The Forbidden City

The forbidden city is the former Imperial Palace and was home to 24 emperors over 491 years. There are 9,999 rooms in the forbidden city. A moat surrounds it and is called a protective river of the city. It faces south like most other buildings in China. The was practical architecture, to avoid northerly winds and gain the most sunshine in winter. Two dynasties reigned in the Forbidden City, the Ming (1368-1644) and Qin (1644-1911). There are two courts the outer and inner.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony: Referred to as the throne. It was also the place for important ceremonies such as the emperor's birthday, enthronement of the crown prince, and initiation of military.

The Hall of Protective Harmony: This area was used for banquets.

The Hall of Earthly Peace: This is where the empress resided. Hanging in the front entrance it was customary to have a red screen

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