Beijing - Forbidden City English Tour Guide Script Part 1
Welcome to Beijing and the magnificent Forbidden City! As the largest imperial palace in the world, the Forbidden City is a true treasure of Chinese history and culture. Today, I will be your guide as we explore this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site.
First, let's delve into the history of the Forbidden City. Construction of the palace began in 1406 during the Ming Dynasty and took 14 years to complete. It served as the imperial residence for 24 emperors, spanning over 500 years until the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1912. The Forbidden City was off-limits to the common people, hence its name. Only the emperor, his concubines, and the eunuchs were allowed access to this exclusive palace.
As we enter through the Meridian Gate, also known as Wumen, you'll notice the impressive red walls and yellow glazed roof tiles. These vibrant colors symbolize imperial power and prosperity in Chinese culture. The Meridian Gate leads us to the Outer Court, where important ceremonies and events took place. Here, you can see three main halls: the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony, or Taihe Dian, is the largest and most important structure in the Forbidden City. It was the venue for the emperor's enthronement ceremony and other significant imperial events. The hall is supported by 72 massive pillars and features a magnificent golden imperial throne. Take a moment to imagine the grandeur and power that once filled this hall.
Moving forward, we come to the Inner Court, which was the private living quarters of the emperor and his family. Here, we find the Palace of Heavenly Purity, where the emperor would handle state affairs and receive high-ranking officials. The Palace of Earthly Tranquility, located behind the Palace of Heavenly Purity, was the empress's residence.
One of the most fascinating parts of the Forbidden City is the Imperial Garden. This serene oasis was designed as a place for the emperor to relax and enjoy nature. The garden is filled with traditional Chinese architecture, including pavilions, rockeries, and beautifully landscaped ponds. It's a perfect spot to take a break and appreciate the beauty of the palace.
As we conclude our tour, I hope you've gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich history and cultural significance of the Forbidden City. This remarkable palace truly showcases the grandeur and opulence of ancient Chinese civilization. Thank you for joining me today, and I hope you continue to enjoy your time exploring Beijing.
Beijing - Forbidden City English Tour Guide Script Part 2
Welcome back to the Forbidden City for the second part of our tour. In this section, we will explore some of the lesser-known areas of the palace and learn about the daily life of the imperial family.
Let's start with the Palace of Tranquil Longevity, also known as Ning Shou Gong. This palace was used by the empress dowager during the Qing Dynasty. It is a complex of buildings that includes living quarters, gardens, and a theater. The theater was used for the empress dowager's entertainment, such as opera performances and puppet shows.
Moving on, we come to the Six Western Palaces. These palaces were the residences of imperial concubines. Each concubine would have her own palace, and they were arranged in a specific order based on the emperor's favoritism. The most favored concubine would reside in the Eastern Palace, while the least favored would be in the Western Palace. These palaces give us a glimpse into the complex hierarchy and politics of the imperial court.
Next, we visit the Hall of Mental Cultivation, or Yang Xin Dian. This hall served as the living quarters for several Qing emperors. It was also the place where they handled state affairs and met with officials. The hall showcases a mix of Chinese and Western architectural styles, reflecting the influence of Western culture during the late Qing Dynasty.
As we make our way towards the exit, we pass by the East and West Six Palaces. These palaces were used as temporary residences for the emperor's sons and other high-ranking officials. They were also used for ceremonial purposes and banquets.
Our final stop is the Palace of Double Glory, or Chong Hua Gong. This palace was built during the Ming Dynasty and served as the wedding chamber for the emperors and empresses. It was also a place for the empress to give birth to the heir to the throne. The palace is beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and paintings.
As we conclude our tour, I hope you've enjoyed this deeper exploration of the Forbidden City. This palace is not only a symbol of imperial power but also a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans. Thank you for joining me today, and I hope you continue to discover the wonders of Beijing.
北京-故宫英文导游词 篇三
北京-故宫英文导游词
FORBIDDEN CITY (紫禁城)
(In front of the meridian gate)
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am pleased to serve as your guide today.
This is the palace museum; also know as the Purple Forbidden City. It is the largest and most well reserved imperial residence in China today. Under Ming Emperor Yongle, construction began in 1406. It took 14years to build the Forbidden City. The first ruler who actually lived here was Ming Emperor Zhudi. For five centuries thereafter, it continued to be the residence of23 successive emperors until 1911 when Qing Emperor Puyi was forced to abdicate the throne. In 1987, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognized the Forbidden City was a world cultural legacy.
It is believed that the Palace Museum, or Zi Jin Cheng (Purple Forbidden City), got its name from astronomy folklore, The ancient astronomers pided the constellations into groups and centered them around the Ziwei Yuan (North Star) . The constellation containing the North Star was called the Constellation of Heavenly God and star itself was called the purple palace. Because the emperor was supposedly the son of the heavenly gods, his central and dominan
t position would be further highlighted the use of the word purple in the name of his residence. In folklore, the term “an eastern purple cloud is drifting” became a metaphor for auspicious events after a purple cloud was seen drifting eastward immediately before the arrival of an ancient philosopher, LaoZi, to the Hanghu Pass. Here, purple is associated with auspicious developments. The word jin (forbidden) is self-explanatory as the imperial palace was heavily guarded and off-explanatory as the imperial palace was heavily guarded and off-limits to ordinary people.The red and yellow used on the palace walls and roofs are also symbolic. Red represents happin