This Powerpoint slideshow presentation looks at China's greatest historical building still in use today. It describes the history, the construction and the architectural elements of the palace, using beautiful photos and illustrations. It is one of the highlight for traveller visiting Beijing.
precolonial architecture of Cambodia, Angkor wat , history of architecture AMMU PRADEEP KUMAR
About the precolonial Cambodian architecture , introduction to khmer architecture ,characteristics of khmer architecture , architectural features and planning of Angkor wat.
precolonial architecture of Cambodia, Angkor wat , history of architecture AMMU PRADEEP KUMAR
About the precolonial Cambodian architecture , introduction to khmer architecture ,characteristics of khmer architecture , architectural features and planning of Angkor wat.
The Mycenaean civilization flourished during the period roughly between 1600 BC. It perished with the collapse of bronze age civilization in the eastern Mediterranean.
This project on Colonial Architecture in India will help us to :
Develop skills to gather data, investigate different view points and reach to a logical justification.
Appreciate the idea of architecture used by the Britishers.
Understand various features of British Architecture and respect the assimilation of different styles of buildings.
Ancient Egyptian Architecture and the a brief study of Rock cut grave to pyramid and there detailed analysis in terms of pyramid material and the shape with the old kingdome to new kingdome
The Mycenaean civilization flourished during the period roughly between 1600 BC. It perished with the collapse of bronze age civilization in the eastern Mediterranean.
This project on Colonial Architecture in India will help us to :
Develop skills to gather data, investigate different view points and reach to a logical justification.
Appreciate the idea of architecture used by the Britishers.
Understand various features of British Architecture and respect the assimilation of different styles of buildings.
Ancient Egyptian Architecture and the a brief study of Rock cut grave to pyramid and there detailed analysis in terms of pyramid material and the shape with the old kingdome to new kingdome
The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost five centuries, it served as the home of the Emperor and his household, as well as the ceremonial and political centre of Chinese government.
Built from 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 surviving buildings with 8,707 bays of rooms and covers 720,000 square metres (7,800,000 square feet). The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. Source:Wikipedia.
The Palace is one of the highlight sites within the well-known Alhambra, Granada in Spain. It was the last palace of the Moorish States in Spain. From 8th century to the 14th century, Islamic Spain was the jewel in the Islamic world. What was created in Granada has a profound effect on the art of Islamic aa well as the art of Europe
Beijing’s Declaration and Platform for Action agenda: Progress in Europe and ...UNDP Eurasia
This March 2014 presentation reviews Beijing’s Declaration and Platform for Action agenda and looks at the progress made in Europe and Central Asia since 1995.
Travel with us back in time to learn about the Mayan civilization. Our trip begins in the year eight hundred twenty-five.
We are in an area near the border between modern Mexico and Guatemala. ...
VOA Special English.
M.C. Enrique Ruiz Díaz.
Con título y cédula profesional 5632071 en la Maestría en Ciencias de la Computación.
Egresado del Instituto Tecnológico de Orizaba, Veracruz, México.
Qugong (meaning the Old Palace) was the official residence of the Chinese Emperor for the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was completed in 1420 and took 15 years to build. It is a model of Chinese palatial architecture.
In this version, it includes the recently restored Qianlong’s retirement garden apartments (倦勤斋), which mothballed for the last 100 years. The apartment was built at the zenith of the Qing Dynasty. The interior decorations are extravagant in design, using the finest materials and employing the best of Chinese and European craftsmanship. It was recently restored and many of the original materials have survived relatively unaltered in the last 230 years. The restoration cost $25m and planning began in 2002 and expected to be completed in 2019.
The entire information about all the mysuru palaces is mentioned including features of total budget,architecture style,architects ,total no of palaces,etc...,
Red fort and President House Compare and ContrastAman Gupta
Red Fort and President House both are situated in Delhi.
Both are the Historical Monument of our country. Well in this Power Point Presentation we have compared some of the facts of Red Fort and President House.
The Great Wall of China and Temple of Heaven (Scientific Theory)sahilyadav902
Scientific Theory of these monuments
I have also uploaded a ppt about the history and culture of these monuments. The link is given below:-
http://www.slideshare.net/sahilyadav902/ppt-on-the-great-wall-of-china-and-temple-of-heavenhistory-and-culture
Claude Monet (1840-1926) was the leading member of the Impressionist group and the one who longest practised the principles of absolute fidelity to the visual sensation and painting directly from the object, in necessary out of door. Cezanne is said to have described him as ’only one eye, but my God what an eye!’. Monet is also the one who took impressionism into new contradictory way to become, in the 1940s, a major influence on Abstract Expressionism.
