Have you ever visited the Forbidden City in Beijing?

Did you notice something odd: the Forbidden City is so vast, yet there are hardly any trees? The Forbidden City, formerly known as the Purple Forbidden City, was the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties. It covers over 720,000 square meters and houses more than 70 palaces and over 9,000 rooms. With such a large area, wouldn't it be nice to plant some trees for shade? Actually, it's not that there are no trees at all in the Forbidden City, it's just that they are few and far between, and mostly concentrated in specific areas like the Imperial Garden. There are several main reasons for this. Security is paramount. In ancient times, palace intrigue was fierce, and trees could easily become hiding places for assassins. To ensure the safety of the emperor and the royal family, minimizing trees was a necessary measure. Imagine if the palace grounds were full of trees. Assassins could hide behind them, making it difficult for guards to spot them, with potentially disastrous consequences. Fire prevention is another key consideration. Most of the buildings in the Forbidden City are made of wood, making fire a serious threat. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, several fires broke out in the Forbidden City, some of which were caused by lightning striking trees. Reducing the number of trees was a wise decision to mitigate fire risk. Furthermore, it symbolizes the supremacy of imperial power. In ancient Chinese culture, tall trees, which could block sunlight, were seen as detrimental to the imperial majesty. The Forbidden City, where the emperor lived and conducted state affairs, needed to maintain an open vista, symbolizing the supreme imperial power, unobstructed by anything. In addition, there were feng shui considerations. Ancient feng shui principles dictated that the layout of the palace should conform to the principle of "Azure Dragon on the left, White Tiger on the right," and the planting of trees could disrupt this arrangement. Minimizing trees was also a way to maintain the feng shui of the palace. Of course, it's not that there are absolutely no trees in the Forbidden City. In areas like the Imperial Garden, trees and flowers were planted for the royal family's leisure and entertainment. The types and locations of these trees were carefully chosen to avoid compromising security and fire prevention, while also enhancing the environment. The trees in the Imperial Garden are mostly pines and cypresses, which symbolize good luck and longevity, as well as some fruit trees, such as crabapple and apricot trees. These trees not only add beauty but also provide fresh fruit for the royal family. Besides the Imperial Garden, some palace courtyards also feature potted plants, such as pomegranates and plum blossoms. These potted plants not only add a touch of vitality but also symbolize prosperity and good fortune. Walking through the Forbidden City, you'll find that even in areas without trees, the view is not monotonous. The architecture of the Forbidden City is an art form in itself, with red walls, yellow tiles, carved beams, and painted rafters. Every detail is imbued with a sense of history. The roofs of the Forbidden City are mostly covered with golden glazed tiles, which shimmer in the sunlight, creating a magnificent spectacle. These glazed tiles are not only beautiful but also fire-resistant. The walls of the Forbidden City are mostly red, symbolizing imperial authority. These tall, thick red walls evoke a sense of solemnity and reverence. Each palace in the Forbidden City has its own name, such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. These names are imbued with profound meaning, reflecting the ancient emperors' philosophy of governance. Looking down at the Forbidden City from Jingshan Hill, you'll see that the overall layout is very orderly, like a giant chessboard. This layout reflects the ancient emperors' pursuit of order. The tall, thick walls of the Forbidden City surround the entire palace, like a giant dragon guarding the royal family's safety. Every corner of the Forbidden City is filled with stories, and every brick and tile bears witness to the changes of history. Walking through the Forbidden City is like traveling through time, back to that glorious era. Next time you visit the Forbidden City, take note of these details, and you'll discover that even without trees, the Forbidden City is still full of charm.