{"id":487,"date":"2020-04-12T10:34:36","date_gmt":"2020-04-12T00:34:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/worldheritagejourney.com\/?p=487"},"modified":"2023-12-20T07:01:37","modified_gmt":"2023-12-19T21:01:37","slug":"world-heritage-sites-in-beijing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldheritagejourney.com\/world-heritage-sites-in-beijing\/","title":{"rendered":"World Heritage Sites in Beijing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Beijing is a magnificent place to visit. One of the world’s most exciting and interesting cities, Beijing boasts a whopping seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From prehistoric humans, to ancient and modern Chinese culture, the UNESCO sites in Beijing are both varied and inspiring. Read on for our guide to the seven World Heritage Sites in Beijing. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Forbidden City – World Heritage Site in Beijing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First of the World Heritage Sites in Beijing is two separate palace complexes built by the Ming and the Qing Dynasties. The incredible Forbidden City in Beijing is easily the most important of these palaces. Built by Yongle<\/a>, third and greatest of the Ming Emperors, it took 15 years and a million men to construct. Yongle seized the throne in a violent palace coup in 1406, and he ordered his new palace and capital to rigidly enforce the law and social hierarchy. And although it’s now a museum, it’s still right at the heart of the centre of China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You enter the complex through the enormous Meridian Gate. It’s just behind the Tiananmen Gate onto Tiananmen Square, with its famous portrait of Chairman Mao. Here there’s three archways, the centre one reserved for the emperor’s exclusive use. His family, ministers, and other officials all had to use separate entrances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The famous Tiananmen Gate, entry to the Forbidden City World Heritage Site<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Through the Gate and inside the walls is the main palace. It’s a rectangular complex of over 180 acres and nearly a thousand buildings. The main buildings are arranged into the Outer and Inner Courts, and run in a north-south line through the centre of the complex. The Outer Court was for formal, ceremonial affairs, while the Inner Court was for day-to-day business. It’s also where the imperial family actually lived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside the Meridian Gate is a large square with a winding artificial river, overlooked by the Gate of Supreme Harmony. Entering this gate, you’ll see the Hall of Supreme Harmony. This hall is at the heart of the whole complex, and the seat of imperial power. It’s where the emperor would receive dignitaries and hold court. Fittingly, it’s the largest building in the palace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The imposing Hall of Supreme Harmony at the centre of the Forbidden City<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nearby you’ll also find the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. These are the other important buildings of the Outer Court. Delicate paintings and impressive stone relief carvings cover both of these buildings. Highlights of the Inner Court are the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Union, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. Although smaller, these buildings are just as detailed in their decoration and artwork. And of course, golden tiles cover the roofs of all buildings in the complex, signifying the majesty of the emperor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Beautiful and intricate detailing inside the Forbidden City, Beijing<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Overall, it’s a fantastic and impressive palace, one of the true highlights of China. Exploring the palace compound is a real treat, showing you how the Ming and Qing dynasties ruled China for over 500 years. And to answer the obvious question – why is it called the Forbidden City? Simple! It’s the size of a small city, and literally everyone was forbidden from entering or leaving without express permission from the emperor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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