Galicia is a green rain-swept region remarkable for its coastal cliffs and bays (rias). Traditionally, it was seen as a poor agricultural region whose economy did not lend itself to modernization. It was never conquered by the Moors. Bordering Portugal to the south and enclosed by the waters of the Atlantic, Galicia could offer its inhabitants little on the way of new land for cultivation. Overpopulation and unemployment forced many to emigrate. Galicia has always maintained strong links with the sea, with A Coruna, a port for commerce and industry. However fishing is vital to the economy and Galician seafood is the best in Spain.
Clara Peeters (1594-c1659) was active between 1607 and 1621. Unlike many of the women painters of her time, she specialized on Still-life. She was a pioneer female painter. Early female painters were mostly portrait painters. There is not much known about her life as well. Her paintings of tables of food and other objects ware early manifestations of naturalism. As far as we know, her paintings of fish are the first that were dedicated to this subject.
Lavinia Fontana (1552-1614) lived in Bologna, Italy. She was a contemporary of Sofonisba Anguissola, who was internationally known. Her father was a distinguished printed of the School of Bologna. Her earliest work was printed in 1575, ‘The Child of the Monkey’, At 23. She specialised in painted portraits and mainly on women of nobleman and of high society. She was particularly skilled in painting dresses. Her relationships with female clients were often warm and some became godparents of her children.
Fontana married artist Gian Zappi in 1577. She gave birth to 11 children. After the marriage Fontana continued to paint to support her family. Zappi cared for the household and served as assistant agent in selling his wife’s painting. He also depicted small elements of her pictures such as draperies and another details.
Lavinia was elected an honorary member of the University of Bologna and was honoured as a doctorate in 1580.
In 1603, she and her family moved Rome on the invitation of Pope Clement VIII and appointed as a portraitist in the Vatican. Her career flourished in Rome. She was elected to the San Luca Academy in Rome. She died in 1614 and left behind over 100 of her work.
Anguissola was the first Western female painter that had gained an international fame. At an young age, she was introduced to Michelangelo, who immediately recognized her talent. In the late 1550s, she established herself, as a professional painter, in her native Italy. She was recruited to the Spanish court about 27 year ago. Her marriage was arranged by the Spanish King Philip II, to a Sicilian nobleman. Two years later her husband died and she remarried again to a sea captain Orazio Lomellino. In later year, she became quite famous and many young artists came to visit her and to discuss the arts with her. Amongst them was the young Anthony van Dyck, who painted one of Anguissola last portrait. More importantly she was a pioneer who had shown other women to pursue serious careers as professional painters.
The world’s oceans and seas cover 71% of the surface of the Earth. It makes the Earth unique within the Solar System. It is also where life first began. Today the ocean is regarded as the last major frontier on Earth for exploration and development of resources to sustain mankind in the future. The sea also has an irresistible attraction on us, drawing us nearer to the shores. The sound of the waves lashing on the sandy beaches, the gentle breeze of a hot summer evening, the shimmers of silver lights, the fisherman coming home with their catch, the long voyages of container carriers that link the world economy are all part of our acquaintance with the sea. In its fury, it can unleash power that can destroy cities, sending ships and army to the bottom of the sea. No wonder, apart from our scientists, the seas is often a favourite subject for artists, poets and musicians. The song La Mer was an example, composed and sang by Charles Trenet’s in 1946 offers us a romantics version of our encounter with the sea.
“Caravaggio (1571-1610) is one of the most revolutionary figures in art. His intense naturalism almost brutal realism and dramatic lighting had a wide impact on European artists, including Orazio Gentileschi, Valentin de Boulogne and Gerrit van Honthorst. Each absorbed something different from Caravaggio, propagating his style across Europe. But by the mid-17C, Caravaggism was at odds with a prevailing preference for classicism and the reputation of these artists waned, not be revived until the mid-20C.” Beyond Caravaggio Introduction.
The British Isles are situated at the edge of the European continent. Historically the Roman invaded Britain in 43 AD and ruled for 350 years. This was followed by successive settlements by northern European. The last successful invasion was by the Norman from France in 1066. Today Britain is administratively divided into four main regions – Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. Culturally, British influence has been very important in the world. Many former colonies have inherited the political culture and the social practices from Britain, in particularly the English speaking countries of the world. Economically, Britain was the first country to begin the process of Industrial Revolution. Britain is rich in energy resource but poor in material resources. As an island country, maritime trading has been and important development in its economy. Geological its landscape is varied with many types of habitats.
