The Forbidden City never fails to take away the breath of visitors when they see the spectacular architecture and the transcendent buildings in the palace. Now you get the chance to immerse yourself in the grandeur and exquisite craftsmanship of the building outside the Forbidden City as the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre is bringing the historical culture to Hong Kong.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony at the centre of the Forbidden City

Replicas of the ornaments on the roof ridge of the Hall of Supreme Harmony

An exhibition entitled "Traversing the Forbidden City – Architecture and Craftsmanship” introduces the layout, as well as the origin, planning and architectural features of the Forbidden City, with focus on the Hall of Supreme Harmony. It showcases 18 sets of exhibits, including the carpentry, tiling, coating and polychrome painting amongst the eight glorious craftsmanship techniques, from which visitors can learn about the rich cultural heritage and remarkable architectural concept of the Forbidden City.

A model of a seven-tier liujing dougong (lever bracket set), Ming dynasty

A model of a one-petal arm, one-cantilever and five-tier pingshenke dougong (bracket set between columns), Qing dynasty

Highlight exhibits include a model of a seven-tier liujing dougong (lever bracket set) from the Ming dynasty; a model of a one-petal arm, one-cantilever and five-tier pingshenke dougong (bracket set between columns) from the Qing dynasty; "gold tile" (modern work), a type of square floor tile in the Forbidden City; and replicas of the polychrome painting bearing patterns of dragons on the ceiling of the Gate of Heavenly Purity and the ornaments on the roof ridge of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The "gold tile" (modern work), a type of square floor tile in the Forbidden City

A replica of the polychrome painting bearing patterns of dragons on the ceiling of the Gate of Heavenly Purity

The Forbidden City was the residence and court of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Located on the central axis of Beijing, this imperial palace has been witnessing the changes of time across almost six centuries. It is the world's largest and most well-preserved wooden palace complex.

Tang Ancestral Hall at Ping Shan in Yuen Long

Tai Fu Tai

The exhibition will also feature the style and characteristics of Chinese buildings in Hong Kong, including the Tang Ancestral Hall at Ping Shan in Yuen Long, Tai Fu Tai and King Yin Lei, to help visitors understand the importance of conserving historic buildings.

Traversing the Forbidden City - Architecture and Craftsmanship

Dates: 11 January - 7 April 2019
Venue: Thematic Exhibition Gallery, Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre
Address: Kowloon Park, Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Opening hours:

• Monday to Wednesday, Friday｜10am - 6pm
• Saturday, Sunday and public holidays｜10am - 7pm
• Chinese New Year’s Eve｜10am - 5pm
• Thursdays (except public holidays), and the first two days of the Chinese New Year｜ Closed

Admission: Free