The Forbidden City is a huge architectural system, as so many elements are contained in this complex and exert their indispensible functions. First, to know this system, the most crucial thing to understand is the different kinds of borders.
Outside the whole palace complex, the moat runs on a rectangular plan and set up the first and natural border for Forbidden City. Inside the river, there are the tall and firm walls standing around the palaces, which were pierced by gates with lookout buildings constructed above them. They are the most impregnable defence system. One watchtower is erected on each of the city wall. Apart from serving as lookout towers, these turrets could also be an exchange center for the Forbidden City. Information and requirements are gathered here to submit to the emperor.
The main entrance in the south of the city is the Meridian Gate. Two extensions to the wall project southward to form a three-sided square. It was customary that after each triumphant expedition, the emperors would ascend the Meridian Gate to accept prison of war or inspect the military parade. And on the left and right of the city wall, there are four entrances for the liegeman. A so-called ‘dismounting stele’ was erected in front of each gate to remind them ‘dismount here’.
Through these walls, all the palaces are divided by another wall into two parts: the Outer Court and the Inner Court. This separation is very important for the royal life. The emperors administered their duties and held audiences with ministers in the Outer Court. And another border, the Inner Golden River, which snakes its way west to east, connected with the foundation of the Three Great Audience Halls, restrict the special rectangular area, moreover, highlight its critical status in the entire city.
The rear, northern, half of the Forbidden City, commonly known as the Inner Court, is the residential area of the emperors and imperial household. In this area, all of people must abide by the strict principles. Therefore another kind of border was built to mark off people’s rank especially for the imperial concubines.
The gardens in the Forbidden City are an integral part of the halls and palaces of the Inner Court. This is a place for entertainment. So the borders here are most corridors for walking and sight-seeing. And inner the Imperial Garden, there are several low walls with beautiful windows, which are serve as an indispensible part of the natural scenery. These borders are not for restriction but for forming the multilayer scenery. Looking through the windows, the travelers could enjoy the landscape as a great painting.
In conclusion, the functions of the border in Forbidden City are the following:
Fortification
Looking out
Entrance
Information exchange
Highlighting the supreme status
Inspecting the parade
Separation
Walking and sight-seeing
Marking off the rank
Setting for scenery
In these borders, there are some sorts of marks such as the stone lions and the dismounting stele.
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