🏯 Outer Court, Forbidden City | Majesty, Power & Imperial Ritual 🇨🇳🐉🎎

📝 1. Overview
The Outer Court of the Forbidden City (外朝 / Wai Chao) is the grand ceremonial section of the palace complex, designed for imperial governance, state rituals, and public appearances. Located in the southern half of the Forbidden City, this part was once strictly reserved for the emperor and his top officials—no concubines or ordinary people allowed. With its massive halls, open courtyards, and richly symbolic architecture, the Outer Court is where you’ll feel the full majesty and formality of imperial power.

🌟 2. Highlights
🏯 Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian) – The largest and most important hall, used for enthronements and grand ceremonies
🎎 Hall of Central Harmony (Zhonghe Dian) – A smaller, quieter space where emperors prepared before public events
📜 Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohe Dian) – Site of imperial banquets and final civil service exams
🐲 Golden Throne & Dragon Motifs – Look for detailed carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and cloud patterns throughout
🧱 White Marble Terraces – Multi-tiered platforms with ornate balustrades and mythical beast sculptures
🌞 Sunlight Courtyards – Massive open squares reflecting the emperor’s unmatched authority
📏 Strict Layout Symmetry – Designed according to ancient feng shui and Confucian principles

💡 3. Tips
📸 Best photo spots:
📷 Centerline view from the Gate of Supreme Harmony – Perfectly symmetrical with golden roofs
📷 Close-up of dragon carvings on stairways and balustrades
📷 Hall of Supreme Harmony’s rooftop – Best in morning light for gold shimmer
🕐 Arrive early (before 9:30 AM) to beat tour groups and get cleaner photos
🎟️ Entry included with Forbidden City ticket (¥60–¥80 depending on season)
🧥 Wear comfortable shoes—lots of stone paving and stairs
🎧 Consider renting an audio guide or using the official app for deeper context

🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 near the Forbidden City’s South Gate (Outer Court access point)

1. TRB Hutong
   🍽️ Modern European tasting menus in a former temple
   📍 95 Donghuamen Street
   🕒 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Reservations recommended)
   🌟 A refined escape just steps from history
2. Fangshan Restaurant (in Beihai Park)
   🥢 Imperial-style Chinese dining, once reserved for royals
   📍 Inside Beihai Park, ~10 min walk
   🕒 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
   🎭 A royal meal after a royal tour
3. Li Qun Roast Duck
   🦆 Hidden gem for authentic Beijing roast duck
   📍 Beixiangfeng Hutong
   🕒 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
   🚶 15–20 min walk through scenic hutongs

🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Outer Court Main Structures
🏯 Taihe Dian (Supreme Harmony)
Dragon Throne – Center of power and ceremony
Golden Roofs – Best viewed from below on the marble terraces
🏛️ Zhonghe Dian (Central Harmony)
Preparation hall – Fewer crowds, subtle design
Intricate wood ceilings – Great for detail shots
🎊 Baohe Dian (Preserving Harmony)
Exam Hall – History of scholar-officials
Banquet space – Symbol of imperial reward

🚗 5. Access
📍 Main Entrance (South Gate / Meridian Gate – 午门)
🚇 Line 1 to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West Station → 5–10 min walk
📍 From Airport
🚇 Airport Express → Line 2 → Line 1 to Tiananmen
📍 Local Travel
🚶 Forbidden City is a one-way route: South to North
🛏️ Stay in Wangfujing or Qianmen area for easy access

The Outer Court is where imperial China revealed its face to the world—a masterpiece of symbolism, scale, and ceremonial drama. It’s not just architecture—it’s a stage where emperors ruled under heaven. 🐉

4o