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Nine-Dragon Wall in the Forbidden City

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The upper part of the Nine-Dragon Wall is covered with yellow glazed tiles and features a hip-and-gable roof. Beneath the eaves are wooden-style imitation rafters, purlins, and bracket sets. The wall surface is made of colored glaze bricks, with dragons depicted in various postures. The dragons are arranged along the wall’s central axis. The dragons on the dark blue background are crafted using high relief techniques, with the highest points protruding 20 cm from the wall surface, creating a strong three-dimensional effect. A craggy mountain rock formation runs vertically through the center of the wall, dividing the nine coiled dragons into five sections. The yellow central dragon, depicted facing forward, has its front claws in an embracing position and its rear claws kicking up ocean waves. Its serpentine body coils as it holds a flaming pearl beneath its head, with wide eyes and an open mouth, exuding an imposing and majestic aura. On either side, there are two dragons each in blue and white — the white ones are rising dragons, while the blue ones are descending dragons. The two dragons on the left face each other, while those on the right move in opposite directions. All four dragons chase after flaming pearls, full of dynamic movement as if they might leap out of the wall. The two outer dragons, one yellow and one purple, show intense motion — the yellow dragon on the left stands tall with its neck tucked in, its upper claws spread wide, and its legs thrusting forward and backward. The purple dragon lowers its left claw while raising its right, with its tail swooshing forward. The vivid motion of these two dragons makes their struggle for dominance come alive. On the right end, the yellow dragon arches its back, dynamically poised, with vividly carved movements of leaping and bounding. The purple dragon raises its head and tucks in its belly, striking the waves with its front claws, displaying a vigorous and majestic posture. This fully showcases the wisdom and artistic talent of the ancient Han Chinese laboring people.

Overview Transport Tickets Specialties

The upper part of the Nine-Dragon Wall is covered with yellow glazed tiles and features a hip-and-gable roof. Beneath the eaves are wooden-style imitation rafters, purlins, and bracket sets. The wall surface is made of colored glaze bricks, with dragons depicted in various postures. The dragons are arranged along the wall’s central axis. The dragons on the dark blue background are crafted using high relief techniques, with the highest points protruding 20 cm from the wall surface, creating a strong three-dimensional effect. A craggy mountain rock formation runs vertically through the center of the wall, dividing the nine coiled dragons into five sections. The yellow central dragon, depicted facing forward, has its front claws in an embracing position and its rear claws kicking up ocean waves. Its serpentine body coils as it holds a flaming pearl beneath its head, with wide eyes and an open mouth, exuding an imposing and majestic aura. On either side, there are two dragons each in blue and white — the white ones are rising dragons, while the blue ones are descending dragons. The two dragons on the left face each other, while those on the right move in opposite directions. All four dragons chase after flaming pearls, full of dynamic movement as if they might leap out of the wall. The two outer dragons, one yellow and one purple, show intense motion — the yellow dragon on the left stands tall with its neck tucked in, its upper claws spread wide, and its legs thrusting forward and backward. The purple dragon lowers its left claw while raising its right, with its tail swooshing forward. The vivid motion of these two dragons makes their struggle for dominance come alive. On the right end, the yellow dragon arches its back, dynamically poised, with vividly carved movements of leaping and bounding. The purple dragon raises its head and tucks in its belly, striking the waves with its front claws, displaying a vigorous and majestic posture. This fully showcases the wisdom and artistic talent of the ancient Han Chinese laboring people.

Location

Outside the Huangji Gate, in the Ning Shou Palace area of the Forbidden City, Dongcheng District, Beijing