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Friday, December 12, 2008
Place of Interest 1 Forbidden city, also known as 故宫, was the emperor's abode during ancient times(since ??). Situated at the centre of Beijing, it was a sight to behold. It was a place evident of China's past glory and splendor, a reminder of how China used to be the beacon of the ancient world.
What caused me to be utterly awe-struck was the sheer size of the forbidden city. Lavishness was the word. I thought of how many peasants sacrificed their lives building a 'city' which they'll never live in. Indeed, we witnessed the power of monarchical and hierarchical rule. I'm so glad we have democracy today. Nevertheless, the plight of those peasants parallel to that of foreign workers in Singapore, who put their lives at risk constructing high-rise condominiums or mansions while they have to settle in 'squatter-like' homes.
However, we cannot help but wonder if the legacy of the enormous wealth of Emperor will still exist if the Forbidden City or any other palaces were not built. If they were no remnants of dynastic splendor and glory, the people may not have so much of a mystical past to look up to. Will the Chinese lose their sense and culture? Furthermore, without historical sites, China will definitely be a place less attractive for tourists.
Besides that, what captured my attention was how every room, or 殿, had to be in the centre, following the 中轴线. Furthermore, the layout of the 殿 was such that the word 土 ,signifying earth, is formed. Evidence of superstitious beliefs in the harmony between man and nature! It is mandatory for the residence of royalty to be surrounded by mountains and lakes, only will then good luck, abundance and prosperity result.
Furthermore, what is interesting about the Forbidden City is that only the emperor is allowed to walk in the centre of pathways to and from different rooms while officials, guards, eunuchs and palace servants etc are required to walk at his right or left according to their ranks. I believe this is one of best physical displays of hierarchy as every solitary member in the forbidden city has a defined pathway and stepping onto that of the emperor is an offence punishable by death. This is because this action is perceived as wanting to usurp the throne, utter disrespect.