Part 4/9:
The visionary behind this architectural marvel was the Yongle Emperor, who ruled from 1402 to 1424. He was an emblematic figure of the Ming Dynasty, pushing the boundaries of art, engineering, and military command. This ambitious ruler sought to shift the capital to Beijing, where the Forbidden City would serve as both a military stronghold and an artistic sanctuary. Through the lens of history, the architectural decisions made during Yongle's reign would enhance China's cultural identity for generations.