In 1794. during the French Revolution, the commissioners appointed in our country seized art works of every kind from churches, monasteries, abbeys guildhalls and the houses of so-called emigres, i.e. the French bourgeois residing in Belgium. Whilst many of these conquetes artistiques were taken away to the Louvre in Paris and in Versailles, some 1500 items, mainly paintings, considered to be less valuable, were left in Brussel. Even if there were no masterpieces among them, they were to form the basis of what is now the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
Van Dyck was among the greatest and the most successful portraitists who has ever lived. He dazzled 17C contemporaries not only in his native Netherlands but also in Italy and above all in England. His influence on subsequent portrait painting in Britain proved so great that it lasted to the beginning of 20C.
P Bruegel’s greatness is so widely acknowledged today that it is hard to imagine that in his life his supremacy was not recognised. He was immensely popular, but many contemporaries regarded his work as old-fasioned.
The greatest Flemish artist of 16th century. This realistic and landscape painter, gives us a gleam of life in the Low Country 400 years ago. His paintings are full of details & messages and so interesting to look at. Pieter Bruegel the Elder (c1525/30-69), nicknamed ‘Peasant Bruegel’, was the most important satirist in the Netherlands after Bosch and one of the greatest landscape painters. After he became Master in the Antwerp Guild in 1551, he went to France and Italy, travelling as far south as Sicily. He was impressed by the landscape of Italy but not so on the Italian paintings. From his painting, he gave us insights to the peasant life and their relationship with nature of 16C in the Low Countries. He was an educated man, well able to associate with his distinguished clients and sophisticated enough disguised his political opinions as a biblical story.
The greatest Flemish artist of 16th century. This realistic and landscape painter, gives us a gleam of life in the Low Country 400 years ago. His paintings are full of details & messages and so interesting to look at. Pieter Bruegel the Elder (c1525/30-69), nicknamed ‘Peasant Bruegel’, was the most important satirist in the Netherlands after Bosch and one of the greatest landscape painters. After he became Master in the Antwerp Guild in 1551, he went to France and Italy, travelling as far south as Sicily. He was impressed by the landscape of Italy but not so on the Italian paintings. From his painting, he gave us insights to the peasant life and their relationship with nature of 16C in the Low Countries. He was an educated man, well able to associate with his distinguished clients and sophisticated enough disguised his political opinions as a biblical story.
British Museum has a “permanent collection of eight million works is among the largest and most comprehensive in existence. It documents the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present. The British Museum was the first public national museum in the world.
The Museum was established in 1753, largely based on the collections of the Anglo-Irish physician and scientist Sir Hans Sloane. It first opened to the public in 1759, in Montagu House, on the site of the current building. The museum's expansion over the following 250 years was largely a result of British colonisation” Wikipedia.
London is one of the financial centre of the world. It is also an important centre for performance, arts, museums, theatres and fashion. What is particularly noticeable is that London is made up of two city centres. The City of London for finance, the West End for entertainment and the political entre of Westminster.
Yellowstone is US first National Park. It is also the world’s oldest. The park was created in 1872. Today National Parks are established for purpose of conservation. These are designated areas of natural beauty, an island in a developing world.
Today, Yellowstone National Park is probably the best known in the world and easily accessible. Wildlife abounds from the smallest to the largest mammals found in North America. The wolf, here, is a recovery story that is a major restoration of the balance of nature. There large herd of bison roaming in park, following their migration routes. Black and brown bears are frequently seen here. The park lies in the heart of the the Rocky Mountain Range. Here, powerful volcanic forces erupted 2 million, 1.3 million and as recently as 640,000 years ago, to create three of the world’s largest volcanic depressions, or calderas.
Native Americans have lived in the region for at least 11,000 years. Today with large number of visitors, the management and control of the park is vital to ensure its long term future.
The Rijksmuseum is a major European treasury of art. It houses the world’s greatest collection of Dutch paintings of 17C, the Golden Age. It is also a museum for Dutch history, art objects, drawings, sculptures and furniture. The building was opened in 1885. Its building was one of the first to be constructed specially as a museum. In 2004 the museum largely closed for 10 years to undertake a major renovation. The major features of the renovation were the of construction two large atriums covered by glass roofs to provide more amenity spaces for the visitors. The garden was also modified, statues were added, for the visitors to relax and enjoy the summer sun.
Human civilization has existed for a very short time on Earth. If we take the existence of Earth as equivalent to one year in time. Then human civilisation only appears on the last second of the last hour of the last day in the Earth’s year. Human has been fighting each other since the beginning of history. In the last century, we had two World Wars, when millions were killed. But I am the luck generation that miraculously never experienced wars, although the drums of wars are never too far away. We have arsenals of weapons that could destroy the world many times over. In my life time, I have also seen many of our children, marrying people of different races too. Our greatest enemy is ourselves. If we can survive this, there is the whole universe to explore. Finally, just remind ourselves that the longest Ice Age on Earth lasted for well over 1 billion years long and our civilisation is only 10,000 years old. 16 Jan 2022.
