Day 1: Go to the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City and meet up
08:15
8:15-8:30, gather in front of the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City (see the group message before the event for the specific meeting location). Look for the China-TravelNote "yellow flag" to sign in and gather, then "attend court" together and enter the emperor's residence.
08:30
Forbidden City History Guide: Before entering the Forbidden City, listen to stories about the Meridian Gate (depending on your meeting location, this guide may also be given after you pass through it): Was the Meridian Gate a place of beheading during the Ming and Qing dynasties? Which emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties spanked their ministers here, and what were their offenses? What secrets lie hidden within the Meridian Gate archway, and what interesting stories have occurred nearby?
After passing through the Meridian Gate, you'll find yourself at the inner court square, Taihemen Square. Do you know the origin and function of the Jinshui Bridge in the square? How old are the two large stone lions in front of Taihemen Square? How old is the youngest building in the square, and which one is it?
08:45
From 8:45 to 9:30, we arrived at the Three Great Halls of the Former Dynasty. What was the magnificent Hall of Supreme Harmony used for? What happened to the empresses who were enthroned there? Would you believe the Hall of Preserving Harmony was where the emperor watched TV? What other unknown historical stories are there about the Three Great Halls of the Former Dynasty?
09:30
From 9:30-10:00, take a short break in the cross street that separates the imperial court from the harem, and listen to stories about the Longzong Gate, the Grand Council, and the characters behind the Hall of Mental Cultivation. For example, how did Yinzhen, disliked by Emperor Kangxi, win the throne amidst a fierce competition among nine other sons? Did he really tamper with the imperial edict, or did he rely on his own strength? Who was his favorite concubine, Zhen Huan or Concubine Nian?
10:00
From 10:00-10:30, visit the Emperor and Empress's living quarters to learn about the love, hate, and passions of the imperial family. Learn about the struggle for the throne among Emperor Kangxi's nine sons in his later years, the "Zhengda Guangming" plaque in the Palace of Heavenly Purity and the secret system of appointing the heir, and the stories of life within the low windowsills of the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.
10:30
From 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, head to the Western Six Palaces. The Eastern and Western Six Palaces primarily served as residences for the concubines. With so many palaces to choose from, which one would you choose? The Western Six Palaces, included in this 4-hour tour, include a visit to the Taiji Hall (one of the few remaining harem palaces where the emperor resided), featuring a double dragon screen wall at the entrance; the Yikun Palace, home to Concubine Nian in "The Legend of Zhen Huan"; and the Chuxiu Palace, the sanctuary of Empress Dowager Cixi. As a powerful empress, what modifications did Cixi make to the Chuxiu Palace, and what irregularities did she encounter?
12:00
From 12:00 to 12:30, enjoy the beauty of the Imperial Garden. With its mountains and water, pavilions, temples, flowers, and trees, what hidden treasures await you in this garden? Where was the selection process conducted? Who was chosen here to win, changing her life and influencing Chinese history?
12:30
At 12:30, the event ended near Shenwu Gate.
