The emperor who moved heaven and earth — literally — to build his fortress.
Secluded from view by nine-meter-high walls and composed of 980 buildings, the Forbidden City in Beijing is the largest imperial palace ever built in the world. Three majestic structures form its center and host the city's ceremonies, each of which is considered an architectural masterpiece. In 1406, construction of the Forbidden City was launched at the initiative of one of China's most powerful sovereigns and founder of the Ming dynasty: Yongle. Endowed with divine power, the construction has already resisted more than 200 earthquakes.
Cinematography
Drone shots that finally do justice to 600 years of hidden geometry.
Editing
Patient pacing lets you feel the weight of every timber and tile.
Director
Robert Marsden
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Yongle's workers used a 'layer cake' foundation of lime, clay, and glutinous rice paste — yes, actual sticky rice — that helps the complex flex during quakes.
The number nine appears everywhere: 9,999 rooms (almost), nine gates, nine bays — because nine was the emperor's number, and ten belonged only to heaven.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
FR