Paolo Veronese (c1528-88) was born in Verona and trained under several minor artists. The Chief influence on him was Titian. He worked in Venice probably from 1553, when he began his ceiling for the Doge’s Palace, with daring Sotto in Su (from below to above) perspective and Mannerist nudes in complicated poses filling up the picture space. He went to Rome for the first time in 1560, probably after he painted the frescoes in Villa Maser. He specialised mainly in huge pictures of Biblical, allegorical or historical subjects. With vast crowd and of accessory figures. Golden hair women, children, horses, dogs, apes, courtiers, musicians and soldier in armours.
For Sweden 13th December is an important day. It is the beginning of Christmas. It is the festival of Santa Lucia or the Festival of Light. On that day the eldest daughter of the family traditionally dresses in a white robe and wears a crown of candles, bringing lights to the dark winter. It is also a festive reason with specially dishes, foods and drinks for the occasion. Santa Lucia Festival is celebrated in Italy, Norway and Swedish Finland.
It is very scenic and the chosen location for The Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita and There coins in the Fountain. It has many famous sites, rich in architecture and paintings – Pantheon, RoRome is known as the Eternal City because of its long history. man Forum, Colosseum, castel sant’ Angelo, Vatican, Basilica of St Peter, Trevi Fountain, If Gensu, the Spanish steps, Piazza Navona. Rome is shaped by two important artists Michelangelo and Bernini. This slideshow sketch the development of architecture from the Ancient, to the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque to the modern age.
Antarctica- Icy wilderness of extremes and wondertahreemzahra82
In this presentation, we delve into the captivating realm of Antarctica, Earth's southernmost continent. This icy wilderness stands as a testament to extremes, with record-breaking cold temperatures and vast expanses of pristine ice. Antarctica's landscape is dominated by towering glaciers, colossal icebergs, and expansive ice shelves. Yet, amidst this frozen expanse, a rich tapestry of unique wildlife thrives, including penguins, seals, and seabirds, all finely attuned to survive in this harsh environment. Beyond its natural wonders, Antarctica also serves as a vital hub for scientific exploration, providing invaluable insights into climate change and the Earth's history
4 DAYS MASAI MARA WILDEBEEST MIGRATION SAFARI TOUR PACKAGE KENYABush Troop Safari
Join our 4-day Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safari in Kenya. Witness the incredible wildebeest migration, enjoy exciting game drives, and stay in comfortable lodges. Get up close and personal with one of nature's most amazing exhibits! Book Your Safari Today at - https://bushtroop-safaris.com/
Discover the wonders of the Wenatchee River with a variety of river tours in Monitor, WA. Whether you're seeking thrilling whitewater rafting, peaceful kayaking, family-friendly float trips, or scenic sunset cruises, there's something for everyone. Enjoy fishing, wildlife spotting, bird watching, and more in this beautiful natural setting, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
The Cherry Blossom season in Hunza begins in the second week of March and lasts until the end of April, varying with altitude. During this enchanting period, tourists from around the world flock to Hunza Valley to witness its transformation into a vibrant tapestry of white, pink, and green. The valley comes alive with cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque and mesmerizing landscape that captivates visitors.
About the Company:
The Cherry Blossom season in Hunza starts in the second week of March and extends until the end of April, depending on the altitude. During this enchanting period, tourists from around the globe travel to Hunza Valley to witness its transformation into a vibrant tapestry of white, pink, and green. The valley comes alive with cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque and mesmerizing landscape that captivates all who visit. For the best experience, join Hunza Adventure Tours, the top tour company in Pakistan, and immerse yourself in this breathtaking seasonal spectacle.
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Exploring Montreal's Artistic Heritage Top Art Galleries and Museums to VisitSpade & Palacio Tours
Montreal boasts a vibrant artistic heritage, showcased in its top art galleries and museums. From the expansive collections at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to the cutting-edge exhibits at the Musée d'art contemporain, discover the city's rich cultural landscape. Experience dynamic street art, indigenous works, and contemporary pieces, reflecting Montreal's diverse and innovative art scene.
How To Change Name On Volaris Ticket.pdfnamechange763
How to change name on Volaris ticket? This is one of the most common questions asked by travelers flying with Volaris Airlines. The mentioned details can help you with your name rectification on the airline ticket. If you are still facing difficulties call the consolidation desk at +1-800-865-1848.
