Workers Cultural Palace

Lonely Planet review

On the Forbidden City's southeastern flank opposite Zhongshan Park and away from the frantic hubbub is the Workers Cultural Palace. Despite the unappealing name, this was the emperor's premier place of worship, the Supreme Temple (太庙; Tài Miào). If you find the Forbidden City either too colossal or crowded, the temple halls here are a cheaper and more tranquil alternative.

The huge halls of the temple remain, their roofs enveloped in imperial yellow tiles, beyond a quiet grove of ancient cypresses and enclosed within the Glazed Gate (琉璃门; Liúlí Mén). Rising up to the splendid Front Hall, the scene of imperial ceremonies of ancestor worship, are three flights of steps. Only gods could traverse the central plinth; the emperor was consigned to the left-hand flight. The plaque above the Front Hall is inscribed in both Chinese and Manchu. Sadly this hall, as well as the Middle Hall and Rear Hall behind, is inaccessible. As with Zhongshan Park, the northern perimeter of the park abuts the palace moat ( tǒngzi hé ), where you can find a bench and park yourself in front of a fine view. Take the northwest exit from the park and find yourself just by the Forbidden City's Meridian Gate and point of entry to the palace.