Forbidden City, Beijing

Timeline

1. 1406–1420Beijing (site of Yuan Dadu) · BeijingThe Yongle Emperor resolved to move the capital to Beijing, conscripting over a million craftsmen and laborers and transporting vast quantities of building materials from southern nanmu timber sources and white marble quarries. The palaces followed the ritual layout of the Kaogong ji in the Rites of Zhou, governed by a north-south central axis, and were completed after fourteen years. The capital was formally moved in 1420; the following year (1421) the palaces were struck by lightning fire, and after repairs continued in use, establishing Beijing as the permanent capital and administrative center of the Ming dynasty.
2. 1535–1562Forbidden City · BeijingDuring the Jiajing Emperor's reign (1521–1566) the three front halls were rebuilt several times after lightning fires, and Fengtian Hall, Huagai Hall, and Jinshen Hall were renamed Huangji Hall, Zhongji Hall, and Jianji Hall, giving them more distinct ritual meanings. The Jiajing era also saw large-scale construction of detached palaces and gardens around the Taiye Pool in the Western Park, and the addition of the Temple of Heaven and Temple of Earth ritual buildings in the southern suburbs, enriching the palace's ritual system.
3. 1601–1610Outer Court of the Forbidden City · BeijingIn the 24th year of Wanli (1596) the three great halls (Huangji, Zhongji, and Jianji) were destroyed by lightning fire; between 1601 and 1610 reconstruction progressed slowly due to difficulties in procuring materials and fiscal strain. The Wanli Emperor remained secluded in the palace and long avoided court audiences, and palace politics became highly inward-looking. The three great halls were finally completed in the 43rd year of Wanli (1615). Nevertheless, the palace's defensive system, inner court operations, and various ceremonies were maintained according to regulation.