Discover Palmer, Puerto Rico, through an immersive cultural tour that unveils its rich history and vibrant traditions. Experience lively festivals, savor authentic cuisine, and explore local markets. Visit historical landmarks, museums, and stunning colonial architecture. Engage with friendly locals, enjoy live music, and hike scenic nature trails, all while participating in cultural workshops and discovering unique artisan crafts.
During the coldest months, Italy transforms into a winter wonderland, providing visitors with a very unique experience. From the Settimana Bianca ski event to the lively Carnevale celebrations, Italy's winter festivities provide something for everyone. Enjoy hot cocoa, eat hearty comfort foods, and buy during winter deals. Explore the country's rich cultural past by participating in Settimana Bianca, and Carnevale, sipping hot chocolate, shopping during winter deals, and indulging in winter comfort foods. Visit our website https://timeforsicily.com/ for more information.
TRAVEL TO MT. RWENZORI NATIONAL PARK WITH NILE ABENTEUER SAFARIS.docxnileabenteuersafaris
Let’s explore the captivating Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda with Nile Abenteuer Safaris. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” offers unparalleled beauty and diverse ecosystems. 🌿🏔️
Key Features of Rwenzori Mountains National Park:
Majestic Peaks:
Mount Rwenzori, Africa’s third-highest peak, dominates the landscape. Its snow-capped summits and glacier-draped slopes provide a challenging yet rewarding adventure for trekkers and climbers.
Ascending these peaks allows you to witness breathtaking vistas and experience the thrill of high-altitude trekking.
Biodiversity:
Explore the park’s rich biodiversity, which includes montane forests, alpine meadows, and towering cliffs.
Encounter rare and endemic species such as the Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori red duiker, and Rwenzori three-horned chameleon.
Trekking Trails:
Embark on immersive trekking experiences along a network of trails. Choose from leisurely walks to multi-day expeditions.
Traverse verdant valleys, moss-draped forests, and marvel at cascading waterfalls as you ascend toward the summit.
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Engage with local communities of the Bakonjo and Bamba people. Gain insight into their traditional way of life and cultural practices.
Discover the rich history and folklore surrounding the Rwenzori Mountains.
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Trekking and Climbing:
Select from various trekking routes tailored to different skill levels and durations.
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Embark on guided nature walks to spot diverse wildlife, including primates, birds, and endemic plant species.
Keep an eye out for the Rwenzori hyrax, blue monkeys, and various bird species.
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Rest and rejuvenate in comfortable lodges, campsites, and guesthouses within and around the park.
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Support conservation efforts by adhering to park regulations and practicing responsible tourism.
Your visit contributes to preserving this pristine wilderness for future generations.
Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure:
Whether you seek the thrill of summiting Africa’s legendary peaks or the serenity of exploring remote landscapes, Mount Rwenzori promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature’s majesty. Start planning your expedition today and unlock the secrets of this captivating natural wonder!
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Its running cost is among the diverse vital aspects you must consider before buying an electric scooter. Calculate the cost of getting e-scooter charge for your regular usage to calculate its economic efficiency, similar to people who investigate the mileage of petrol or diesel-driven scooters.
London Country Tours, the foremost travel partner offers customized Stonehenge tours from London coming with private tour guides and direct access to the inner circles. Visit: https://www.londoncountrytours.co.uk/tour/tours-to-stonehenge-oxford/
Agence Régionale du Tourisme Grand Est - brochure MICE 2024.pdf
Forbidden City, Beijing
1. The Forbidden City 故宮 - 紫禁城 First created 20 Feb 2011. Version 1.0 Jerry Tse. London . All rights reserved. Available free for non-commercial and non-profit use only .
2. Plan The palace was divided into two parts . The Outer Court was used for state ceremonies. The Inner Court was the residence of the Emperor and his family. It was also used for running the day-to-day affairs of state. It was run by eunuchs. In early Ming Dynasty, there were about 1630 halls. In early Qing there were 1800 halls. Currently the palace has 2631 halls and 90 courtyards. The Outer Court The Inner Court
3. The Ming Builders 明 Zhudi was the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty. He decided to move the capital from Nanjing to Beijing. He was a megalomaniac. Not only did he built the Forbidden City In Beijing, he also restored the Great Wall & the Grand Canal and sent his armada of ships into the Indian Ocean reaching Saudi Arabia and Africa. Zhu Di 朱棣 A late 15C to early 16C painting depicting the Heavenly Succession Gate 承天門 and the Outer Five Dragons Bridge 外五龍橋 near today’s Tiananmen. In 1406, he started building the Forbidden City , which took 15 years to complete in 1421, employing 200,000 craftsmen and million of labourers to build. It created an architectural complex unmatched in history. It is the biggest palace the world have even seen, with some 1630 halls. Unfortunately, it was burned down 3 times by major fires during the 273 years of the Ming Dynasty and had to be rebuilt again.
