The Forbidden City was built in Beijing on the orders of Zhu Di — Ming Dynasty Emperor Yongle (reigned 1402–24). Its purpose was to consolidate his imperial power and protect his own security. Read on to see the story behind it.
The "Forbidden City" in Nanjing
The earliest capital of the Ming Dynasty was Nanjing. Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder and first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, ordered the construction of a "Forbidden City" in Nanjing in 1366.
The palace was completed in 1368. With its completion, Zhu Yuanzhang ascended the throne and moved into the Nanjing Forbidden City, now known as the Ming Palace.
During the 30 years of Zhu's reign, the palace was maintained and expanded. After that, the palaces were damaged by wars and natural disasters. Now only its ruins remain in Nanjing.
Capital Moved to Beijing for Greater Security
Forbidden CityIn 1398, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang died, and was succeeded by his grandson, the Jianwen Emperor. A civil war soon started because Zhu Di, son of Zhu Yuanzhang and uncle of the Jianwen Emperor, sought to take the crown from his nephew. As a result of the civil war, Zhu Di succeeded in taking the throne. Then he decided to move the capital to Beijing.
Though Zhu Di succeeded in taking the throne, there were many ministers against him in the court. And during the civil war, Emperor Jianwen disappeared. If Emperor Jianwen was not dead, Zhu Di's throne would be threatened. Moving the capital was Zhu Di's solution.
Why Beijing?
Beijing was Zhu Di's fief. He had been living there since he was 11 years old. Zhu Di had also managed various military affairs and civil affairs in the north. Beijing had become his political base where his trusted followers were. Placing the capital within his sphere of influence helped to consolidate his throne.
Another reason was to guard China's northern frontiers. When Zhu Di took the throne and moved to Nanjing, the guard in the north was weakened. The Mongols were constantly harassing the border defenses. Moving the capital to Beijing strengthened the north against Mongol attacks.
A Grander Palace to Show Imperial Power
Forbidden CitySince Beijing was chosen as the capital, a palace had to be built as Zhu Di's residence. So, Zhu Di ordered the construction of Beijing's Forbidden City, modeled after the "Forbidden City" in Nanjing, but on a grander scale.
The construction began in 1406 and was completed in 1420. In 1421, the New Year's celebration ceremony was held in the Hall of Fengtian (now known as Hall of Supreme Harmony). This marked the official move of the capital to Beijing.
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