Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Imperial Garden
At the northern end of the Forbidden City is the Imperial Garden ( Yu Huay-
uan), a classical Chinese garden with 7000 sq metres of fine landscaping, in-
cluding rockeries, walkways, pavilions and ancient cypresses. Before you
reach the Gate of Divine Prowess Offline map Google map ( Shenwu Men), the
Forbidden City's north exit, and Shunzhen Gate Offline map Google map (
Shunzhen Men), which leads to it, note the pair of bronze elephants whose
front knees bend in an anatomically impossible fashion, signifying the power of
the emperor; even elephants would kowtow before him.
Complete Palace of Peace and Longevity
Offline map Google map
A mini Forbidden City, known as the Complete Palace of Peace and Longevity
( Ning Shou Quan Gong) was built in the northeastern corner of the complex,
mimicking the structure of the great halls of the central axis. During the Ming
dynasty this was where the Empress Dowager and the imperial concubines
lived. Now it houses a series of quieter courtyard buildings, which contain a
number of fine museum exhibitions, known collectively as the Treasure
Gallery ( Zhen Bao Guan; entrance ¥10) .
The complex is entered from the south, not far from the Clock Exhibition
Hall. Just inside the entrance, you'll find the beautiful glazed Nine Dragon
Screen Offline map Google map ( Jiulong Bi), one of only three of its type left in
China.
Visitors then work their way north, exploring a number of peaceful halls and
courtyards before being popped out at the northern end of the Forbidden City.
Don't miss the Pavilion of Cheerful Melodies Offline map Google map (
Changyin Ge), a three-storey wooden opera house, which was the palace's
largest theatre.
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