The Forbidden City in Beijing is one of the world’s most iconic historical sites, serving as China’s imperial palace for nearly 500 years. While many of us recognize its grandeur, there are several intriguing details that make this palace truly extraordinary.
The Forbidden City isn’t just a historical landmark, it’s a symbol of Chinese heritage, mystery, and architectural brilliance. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a traveler, this extraordinary palace remains a must-visit destination.
Check out this list of 10 fascinating facts you might not know about about the Forbidden City -
1. It has 9,999 and a Half Rooms
The Forbidden City, built to honor the Jade Emperor, who was believed to have a 10,000-room palace in heaven, has 9,999.5 rooms, just half a room short of divine status. This number also symbolized longevity and prosperity.
2. It was Off-Limits for 500 Years
From its completion in 1420 until 1925, The Forbidden City was closed to ordinary citizens. Only emperors, royal family members, and select officials were allowed entry. Anyone trespassing without permission faced severe punishment.
3. The World’s Largest Palace Complex
The Forbidden City, spanning 180 acres (72 hectares) is the largest imperial palace in the world. With 980 buildings, it could easily accommodate the Vatican, the Kremlin, and Buckingham Palace combined!
4. It was Built Without a Single Nail
One of the greatest engineering marvels is that its wooden structures were assembled without nails. Ancient Chinese joinery techniques ensured stability and durability, helping the palace withstand centuries of wear and tear.
5. Earthquake-Proof Design
The Forbidden City, despite enduring multiple earthquakes, has remained intact for over 600 years. Its interlocking wooden beams allow the structures to absorb seismic shocks, preventing major damage.
6. The Roofs Have Special Symbolic Statues
The imperial buildings feature rows of small mythical animal statues on their roofs, believed to ward off evil spirits. The higher the number of statues, the higher its importance. The Hall of Supreme Harmony has 10, the highest number permitted.
7. There Are Hidden Underground Tunnels
The Forbidden City is believed to have secret underground tunnels, believed to run beneath the city, to be used by emperors and officials to move discreetly or escape in times of danger. Some of these passages remain unexplored.
8. The Floors Have 15 Layers of Brick
The floor of the palace was constructed with 15 layers of bricks to prevent assassination attempts and tunneling intrusions. This security feature made it almost impossible for enemies to dig their way inside.
9. It Holds Over 1.86 Million Artifacts
The Forbidden City, now operating as the Palace Museum houses over 1.86 million cultural relics, including ancient paintings, ceramics, calligraphy, and royal treasures, making it one of the world’s most significant art collections.
10. Many Believe it is Haunted
Due to centuries of royal conspiracies, executions, and betrayals, ghost stories are pretty common in the Forbidden City. The guards and visitors have reported strange sounds, eerie shadows, and ghostly figures wandering the palaces at night.