
6. Why are there 9,999 rooms in the Forbidden City?
The legendary figure of 9,999 rooms in the Forbidden City was chosen because 9 symbolizes supreme imperial power in Chinese numerology.
- 10,000 was considered a number reserved for the divine, so 9,999 shows the emperor's earthly, but almost heavenly, status.
- This symbolism highlighted the unique position of the emperor as the Son of Heaven.
7. What is the significance of the Forbidden City as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Forbidden City was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its outstanding universal value in architecture, culture, and history.
- It is the world’s largest preserved wooden palace complex.
- Served as the political heart of imperial China for five centuries.
- Embodies traditional Chinese cosmology, symbolism, and craftsmanship.
8. Can anyone live in the Forbidden City today?
No, no one lives in the Forbidden City today.
- Since 1925, the site has operated as the Palace Museum and is dedicated solely to exhibitions, research, and tourism.
- The location is now protected for its cultural and historic importance.
9. List some unique features of the Forbidden City's architecture.
The Forbidden City has many unique architectural features that reflect Chinese tradition and symbolism.
- Built on a north-south axis for cosmic harmony
- Yellow glazed tile roofs signifying imperial status
- Surrounded by a wide moat (52 meters) and thick walls (10 meters high)
- Divided into the Outer Court (official affairs) and Inner Court (royal residence)
- Major halls: Hall of Supreme Harmony, Central Harmony, and Preserving Harmony
10. What are some interesting facts or myths about the Forbidden City?
The Forbidden City is a place surrounded by fascinating stories and facts.
- Named "forbidden" due to exclusive imperial access.
- Mythically said to have 9,999 rooms, but actual survey lists about 8,704.
- It is rumoured to be haunted due to its long history and palace intrigues, though these claims are unproven.
- Located at the heart of Beijing on a carefully chosen axis for feng shui harmony.
11. When was the Forbidden City built and by which emperor?
The Forbidden City was constructed between 1406 and 1420 under the orders of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty.
- Became the imperial residence in 1420.
- Continued to be used by Ming and Qing emperors until 1912.
12. Is the Forbidden City the largest palace complex in the world?
Yes, the Forbidden City is recognized as the largest palace complex in the world.
- It covers about 720,000 square meters (180 acres).
- Contains nearly 1,000 buildings and around 8,700–9,999 rooms, depending on the method of counting.
