Religious activities in the Forbidden City

Author: Wang Baoguang (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-09-01
Features: As is well known, the Forbidden City in Beijing was the imperial palace of the last two feudal dynasties of China—the Ming and Qing dynasties. At that time, it was called the Purple Forbidden City, also known as the Grand Internal Palace, where the "Son of Heaven" (the emperor) lived, secluded and distant from commoners. Today, as a precious cultural heritage of humanity and the world's largest and most complete ancient palace complex still in existence, the Forbidden City attracts an increasing number of domestic and international tourists with its majestic, grand, and imposing atmosphere, magnificent and splendid architectural art, unique court historical exhibits, and extremely rich treasures from all dynasties. It has become a globally renowned and awe-inspiring artistic sanctuary and tourist destination. Many visitors admire the Forbidden City with reverence. The former imperial palace, once revered by all and guarded with strict vigilance, is now perceived by ordinary people as truly sacred, mysterious, and beautiful. Stepping into the Forbidden City, visitors are inevitably moved by the artistic charm and imperial grandeur of the former palace. The vast halls, the long palace walls, the deep alleys, the secluded courtyards, the majestic Golden Hall, the empress dowager's throne room adorned with jade and silk curtains, the wedding chambers with splendid decorations, the Zhenfei Well where dreams fade and fragrances vanish, the lingering willows, the elegant magnolias, the silhouettes of the corner towers standing against the blue sky, and the enchanting charm of the Forbidden City's dawn and dusk—everything leaves visitors in awe and makes them linger long. Yet, who would have thought that amidst this splendor and poetic scenery, there exists a lesser-known mysterious world alongside you—these are the numerous temples and shrines scattered throughout the palace grounds. There, seated respectfully, are various deities worshipped by the people, reflecting the enduring passion and devotion of our ancestors to the heavens, earth, and deities, as well as to the sages and the Three Teachings (Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism). In addition to the temples and shrines, there are also spaces reserved for folk deities and the shamanistic rituals unique to the Manchus of the Qing Dynasty. The world of deities and Buddhas in the Forbidden City can be called the "True Rulers of the Three Realms and Ten Thousand Spirits of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity."