Geographical Features-Forbidden City

Layout of Forbidden City

The Hall of Supreme Harmony

During the Ming dynasty, specifically under the rule of the  3rd ruler Yongle, the Forbidden City was built. The city was named because only the emperor could cross the central bridge into the city.  There were five bridges for the five Confucius virtues (benevolence, righteousness, proper conduct, wisdom, and trustworthiness).  The Forbidden City is still the largest ancient complex in the world today.  Over 3.1 billion bricks were used for the buildings and the surrounding walls.  The compound covered 250 acres of land divided into two parts.  To the south of one of the more important buildings, is a stream of water which serves as the Daoist requirement (Feng Shui) of having water to the south of a very important complex building.  The base color scheme was red and yellow.  Red was the color associated with yang while yellow was the imperial color.  The city opened up to three buildings; The Hall of Supreme Harmony, The Hall of Middle Harmony, and The Hall of Protective Harmony.  Beyond these three halls was the private sector of the city.  Only the empress was allowed past this point on her wedding day, scholars who passed the highest civil service exam, and of course the emperor himself.