👑 Inner Court, Forbidden City | Royal Life, Hidden Gardens & the Empress’s World 🇨🇳🏮🌸

📝 1. Overview
The Inner Court (内廷 / Nei Ting) of the Forbidden City is the private heart of imperial life, where the emperor, empress, concubines, and royal family lived, worshipped, and relaxed. Located in the northern half of the palace complex, this area contrasts sharply with the grand Outer Court. Here, you’ll find intimate halls, serene courtyards, and quiet gardens—a glimpse into the human side of the imperial dynasty, filled with beauty, tradition, and power behind closed doors.

🌟 2. Highlights
🏠 Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing Gong) – The emperor’s residence and audience hall in early dynasties
👸 Palace of Earthly Tranquility (Kunning Gong) – Former home of the empress and site of imperial wedding rituals
🛏️ Hall of Union (Jiaotai Dian) – Symbolic space representing harmony between emperor and empress
🌳 Imperial Garden (Yuhuayuan) – A mini oasis with ancient cypress trees, rockeries, and colorful pavilions
🖼️ Six Western & Eastern Palaces – Residence of consorts and concubines, filled with personal items and life stories
🪞 Quiet courtyards & corridors – Narrow paths, delicate lattice windows, and decorative tiles create an intimate vibe
📿 Ancestral Shrines & Worship Halls – Blend of Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist influences in daily royal rituals

💡 3. Tips
📸 Best photo spots:
📷 Imperial Garden – Especially in spring with blooming peonies
📷 Palace of Earthly Tranquility – Red walls and green tiles in harmony
📷 Western Palaces courtyards – Shadowy, cinematic shots with rich textures
🧥 Cooler and shadier than Outer Court—nice break in summer
🕐 Visit after the Outer Court for a calm, reflective experience
🎟️ Included in Forbidden City ticket
🎧 Audio guide recommended to understand the symbolism of family life, gender roles, and palace hierarchy

🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 near the North Gate (Inner Court exit)

1. Black Sesame Kitchen
   🍽️ Private kitchen experience with multi-course Chinese meals
   📍 Near Jingshan Park (North Gate area)
   🕒 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM (by reservation only)
   🎎 A romantic, culturally rich dinner
2. Dali Courtyard
   🌶️ Yunnan fusion cuisine in a hidden hutong courtyard
   📍 Jiaodaokou South Street
   🕒 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
   🚗 ~10 min taxi from North Gate
3. Zhiweiguan (Jingshan Branch)
   🥟 Northern Chinese snacks & comfort food
   📍 Across from Jingshan Park
   🕒 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
   🚶 Perfect for casual lunch after palace visit

🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Recommended Spots Within Inner Court
🏯 Qianqing Gong (Heavenly Purity Palace)
Emperor’s sleeping and meeting quarters
Double dragon throne – rare and symbolic
👸 Kunning Gong (Earthly Tranquility Palace)
Imperial bridal room – preserved wedding bed
Ritual altars – Taoist and Buddhist elements
⚖️ Jiaotai Dian (Hall of Union)
Storage of imperial seals
Octagonal shape = balance and harmony
🌸 Imperial Garden (Yuhuayuan)
Pavilion of 10,000 Autumns – Beautifully painted ceiling
Hill of Accumulated Elegance – Rock garden for meditation

🚗 5. Access
📍 From Outer Court
🚶 The Inner Court is entered by passing through Gate of Heavenly Purity (乾清门)
📍 Exit via Shenwu Gate (North Gate)
🚇 Subway Line 8 or 6 to Nanluoguxiang, then walk to Jingshan Park
🛏️ Stay in Shichahai or Nanluoguxiang hutong hotels for old Beijing charm and nearby access

The Inner Court is the soul of the Forbidden City—a quiet, layered world of power, tradition, and elegance. Step through its gates and feel the weight of centuries lived in silence and ceremony. 🌸👘🕊️