4. Construction Materials Bricks and Golden Bricks 金磚 – Bricks were used for paving and for the external walls. Floor tiles are known as Golden Bricks, made in Suzhou. These were made of clay and took two months firing in kilns. A floor tile took two years to make, and can last for centuries. They are called Golden Bricks because they are expensive to make. Timber – All palace buildings used timber frame structures. The most important of timber are the pillars of Nanwu wood 楠木 (Phoebe Zhennan). These logs were transported from south western China and took 4 years for the journey. Some 100,000 Nanwu pillars were used in the construction. The wood work were covered by a secret formulated paste, mixed with pig’s blood, flour and earth for preservation. Marble 漢白玉石 – The main buildings of the palaces were build on marble terraces. There is a huge inclined slab, with carved dragons, weighs 300 tons. These were transported on sheets of ice pulled by 20000 men and horses and took a month to travel the 50km journey. Glazed Roof Tile – By far the most common roof tiles are the yellow glazed tiles. Yellow being the colour of the emperor. A few houses are covered with green tiles for the princes.
5. Qing 清 During the Qing dynasty, the palace was rebuilt many times after fires. Many buildings were also added to the palace. Below is a view of the palace on the wedding of the Qing Emperor Guangxu.
6. Qianlong 乾隆 The longest reigning emperor (1736-95) of Qing Dynasty. He started a 60 years major upgrade of the palaces. He was a highly cultured emperor, with a diverse range of interests – from collecting jade to calligraphy etc. It was his collection more than any other emperors that form the backbone of the collection of the Qugong Museum in Beijing and of the Palace Museum of Taipei. Under him, imperial China reached the zenith of her power. (1711-95)
8. Walls The exterior walls is 10m high, 8.6m thick at the base. The core of the wall is filled with earth, surfaced with three layers of special bricks
9. Corner Towers 角樓 There are four watch towers at the four corners of the palace walls.
11. Meridian Gate 午門 This is the grandest of all the palace gates. It is nearly 38m high. This marks the beginning of the palace complex.
12. Decorative Glazed Tiles 琉璃 Apart from the distinctive yellow glazed tiles used for the roofs, tiles were also used as decorations on screens and walls.
13. Distinctive yellow glazed tiles make the palace stand out from the rest of the city. Mythical creatures on the roof ridges showing the status of the building. Roof Because most Chinese roofs were curved, the timber frame that supported the roof became more complicated.
14. Wooden Construction Bracketing Dougongs are brackets that lock beams together with pillars together. The technique dated back to two thousand years. 斗栱 Chinese carpenters developed some of the most complicated wooden joints used in buildings (see diagram on the right). One of these complicated joint is the Luban Locking Joints 魯班鎖 , which is a joint used for three perpendicular beams. Timber Frame 梁架 Traditional large Chinese buildings were mainly built of wood. All the weight of the building are supported by a wooden frame. Thus the wall are light and not weight bearing.
16. Terraces 台基 The use of terraces in Chinese architecture dated back to over 3000 years. The three main buildings of the outer court were built on a three tiers of marble terraces decorated with beautiful carved balustrades.
17. Carved Slab The carved slab on the central staircase of the main terrace. Only the emperors were allowed to be carried over it.
18. Outer Court 外朝 During the Ming Dynasty, the Outer Court is used by the emperor to attend the daily affairs of the state. During the Qing Dynasty, this usage was moved to the Inner Court. However, the Outer Court was always used for the special state occasions and ceremonies. The three most important buildings lies on the central north-south axis. They are the Hall of Supreme Harmony 太 和 殿 (first building on the photo), the Hall of Central Harmony 中和殿 (the small building behind) and the Hall of Preserving Harmony 保和殿 .
19. Supreme Harmony 太和殿 The original Ming building was twice as large as the current hall. It is one of the largest wooden structure within China. The building is the focal point of the palace. It was used in Ming Dynasty to administration state affairs. In Qing Dynasty it was used only for ceremonial occasions.
20. Hall of Supreme Harmony - Interior Richly decorated with beautiful carvings, the Dragon Throne stands on a raised platform, surrounding with urns, incense burners, carved dragons, cranes and elephants. Envoys were required to kneel and kowtow to the floor nine times on approach to the emperor. 太和殿
21. Supreme Harmony 太和殿 It is the largest timber frame building in China. The building was destroyed 7 times. The last rebuilt was in 1695-1697.
22. Central Harmony 中和殿 It is small square hall, serving as a rest room. It was a stop over room for the emperor for last minute preparations before conducting state or ceremony affairs.
