| A Quick Glance At Structural Details |
The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest structure in the Forbidden City, and the most important. You may recognize its profile as a logo for Beijing. Here, the emperor would receive anybody who could muster the guts to visit, select his military leaders, and throw birthday parties (among other things). 
Dragons were one of those "Just For The Emperor" things. The dragon package includes the nine sons of the dragon, who constantly appear on rooftop trimming. Tablets and large plaques are often placed atop a turtle with a dragon's head (that's the grinning guy, not with camera). The turtle is the dragon's oldest son, chosen to bear messages for his steadiness. Don't forget to look UP when you're in the throne rooms. Ceilings in the Forbidden City are for the most part covered in colorfully elaborate and detailed designs, usually in bright colors with gold trim. A dragon theme is the most prevalent (symbolizing power and longevity), with a cloud motif in a close second (a reminder that the emperor was the son of Heaven). Don't forget: Y2K begins the chinese year of the dragon! 
Return to The Forbidden City The Wacky Seester |