Exploring the monumental Tiananmen and the treasures it holds
Situated in the heart of Beijing, Tiananmen Square derives its name from the monumental Tiananmen, also known as the ‘Gate of Heavenly Peace’. The square is home to significant landmarks, including the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the visionary founder of the People’s Republic of China.
This was where we ventured to on our second day in China. Despite the chilly weather, the sun cast a breath-taking glow on this iconic city square, making the stroll even more exquisite.
Dominating the centre stands magnificent architecture, reminiscent of an ancient Chinese dynasty gate. It commands attention, overlooking the expansive open space that resembles a parade square.
As we strolled, we encountered a group of military men marching purposefully to their posts, a captivating sight that drew not only my gaze but, I suspect, and the attention of others.
Capturing the moment through a series of memorable shots, Valen, our tour guide, led us towards the renowned Forbidden City, providing engaging insights into its rich background.
FORBIDDEN CITY
For nearly five centuries, the Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, served as the majestic core of China. It stands as China’s most impeccably preserved imperial palace, boasting the title of the world’s largest ancient palatial structure.
This architectural marvel is a veritable treasure trove, sheltering over a million rare and invaluable works of art.
Within its walls, a peerless collection of Chinese historical artefacts unfolds, encompassing ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, bronzes, timepieces, jade pieces, ancient books, and historical documents.
As Valen delved into the historical narrative of the Forbidden City, he wove captivating tales of emperors and their concubines. However, for brevity, I won’t delve into these familiar stories, as they would require more than a page to recount.
The Forbidden City unveils grandeur through its meticulously designed buildings, adorned with architectural arts on walls and throughout the palace.
Within these walls, visitors gain insight into China’s royal culture and marvel at the precious treasures once held by the royal court, transforming this place into a divine sanctuary.
Ordinary people were forbidden entry, granting only limited access to government functionaries and the imperial family.
This exclusivity earned the palace its name, as only the emperor could freely navigate any section.
Functioning as the Chinese imperial palace and winter residence for over 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City housed 24 emperors, their families, and servants.
Comprising 980 buildings, 9,999 rooms, and spanning 178 acres, it stood as an unparalleled symbol of imperial power.
Since 1925, the Palace Museum has overseen the Forbidden City in Beijing, safeguarding one of the world’s largest and best-preserved wooden structures.
Recognised as a national key cultural relic in 1961 and declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, the Forbidden City remains a testament to China’s rich history and cultural legacy.
Navigating through the city, we encountered various visiting halls aligned along the central axis, stretching from the Meridian Gate to the Gate of Divine Might – the primary route.
The most significant structures, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony, and Palace of Heavenly Purity, were strategically positioned along this axis.
In line with Valen’s pre-visit insights, we observed numerous colossal water jars arranged in arcades and scattered throughout the Forbidden City.
Each jar, capable of holding 3,000 litres of water, served a crucial role in fire prevention.
Eunuchs, responsible for maintaining the jars during their reigns, ensured they were filled and cleaned to prevent any unpleasant odours.
The design of these massive water jars evolved over the dynasties. During the Ming Dynasty, simplicity prevailed with round rings on the exterior, while the Qing Dynasty introduced a more sophisticated design.
Regardless of the dynasty, the jars rested on stone platforms featuring a central circular hole. This design allowed eunuchs to burn coal underneath during freezing winters, preventing the water from freezing.
Despite our eagerness for deeper exploration, time constraints prevailed. After capturing numerous photos and playfully imagining ourselves as court ladies from bygone dynasties, we headed to our waiting van outside the city for dinner.
Soon, we retreated to our night shelters, anticipating a rejuvenating rest for the adventures awaiting us on Day Three in Beijing. – Lyna Mohamad