23. Throne A beautifully carved dragon standing on the back of the throne. There are several thrones in the palace. They are all beautifully carved. Some are in gold colour and others with natural wood colours.
24. Hall of Preserving Harmony 保和殿 The hall was used for the ‘imperial examination’, as well as banquets on Lunar New Year’s Eve to entertain ministers, generals, as well as Mongolian and Tibetan nobles.
25. Musical Instruments A rack of gilded musical bronze bells used during ceremonial and state occasions. The bells are similar in size and different notes are produced using bells with different thickness.
26. Inner Court 內朝 The Gate of Heavenly Purity (above) leading into the Inner Court. The three most important buildings in the Inner Court echoes the group of the three buildings in the Outer Court. They are the Hall of Heavenly Purity 乾清宫 (first building on the photo), the Hall of Union 交泰殿 (the small building behind) and the Hall of Earthly Tranquillity 坤宁宫 . The Inner Court was the home of the Emperor and his family. In Qing Dynasty the some halls within the Inner Court were used by for administering state affairs.
27. The Gate of Heavenly Purity 乾清門 Entrance to the private world of the emperor.
28. Palace of Heavenly Purity 乾清宫 In early Qing Dynasty and Ming Dynasty, it is here that the emperor conducted the day-to-day affairs. In late Qing, it was used as an audience hall to receive foreign envoys and high ranked officials.
29. Hall of Union 交泰殿 The building was used as the empress’ dressing room or celebrations of her birthdays. The imperial seals were also kept in here in Qing.
30. Clepsydra (Water clock) The main mechanism of the water clock consists of three copper containers filled with water. Water drips from the top container to containers below in turn. The amount of water collected at the bottom is used to tell the time.
31. Hall of Earthly Tranquillity 坤寧宫 The last of the Inner Court halls.
32. 坤寧宫 Hall of Earthly Tranquillity In Ming Dynasty, the building was used as the residence of the empress. In Qing it was converted into several rooms and set out in Manchurian style for religious services. The building included a kitchen for preparing food for worship. It also has a bridal room and a study for the emperor.
33. The Qing emperor Yongzhen 雍正 moved the emperor residence here. The empress Dowager Cixi 慈禧 (reign 1861-1908) used the place to received state officials and ruled China. Hall of Mental Cultivation 養心殿
34. The main reception room where later Qing emperors attended state affairs. Hall of Mental Cultivation 養心殿
35. This is the Cixi 慈禧 throne room. Behind the screen of the throne was another throne, on which the Dowager Empress ruled China. Hall of Mental Cultivation 養心殿
36. This was the emperor’s bedroom behind the reception room of the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Hall of Mental Cultivation 養心殿
37. Imperial Garden 御花園 A giant incense burner in the garden. There are four gardens in the Inner Court of the palace. The Imperial Garden being the largest of them all.
38. Imperial Garden 御花園 Pavilion of Imperial Prospect overlooking the garden. 御景亭
41. Court Life Emperor Qianlong watching princes playing in snow. To maintain the palace during the Qing Dynasty, 280,000 taels of silver were needed each year or approximately 340,000 troy ounces of silver. Last emperor and empress of China.
42. Theatre – Pavillion of Pleasant Sounds, 暢音閣 . The largest stage of the three stories theatre in the palace.
44. Bronze Animal sculptures Bronze tortoise incense burner. Gilt bronze elephant in the garden. Gilt bronze lion. Bronze lion at the Gate of Supreme Harmony.
45. Doors decorations Gate of Martial Spirit. Hall of Union. Carved panel on the doors at the Hall of Imperial Supremacy Hall of Mental Cultivation
46. Qugong Museum The Forbidden City is also the home to the Palace Museum, Beijing.
47. Music – Flying Dragons and Jumping Tiger 龍騰虎跃 composed by Li Minxiong 李民進 and performed by Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra. The End Advance to next slide to see brief notes on Chinese architecture.
48. Using timber as primary building material, this is the most important single characteristics of Chinese architectural approach. Transportation costs can be very high. Using timber also put a limit on the size, the height and the age of buildings . The availability of large hard wood timber is also a limitation. Chinese Traditional Palatial (Dian 殿 ) Architecture Chinese Dian buildings are based on a timber frame . The walls of the buildings are not weight bearing. This allows more light and airy interior. Buildings are cool in summer but difficult to keep warm in winter. Buildings are inherent ‘earthquake proof’. To give the timber frame strength, interlocking joints were developed to a very high level of sophistication. This can be seen in the Dougong bracketing techniques. The basic principles and architectural design did not changed much for centuries . Chinese architecture uses modular architectural plan . Buildings are connected by corridors or unified by courtyards . Buildings are not integrated to form a larger building. Chinese buildings are very colourful and timber does not preserved well. The maintenance costs are very high . Finally Chinese buildings are very vulnerable to fire . The Hall of Supreme Harmony was rebuilt 7 times, in 500 years.
