China, Beijing -The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City in Beijing, China, served as the imperial palace from the Ming to Qing dynasties. Built between 1406 and 1420, it consists of 980 buildings and covers 180 acres. It was the political and ceremonial center of Chinese government for nearly 500 years. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its traditional Chinese architecture. The Forbidden City was constructed using precious materials like Phoebe zhennan wood and golden bricks. It was the seat of the Ming dynasty until 1644, when it was captured by Li Zicheng. The Qing dynasty later took over, introducing changes to the palace. The complex is divided into the outer and inner courts, with significant buildings like the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

What was the primary function of the Forbidden City during the Ming and Qing dynasties?

• A marketplace for traders

• A religious temple

• A military fortress

• The imperial palace and political center

Which emperor initiated the construction of the Forbidden City?

• Qianlong Emperor

• Kangxi Emperor

• Yongle Emperor

• Hongwu Emperor

What significant change did the Qing rulers introduce to the Forbidden City?

• They moved the capital back to Nanjing

• They converted it into a museum

• They changed the names of principal buildings to emphasize harmony

• They added more buildings

How many buildings does the Forbidden City consist of?

• 1,500

• 980

• 500

• 2,000

What is the Hall of Supreme Harmony known for?

• Containing the largest collection of paintings

• Being the smallest building in the complex

• Being the ceremonial center of imperial power

• Housing the emperor's private quarters

Which palace did the emperor occupy in the inner court?

• Hall of Union

• Palace of Heavenly Purity

• Palace of Earthly Tranquility

• Gate of Supreme Harmony

What do the yin and yang represent in the context of the Forbidden City's inner court?

• The division between rich and poor

• The balance between war and peace

• The harmony between heaven and earth

• The contrast between light and darkness