Many of the elements of the Forbidden City have great meaning and symbolism. The palace features over 12,000 dragons which symbolize the emperor (Morel 53). The phoenix, which is the symbol for the empress can also be seen throughout the palace grounds (Morel 53). I personally think the dragon is a perfect symbol for an emperor because I think a dragon is powerful and in charge just like an emperor would be.
Béguin, Gilles, and Dominique Morel. The Forbidden City:
Center of Imperial China. New York: H.N. Abrams, 1997. Print.