The most majestic palace in the People’s Republic of China is located in the center of its capital, Beijing.
This palace is also known as the ‘Palace Museum’.
However, this place, which is now known as the Palace Museum, was referred to as the ‘Forbidden City’ in the past.
The Forbidden City’s history dates back to more than 600 years.
The palace was built between the period of the Ming Dynasty which was in power from 1368 to 1644 BC and the Qing Dynasty which was in power from 1644 to 1911.
The Forbidden City was the home to 24 emperors of China.
The construction of the palace began by the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Yongle, in 1406 and was completed in 1420.
Fourteen emperors of the Ming Dynasty ruled the empire from the palace until it was taken over by the Manchus in 1644.
Chinese history says the Manchus moved the capital to Shenyang for a few months after they conquered the palace.
The Forbidden City later fell to the hands of the Qing Dynasty and has been home to 10 emperors of the Qing Dynasty ever since.
The city was the seat of the Qing dynasty until the last emperor abdicated in 1912 following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.
Considered to be the world’s largest imperial palace, it is said to be three times larger than the Louvre Palace in France.
The Forbidden City which is 7,750,000 square feet in size has been completed with the contribution of a million laborers.
It consists of more than 90 palace quarters and courtyards, 980 buildings and over 8,728 rooms.
The architects have designed it in a way that birds are unable to roost on the roofs of the Forbidden City.
The spaces between the tiles on the high roofs have been widened in order to retain the cleanliness and splendor of the city.
It is said that the colors of the Forbidden City are based on Feng Shui, and therefore, yellow and red colors can be seen often.
Buildings of European and Arabian architecture are also located within the premises.
It was said that part of the old collection at the museum is still in Taiwan as a result of removing some national treasures from the Forbidden City during the Japanese invasion in 1933.
Following the end of World War II, part of the collection was returned from Taiwan, but some of the artefacts are kept in the National Palace Museum in Taipei.
Many people here believe that a visit to the Forbidden City is incomplete without a visit to Jingshan Park.
If you wish to see just how enormous and majestic the Forbidden City is, you must visit the nearby Jingshan Park where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire complex from top of a hill.
The Italian Naval Ship ANTONIO MARCEGLIA which arrived in Sri Lanka on February 5th for replenishment, departed the island yesterday.
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
Upon leaving, ANTONIO MARCEGLIA engaged in a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Sayura.
Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander Alberto Bartolomeo called on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chandima Silva at Western Naval Command Headquarters.
In addition, crew members of ANTONIO MARCEGLIA took time off to visit some tourist attractions in Colombo and Galle.
Sri Lanka celebrates the 77th National Independence Day today (Feb. 04).
The 77th National Independence Day celebration under the theme ‘Rallying for National Renaissance’ was held today at Independence Square in Colombo under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
This year, the government had announced several measures aimed at cutting costs while ensuring greater public participation.
Accordingly, only 1,873 Tri-Forces military personnel participated in the Independence Day celebrations in comparison to 3,384 who participated last year, reduced by 1,511 soldiers.
The Government had also decided not to use armoured vehicles of the Tri-Forces for this year.
Only 03 aircraft belonging to the Air Force were used this year, in contrast to the 19 aircraft used last year.
While the national flag is to be hoisted at state institutions from February 01 to 07, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry had decided to scrap electric light decorations at the institutions.
The Prisons Department stated that 285 prisoners will be released today to mark the 77th Independence Day under a special state pardon. Today will be an open day at the prisons for relatives to visit the inmates.
Special measures are in place at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo these days to mark the Chinese New Year.
Accordingly, since Jan. 28 until Feb 12, from 06.30 am – 11.00am and from 03.30pm – 10.30pm, the temple welcomes Chinese nationals in the country to make offerings and seek religious blessings during the festive season.
Flowers, lights, candles, oil, fresh fruits can be offered to Lord Buddha according to Chinese traditional customs while dry rations and alms can be offered to the venerable monks.