As heavy rains recently swept through Beijing, visitors to the Palace Museum were treated to a remarkable sight: torrents of water gushing from the mouths of stone dragon heads adorning the ancient palace walls. This spectacular display is not just for show; it’s an ingenious drainage system that has protected the centuries-old complex from flooding since its construction.
The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, boasts a total of 1,142 stone dragon head-shaped spouts embedded in the base platforms of its three main halls. These elaborately carved dragon heads serve a critical function, efficiently channeling rainwater away from the buildings and preventing water damage.
During downpours, rainwater collects on the vast roofs of the palace structures and is directed through internal pipes that lead to the dragon head spouts. The water then cascades through the dragons’ mouths, creating a breathtaking waterfall effect while swiftly draining excess water from the complex.
This ancient engineering marvel is part of a comprehensive drainage system that includes underground conduits and carefully designed slopes. Together, they ensure that the Palace Museum remains flood-free, preserving its historical architecture and priceless artifacts for future generations.
Visitors and locals alike marvel at the harmony between aesthetic beauty and functional design. The dragon motifs not only symbolize imperial power and good fortune but also exemplify the wisdom of ancient Chinese architects who seamlessly integrated art with practicality.
“Witnessing the dragon heads spouting water was an unforgettable experience,” said a tourist from abroad. “It’s amazing to see how effective ancient technology can be, even by today’s standards.”
The Palace Museum’s drainage system stands as a testament to the ingenuity of its creators and continues to play a vital role in the preservation of one of China’s most treasured cultural heritage sites.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