50. The End Carved dragon on wooden screen behind the throne.
Editor's Notes
Early Ming c1630 halls. Early Qing 1800 halls. Currently 2631 halls, made up of 90 court yards, 980 houses. 8704 bays of rooms. A bays of rooms is defined as bounded by 4 pillars. Dimension of the site 1100 yards from south and north and 830 yards east to west. It is surrounding by 23 feet high, with 4 tower at the corners. Building started in 1406, employing 200,000 workers and the emperor and court moved in before the outer walls and gates were completed in 1421. Over 9000 rooms. 70000 eunuchs. 300 yrs of constructions and reconstructions from Zhudi to Qianlong.
Dimension of the site 1100 yards from south and north and 830 yards east to west. It is surrounding by 23 feet high, with 4 tower at the corners. Building started in 1406, employing 230,000 workers, a million labourers and the emperor and court moved in before the outer walls and gates were completed in 1421. 70000 eunuchs. June 1421 three main halls were destroyed, struck by lightning. 1440 rebuilt (19 yr later). 1459 built western courts. 1557 fire destroy the first three main buildings. 1561 rebuilt completed. 1597 fires destroyed first 3 building and 3 halls in Inner Courts. Rebuilt completed in 1627. Three major rebuilt after fires – 1421, 1557 & 1597.
Logs of Phoebe zhenan wood.
1644 Ming fell. Rebels burnt palace before retreat. Only few buildings left standing. Manchu entered Beijing in the same year. First rebuilt palace on 1 to 10 scale. Next 14 years rebuilt on original scale. Fire in 1679 cause by kitchen unit. 1683 rebuilt some previous destroyed areas. 1735 Qianlong became emperor started a 60 years major restoration of Qugong. 1886 major fire destroyed main buildings. Rebuilding last for 20 years until 1906. Three major rebuilding projects.
52m wide moat
10m high Wall. 8.62 metres thick at the base. Walls both defensive and retaining walls, rammed earth core, filled with mortar, surfaced with three layers of specially baked bricks on both sides.
Ubtrucate riids wutg 72 rudges, reproducing the Yellow Crane Pavillion of Song Dynasty.
All gates is with 9x9 array of golden door nails, except the East Glorious Gate which has only 8 rows. There are 10,000 gates in the palace
The gate has 5 gateways. The central gateway is part of the Imperial Way. Height 37.95m and the largest gate in the palace.
The great courtyard is in front of The Hall of Supreme Harmony. The courtyard is 10,000 square metres in area. The 33 single room-units on each side were used as warehouses for storing such items as fur, porcelain, silver, tea, silks and satins and clothes.
On three tiers of marble platforms. Original Hall (Feng Tian Dian 奉天殿 ) was twice as large as the current Hall of Supreme Harmony, which was destroyed 7 time during the Qing Dynasty by fires and the last re-built was in 1695-1697. It is one of the largest wooden structure within China. 72 pillars. Largest wooden building in the world. 6 gilted dragon pillars.
The hall of Supreme Harmony is 35 metres high, 60 metres wide and 33 metres on both sides. It is now the largest, best preserved wooden hall in China. Twenty-four pillars support the roof; the central six are gilded and painted in the design of dragons, the rest are painted red. The Emperor's throne, which is surrounded by art treasures of symbolic significance, is in the middle of the hall. Above the throne is a gold painted caisson, or coffered ceiling, with dragon designs, from which hangs a spherical pearl called the Xuanyuan Mirror . This pearl was supposed to be able to distinguish right from wrong.
Ming Emperors attended daily affairs at the outer court. Qing emperors attended court in the Inner Court.
In Ming, there were two bedrooms, use as the sleeping quarter of the emperors. It was converted in Qing into two studies. The Hall was changed became the most Manchu characteristic of all palaces, including kitchen and offering altars for the gods. 11m lower and 1000m smaller than Supreme Harmony.
To maintain the palace during the Qing Dynasty, 280,000 taels of silver were needed each year. They came from taxes and royal estate rents. During the Ming Dynasty, 9,000 ladies-in-waiting and 100,000 eunuchs served here.
Imperial Place began in 1406. But the general layout stayed unchanged. The private apartments have been turned into a museum. It is the world’s largest surviving palace complex. Architectural techniques in China has not changed for centuries.
Imperial Place began in 1406. But the general layout stayed unchanged. The private apartments have been turned into a museum. It is the world’s largest surviving palace complex.