![]() ![]() ![]() Based on the principles of feng shui, the layout was designed to be symmetrical, with each building or space having a complimentary component, and each side of the north-south axis compliments each other.Įmphasizing the union between mankind and nature is one of the most important practices within Chinese traditions and philosophy. The halls of the Forbidden City were arranged symmetrically on the north-south central axis.įeng shui is a key feature of the Forbidden City. The important buildings had to be on the south-north "axis of power".The imperial palace had to be built in the center of the capital city on its south north axis.To show this power's central place in the nation: Based on Confucian thought, the south-north axis was believed to point visitors towards Heaven.Īccording to Confucianism, emperors held supreme power from Heaven, which allowed them to govern the whole nation. For example, this is why the main gate faces south and the main road to the palace runs on a north-south axis. These philosophies were developed in China's pre-imperial Zhou era (1045–221 BC).Ĭonfucian thought is influential in the layout it establishes stability and represents harmony between man and earth. Most of the buildings were built based on the Book of Changes, China's oldest text on divination and cosmology, as well as being based on traditional Chinese culture, particularly Confucian culture. The palace complex is centered on the south-north axis of the old city of Beijing. The emperor was believed to represent Heaven and was therefore housed in the north. The south-north axis is one of the most important features of the Forbidden City's layout.įrom its main southern entrance through its majestic halls to its northern emperors' quarters, the south-north axis was believed to point visitors towards Heaven (the North Star was thought to be Heaven as it is the only seemingly stationary star in the northern sky). Forbidden City plan view: click to enlarge The Forbidden City was symmetrically on the north-south central axis of old Beijing. ![]()
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