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Why Was the Emperor’s Bedroom Only 9.9 sq.m in the Vast Forbidden City?

The opulent life of royalty, within the vast expanse of the Forbidden City, contrasts starkly with the surprisingly small bedroom of the emperor.

Administrator

27 July, 2024

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The Forbidden City, a sprawling complex covering an area of 720,000 square meters and boasting 9,999 rooms, is now a popular tourist attraction in Beijing, China. One intriguing aspect is the surprisingly small sleeping quarters of the emperors and their consorts.

The “Dragon Bed” in the emperor’s chamber was not significantly larger than a standard bed, and with two curtains hanging at the head, the space appeared rather confined. This contrasts with the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by the royalty.

There are several theories that attempt to explain this intriguing phenomenon:

1. Conservation of Energy: Adhering to the belief that larger spaces require more energy, the Qing dynasty royalty aimed to preserve their vitality by keeping the bedroom and bed small. This philosophy suggested that a smaller space demands less energy, thus preserving the emperor’s health and vitality, which was considered crucial for the nation’s prosperity.

2. Warmth and Comfort: In the past, heating was achieved primarily through the use of coal. A smaller bedroom was easier to keep warm during cold nights, ensuring a comfortable and healthy sleeping environment for the emperor.

3. Security: The emperor faced constant threats of assassination. A smaller bedroom and overall compact space made it easier to monitor for potential intruders, thus enhancing the emperor’s safety.

4. Combating Loneliness: Sleeping in a vast, spacious room can induce feelings of loneliness and isolation. The emperor, already burdened with the weight of governing an empire, sought comfort and a sense of security in a smaller, more intimate bedroom. This provided a psychological boost and helped alleviate any feelings of loneliness.

These theories offer a glimpse into the unique sleeping arrangements of royalty in the Forbidden City, blending practicality, security, and a touch of human emotion.

Frequently asked questions

The Emperor’s bedroom was designed to be small and intimate, reflecting the belief in ancient Chinese architecture that a smaller space provided better security and a more comfortable living environment. This belief is also aligned with the principles of Feng Shui, which emphasizes the importance of balance and harmony in design.

The bedroom features a raised platform bed, which is a traditional Chinese design element that symbolizes status and provides a comfortable sleeping area. The room also has a sophisticated heating system, with hot air flowing through underground clay pipes and rising through small vents in the floor, ensuring a cozy environment during cold winters. Additionally, the bedroom is well-lit with natural light during the day due to its strategic placement and the use of large windows.

The Forbidden City is a massive complex, covering an area of 178 acres (72 hectares) with over 170 acres (70 hectares) of buildings. In contrast, the Emperor’s bedroom is minuscule in comparison, occupying only 9.9 square meters (106 square feet). This contrast highlights the importance given to the Emperor’s privacy, comfort, and security within the grand expanse of the palace grounds.

The bedroom’s location in the inner court of the Forbidden City symbolizes the Emperor’s proximity to heaven. Additionally, the use of yellow and golden colors in the bedroom decor represents the Emperor’s power and prestige, as these colors were exclusively associated with the royal family.

It is believed that the size of the Emperor’s bedroom may have been slightly larger during the Ming Dynasty, but it was reduced to its current size during the Qing Dynasty. This change could be attributed to shifting architectural preferences or the desire to further enhance security and privacy for the Emperor.