Forbidden City

Bronze Crane - 5

On the terrace, which is luxuriously balustraded, a bronze crane and a bronze tortoise can be seen. They were placed there to expect everlasting rule and longevity. The crane lives 1,000 years and the tortoise 10.000, says a proverb. Both animals are symbols of longevity. The connection between a tortoise and a crane also dates back to China. The crane too was a symbol of Long Life and also the symbol of the relationship of Father and Son according to the Confucian philosophy. Furthermore the crane is a symbol of wisdom. When a high-ranking Taoist priest died, it was said he was "turning into a crane."