The Guardians of the Forbidden City

Let's have a down-to-earth chat about the Forbidden City and the stories of its guardians.

Speaking of the Forbidden City, it was once the home of emperors, and now it's a place that common folks like us can visit. Back in the day, in 1406, Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty issued a decree, and construction of the Forbidden City began. By 1420, this golden palace complex had risen from the ground. It is not just the emperor's throne but also a pride of Chinese ancient architecture.

In that era, the emperor was the number one fan and guardian of the Forbidden City. He not only ordered its construction but also had to maintain it since it was his home. The artisans, eunuchs, and palace maids were the daily guardians of the Forbidden City, working tirelessly to ensure that the palace operated smoothly. These ordinary people witnessed the glory and changes of the Forbidden City.

As time flew by to the late 19th century, the Forbidden City faced a great crisis. In 1900, the Eight-Nation Alliance invaded, and Beijing was thrown into chaos, putting the Forbidden City at risk. But at that moment, some brave individuals stepped up—perhaps palace officials or guardians of cultural relics—risking their lives to protect the treasures of the Forbidden City. During the Republic of China period, the cultural relics faced several major relocations, especially during the War of Resistance against Japan. To prevent national treasures from falling into enemy hands, the treasures of the Forbidden City embarked on a difficult journey south, a chapter filled with wisdom and courage.

In 1949, with the birth of New China, the Forbidden City welcomed a new spring. The government undertook large-scale repairs and protection, revitalizing this ancient palace. The guardians today are no longer royal family members but professional conservation teams, scholars, and volunteers. They use modern technology and expertise to scientifically restore and protect the Forbidden City.

In 1925, the Palace Museum was established, marking the transition of the Forbidden City from a royal forbidden zone to a public cultural heritage site. In this new historical period, the guardians have taken on an even more important mission—not just to protect tangible cultural heritage, but also to pass on and promote the spiritual culture of the Chinese nation. Every visitor who enters the Forbidden City actually becomes an invisible guardian of this cultural heritage, witnessing the blend of history and modernity.

So, friends, the Forbidden City is not just a palace; it is a living history, recording the rise and fall of the Chinese nation, as well as the steadfastness and dedication of countless guardians. As we respect history, let’s continue to pass on this precious cultural heritage. Next time you come to Beijing, don’t forget to take a stroll in the Forbidden City and feel the stories and spirit of those guardians.