As can be seen from the plan of the Forbidden City, this giant snake came in from the northwest corner of the Forbidden City, in zig zag, the west road outside the Forbidden City, and went out from the southeast corner of the Forbidden City, just passing between the Wumen Gate and the Taihe Gate. As we all know, snakes were regarded as a kind of god beast in ancient times. Therefore, as can be seen from the plan, this giant snake stands between the main entrance, the meridian gate and the Taihe gate of the Forbidden City.
Many people will wonder, how can a river be called a snake? I used to be curious about the asymmetry and irregularity of Jinshui River. I thought there was nothing I could do because of the terrain and architecture. Now think about it, is it deliberately making it bend relatively irregularly and randomly? So as to be like a snake? When you walk into the Forbidden City and really explore this Neijinshui River, you will find that this river was deliberately excavated according to the snake's swimming pattern when it was being excavated.
As can be seen from the topographic map of the Forbidden City, Neijinshui River flows into the city from the northwest direction of the Forbidden City, meanders south along the western wall and flows to the southwest end, then turns a 90-degree bend here and meanders eastward. At the outlet of the southeast corner of Neijinshui River, it is not the same width as an ordinary waterway, but a triangle like a snake head. This Neijinshui River is called a long snake because. This is why, if the river was really a symbol of a long snake at the beginning of its construction, then this long snake was designed to guard the door and house of the Forbidden City.
Not to mention the royal family, even the ancient government officials would build two stone lions in front of their houses to show their status and protect the town houses. Even today, many families will build small door sculptures outside their houses for the same purpose. Therefore, the reason why the emperor built such a long river course was to consolidate his inheritance and protect the country.
Looking back at this river from another angle, you will find that this snake is still protecting the Forbidden City. Now it has been lying here for more than 600 years, making it the longest and oldest snake in the history of the world.
From the perspective of geomantic omen, or the overall pattern, with this longest snake, the Forbidden City is very vivid.
In fact, now that I think about it, although the rulers at that time had unparalleled power, they also hoped to have an ordinary life in the homes of ordinary people. This giant snake seems to be owned only by the palace, but it is actually imitating the life of ordinary people.