Forbidden City (Ming Dynasty)

Timeline

1. 1406–1420Northern part of Beijing's inner city · BeijingThe Yongle Emperor Zhu Di began large-scale construction of the palace city in Yongle 4, essentially completed by Yongle 18, forming a ritual spatial layout with a symmetrical central axis, court in front and residence behind, ancestral temple to the left and altars of soil and grain to the right, which became the political center after the capital moved to Beijing.
2. 1530–1540Forbidden City · BeijingThe Jiajing Emperor stayed long-term at the Western Park, but still used the Forbidden City as the venue for formal court audiences and grand ceremonies; during this period, amid the aftershocks of the Great Rites Controversy, alerts along the Nine Frontier garrisons, and memorials from court officials, the palace city's function as a symbol of imperial power and an administrative hub continued to strengthen.
3. 1541–1562Three Great Halls area of the Forbidden City · BeijingIn Jiajing 41, fires broke out at multiple locations including the three great halls and the rear garden; the court immediately conscripted craftsmen and materials to rebuild. The reconstruction process reflected the late-Ming palace city maintenance system and inner-court project management, and also revealed the vulnerability of timber-framed palace complexes.