故宫的宫殿建筑，作为中国现存规模最大、保存最完整的古建筑群，其总面积广阔，殿宇宫室数量繁多，被誉为“殿宇之海”。在欣赏这些建筑的同时，人们不禁会产生疑问：为何故宫及其它封建帝王宫殿的多数建筑都选用红墙黄瓦？

The Forbidden City, China's largest and best-preserved ancient architectural complex, covers vast grounds and contains a multitude of palaces and halls, earning it the title "sea of palaces". When people appreciate these architectures, one question often arises: why are the walls red and the roofs yellow in the Forbidden City and many other imperial palaces?

黄色自古以来就被视为正色的色调，在五行学说中代表着中央方位，即土。土，作为万物生长的根基，黄色自然成为了备受尊崇的颜色。黄色不仅象征着尊贵，更在历史上被赋予了皇室的专属地位，在古代遗址禁止平民使用。红色被古代中国视为美满、喜庆的象征，蕴含着庄严、幸福与富贵的深远寓意。

In traditional thought, yellow was regarded as the most central and respected color. In the theory of the Five Elements, it represents the center, the earth. Earth is the foundation of all things, thus yellow became a revered color. Yellow not only symbolized nobility but was also historically designated as the exclusive color of the imperial family, with its use prohibited for commoners in ancient times. Red was seen as a symbol of happiness, prosperity, and solemnity, carrying auspicious meanings of joy and wealth.

故宫作为封建王朝最高统治者的居所，其建筑风格必须充分体现皇帝的“至高无上”和“尊贵富有”。因此，这里的大多数建筑都选用了红墙黄瓦的设计。而经历了千年变迁，红墙黄瓦不再是权贵的专属，但这种中式审美也延续至今。

As the residence of China's emperors, the Forbidden City had to reflect imperial supremacy and dignity, which is why red walls and yellow roofs became its defining features. Therefore, most of the buildings here adopted the design of red walls and yellow roofs. After thousands of years of change, red walls and yellow roofs are no longer exclusive to the powerful, yet this Chinese aesthetic has continued to the present day.

责编：勾晓庆