Forbidden City was used as the imperial palace in two big dynasties period of China, Ming and Qing Dynasty. Has known as the largest palace complex in the world with best-preserved collection of wooden buildings, Forbidden City now is one of the must visit place for everyone visit Beijing, the capital of China. So beside Great Wall which is popular for its gigantic features and impressive history, there is Forbidden City.

My trip to Hong Kong continued to the mainland of China by visit Beijing. A first day my family and I arrived in Beijing, after checked to the hotel in Wangfujing area, we just go ahead to palace. Because this is my second time visit Beijing, so I did skip Great Wall this time. This trip with family I just roaming around inside the downtown. Since, I knew about Chinese and Forbidden City, so this is my job for guided them to the palace.

Front Gate of Forbidden City

So after entered the palace, we just continued our way to the Three Great Halls (the glorious heart of the Forbidden City) in the Outer Court of Forbidden City. What is Outer Court? Is there any Inner Court, maybe? Yes, there is the Inner Court of Forbidden City, but now let me tell you about the Outer Court first. The Outer Court is the place where emperors handled court business. As you should know, there are a total of 24 emperors ruled the country from here over a span of nearly 500 years.

Magnificent Ancient Building inside Forbidden City

First, in the front area, we could see the Hall of Supreme Harmony which is the most important and largest structure in the Forbidden City (one of the Three Great Halls). Built in the 15th century and restored in the 17th century, it was used for ceremonial occasions, such as the emperor's birthday, the nomination of military leaders and coronations. Behind the Hall of Supreme Harmony is the smaller Hall of Middle Harmony where at past emperors make his last-minute preparations, rehearse speeches and receive close ministers. The third of the Great Halls is the Hall of Preserving Harmony which was used for banquets and later for imperial examinations at ancient times. What is the most unique fact is the hall has no support pillars. You can admire it directly by visit Forbidden City on your vacation.

And the next we move to the Inner Court of Forbidden City. Inner Court was used as the resident of emperor and his family. The magnificent buildings and halls can be seen all around from where we stand. It has its deepest history behind and impressive ancient architecture of China to be proud of.