The Imperial Garden
 The Gate of Earthly Tranquility marks
the end of the Inner court and leads to the Imperial Garden. This Garden was laid out
during the Ming Dynasty on an invisible axis, the buildings on both sides of the axis
maintained in perfect balance.
This garden has an
area of over 12,000 square meters. The Hall of Imperial Peace (Qin An Dian) stands in the
middle, surrounded by a rectangular wall. It was built as early as the 15th century. Two
gilded unicorns (Qilin) guard the door. The unicorns are supposed to be able to protect
the hall from evil spirits. The Hall stands amidst trees, natural rockeries, flower beds,
pavilions, terraces, and bronze incense burners. It is a miracle to be able to maintain
the natural beauty and harmonious layout within such a limited space.
 The
Pavilion of Ten Thousand Springs ( Wan Chun ting) lies in the east of the garden. It was
built in 1535 and restored during the Qing Dynasty. This pavilion is meant to symbolize
the spring, and undoubtedly, there are also three other pavilions which symbolize the
summer, autumn and winter respectively.
Accummlated Beauty
Hill (Dui Xiu Shan) is a little artificial mountain with a cave. It is located to the
northeast. Fountains play around it and the Pavilion of Imperial View is on top of the
mountain. The Qing Emperors would climb up to the Pavilion on the Double Yang Festival to
enjoy the scenery with the royal family.
This garden was
used by the imperial family to sip tea, play chess, meditate and have all kinds of fun!
Can you imagine the luxury of living here!
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