The turrets are the buildings located at the four corners (southeast, southwest, northwest, and northeast) of the Forbidden City. They are one of the most representative and iconic buildings of the Forbidden City. The construction of the turrets began in the 18th year of Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1420). Having gone through the vicissitudes of time, they have witnessed the changes of the imperial courts in the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The turrets are composed of nine beams, eighteen columns, and seventy-two ridges. This unique architectural structure is truly exquisite in ancient Chinese architecture. They carry the highest architectural skills of ancient China, perfectly integrating the principles of mechanics with aesthetic design, demonstrating the outstanding wisdom and superb craftsmanship of ancient craftsmen.
The turrets have a peculiar and diverse appearance, presenting a unique charm when viewed from different angles. Their roof forms are complex and diverse. The upper part features a gable and hip roof with crisscrossing structures. The middle part adopts a method of connecting roofs, where the gable and hip roofs of the surrounding pavilions encircle the central roof. The lower part has a half-sloping eaves. The roofs of each layer cooperate with each other to form a harmonious and unique whole. The overall building is proportionally coordinated, with elegant eaves corners, just like a fine piece of art.
The best place to photograph the turrets is at the northwest corner outside the moat. Here, photographers can capture the full view of the turrets, incorporating elements such as the clear water of the moat and the distant palace walls into the frame, creating a landscape effect full of charm.
After the renovation, the turrets look brand new. The yellow glazed tile roofs and the gilded finials shine brightly in the sunlight. The renovation work not only protects the structural safety of this ancient building but also restores its former glory, continuing to showcase the unique charm of the architecture of the Forbidden City to the world.
