In ancient China, placing large vats in courtyards often symbolized good fortune, believed to protect the home and enhance the owner's luck. The imperial palace was no exception. However, the primary purpose of the water vats in the Forbidden City was fire prevention.

The Forbidden City's architecture, constructed primarily from wood, faced fire as its greatest threat. Consequently, large vats were strategically placed throughout palace courtyards and along pathways, kept full of water year-round. Each vat could hold hundreds to thousands of liters of water, comparable to the capacity of a small fire truck today.

In the event of a fire, soldiers and eunuchs could immediately access water from these vats for firefighting. These vats were also known by evocative names, such as: "Mon Hai" (sea before the gate), "Cat Tuong Cuong" (auspicious vat), and "Thai Binh Cuong" (peaceful vat).

A vat in the Forbidden City today. Photo: VCG

During Beijing's harsh winters, palace staff implemented ingenious heating methods to prevent the water from freezing and ensure its readiness for firefighting. They placed burning charcoal inside hollow stone bases situated beneath the vats. Furthermore, the vats were tightly covered and insulated with "cotton jackets"—thick fabric coverings designed to retain warmth. This meticulous approach ensured the water remained liquid and accessible, even in sub-zero temperatures.

Historical records from the "Dai Thanh Hoi Dien" indicate that the Forbidden City once housed 308 large vats. Over time, only 231 of these remain preserved today.

These vats are categorized into three main types based on their material: bronze, iron, and gilded bronze. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), iron vats were prevalent. The Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) saw the introduction of gilded bronze vats.

The gilding process was elaborate and complex: gold was dissolved in mercury, applied to the bronze surface, then heated. This heating evaporated the mercury, leaving a durable layer of gold that created a brilliant, shimmering appearance.

The Forbidden City's strict architectural hierarchy extended even to the vats. Gilded bronze vats, considered the most prestigious, with only 18 remaining, were positioned at the entrances of key palaces like Taihe Hall and Baohe Hall. Bronze and iron vats were located in less prominent palaces and along pathways.

Towards the end of the Qing Dynasty, invading forces plundered the Forbidden City. Unable to carry away the heavy vats, they resorted to using bayonets to scrape off the gilded surfaces. Today, visitors can still observe these bayonet marks etched onto the vats, a tangible reminder of that historical period.

The Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace, began construction during the Yuan Dynasty (approximately 1271-1368). This expansive complex, covering about 720,000 square meters, consists of numerous palaces and served as the residence for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It was fortified by a 10-meter-high wall, watchtowers, and a wide moat. Today, the Forbidden City stands as a renowned tourist attraction, drawing most visitors to Beijing.

Hoai Anh (According to Our China Story, Trip)