The Forbidden City and Its People: Exploring Chinese History, Heritage & Culture with the Palace Museum
Posted 4 days 7 hours ago by University of Stirling
Revisit key moments in Chinese history and culture
Thought to stand at Heaven’s centre and arguably China’s most famous palace complex, the Forbidden City is a symbol of imperial power, architectural grandeur, and cultural heritage.
Step inside this extraordinary site and journey back to the 15th century to explore its iconic structures and enduring legacy with this six-week course from the University of Stirling.
Alongside uncovering what went into creating and maintaining this magnificent structure, you’ll discover the pivotal role the palace has played in preserving Chinese history and heritage for over 500 years.
Explore the architecture and artistry of the Forbidden City
You’ll begin this course with an exploration of the structural elements of the Palace. You’ll discuss its layout, architecture, construction techniques, and the philosophical principles and significance each reflects.
After examining the exterior, you’ll examine the palace’s interiors, from specialised buildings to intricate furnishings, and see how design and decoration shaped life within its walls.
Trace the lives of Chinese emperors and palace workers
Progressing through the course, you’ll step into the world of the Ming and Qing emperors to uncover their daily routines, key achievements, and lasting influence on Chinese history within the Forbidden City.
You’ll also meet the imperial women – empresses, dowagers, concubines, and princesses – who shaped palace life, and trace the roles of courtiers, eunuchs, guards, and foreign workers who maintained the Forbidden City’s operations.
Access rare insights with Palace Museum experts
You’ll wrap up your journey by learning how the Forbidden City became the Palace Museum, gaining expert insights and exploring its vast collection of artefacts previously unseen by the public.
This course is designed for those interested in history, culture, and heritage, particularly learners keen to explore the Forbidden City and its significance in shaping Chinese history and society.
This course is designed for those interested in history, culture, and heritage, particularly learners keen to explore the Forbidden City and its significance in shaping Chinese history and society.
- Develop a greater understanding of Chinese history, heritage and culture – including the lives of Chinese people, from the Emperor to the palace servants - from the 1400s to the early 20th century, and of the role that the Forbidden City played in this.
- Identify the Palace Museum’s tangible and intangible heritage assets, and how these are preserved and displayed.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the creation of the Palace Museum, and its role in preserving and displaying Chinese and international heritage.