ASMR - The Forbidden City and History of Imperial China (Bedtime Story)

In this male soft spoken ASMR story about China, I take you to the discovery of the Forbidden City. We explore this extraordinary complex and follow the history of Imperial China from the rise of the Ming Dynasty and the construction of the Forbidden City in the 15th Century, to the Qing (Manchu) Dynasty, until the fall of the Empire in 1911.
Take a look at this scene from The Last Emperor:
• The Last Emperor scene...
Credits: script and narration by the French Whisperer, images by the French Whisperer or under Wikipedia Commons.
Music at the start from the KZbin Audio Library: "Lau Tzu Ehru" by Doug Maxwell.
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Music streaming platforms: look up on your favourite site, I am probably on it and the library of available stories is growing every week!
My Facebook page:
/ thefrenchwhispererasmr
Patreon: your contribution is very welcome. I use it to buy props for videos, books, and pay the bills! Patrons can also download videos in HD, or audio only, access special surveys and listen to my stories as podcasts. / thefrenchwhisperer
Twitter: @FrenchWhisperer
Paypal account:
on the front page of my channel or www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
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Timestamps:
0:00 Music and Subpar Calligraphy
0:59 The Forbidden City
5:04 Beijing Then and Now
10:06 Capital under the Yuan Dynasty
12:33 The Rise of the Ming Dynasty
14:41 Construction of the Forbidden City
17:04 Pavilion of Supreme Harmony
21:08 Pavilion of Preserved Harmony
25:59 Emperor Yongle
28:13 Glorious Isolation under the Ming Dynasty
31:24 Contacts with Europeans
35:17 Fall of the Ming and Rise of the Qing Dynasty
39:58 Inner Courtyards and Other Areas
45:56 A Gilded Cage for Emperors
48:39 China under the Qing Dynasty
51:44 19th Century and Opium Wars
58:24 The Boxer Rebellion
1:02:01 The Fall and the Last Emperor
1:05:25 Beliefs and Symbolism in the Forbidden City
1:10:13 The Forbidden City in the 20th Century

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

Timestamps: Listen to this story on your favourite streaming platform asmrdb.fanlink.to/TheFrenchWhisperer-The-Forbidden-City-and-History-of-Imperial-China-Sleep-Story. Patrons can download videos in HD, or audio only, and watch/listen offline. www.patreon.com/thefrenchwhisperer 0:00 Music and Subpar Calligraphy 0:59 The Forbidden City 5:04 Beijing Then and Now 10:06 Capital under the Yuan Dynasty 12:33 The Rise of the Ming Dynasty 14:41 Construction of the Forbidden City 17:04 Pavilion of Supreme Harmony 21:08 Pavilion of Preserved Harmony 25:59 Emperor Yongle 28:13 Glorious Isolation under the Ming Dynasty 31:24 Contacts with Europeans 35:17 Fall of the Ming and Rise of the Qing Dynasty 39:58 Inner Courtyards and Other Areas 45:56 A Gilded Cage for Emperors 48:39 China under the Qing Dynasty 51:44 19th Century and Opium Wars 58:24 The Boxer Rebellion 1:02:01 The Fall and the Last Emperor 1:05:25 Beliefs and Symbolism in the Forbidden City 1:10:13 The Forbidden City in the 20th Century

[@AadiASMR]

A wonderful Package asmr

[@nickyyu6008]

Your content is gold! So much work in this amazing video. I feel I am relaxed and educated at the same time! Thanks!!!

[@mnt28127]

Vous ne faites plus de vidéo en français ? J'espère une bientôt, en tout cas vous faites un super travail merci

[@mathonamoore123]

The French Whisperer , I love your videos. I'm looking forward to the Great Wall of China one. Would you please consider making videos of Catherine the Great, Rasputin and The Romanov family and some on the richest families in the world, such as the Hearsts, Rokefellas, Rothschilds, Guggenheims and the Vanderbilts? I'm missing one I'm sure. I would love the history of Holland too with an emphasis on Amsterdam. I loved the Van Gogh museum there but its not as beautiful as Venice or Paris. I love Paris as I lived there for 2 years. I read a great book about Rasputin. It's called 'Rasputin' by Edvard Radsinsky. I love Russian history too. God bless xx

[@notaskrull8304]

Ppplplppppppppĺpppplpllpplppppppĺplĺlpplppllppp0plllpppppllpppplpppppppppllllllllpppllpplppplppppppplpplpppplppplĺplpplplpllppĺlpppplpplppplppllplpppplpplppplplplpplplppplplplplpppppplplppplplppllppppĺpplppppllppplpplpllplpppllpppppllplplppplppplplpppllppplppppppllplppllplpppppĺlppppplpppplplplpppllppplppllpppllppplpppppppppppppppplplppĺpllppĺlpplllppllplppllĺppppĺppĺĺĺlpppĺplpllplppĺllpplllppppplpppppĺlplpllpppplppplplpppppplpĺĺllppplplppllpllpplpllĺĺpppppppppppĺppllplpplĺppppplplplppplplpplpppplpplpppĺllpĺĺpppp

[@sanem4208]

When you hear the “hello everyone” it’s time to get cozy

[@justzeke9939]

Never gets old

[@ytreece]

My eyes begin to get lazy as soon as I hear it.

[@malloryjackson268]

Yup it’s going down 😊🤍

[@poetryjones7946]

True dat! 🌹🙏🏼🌙

[@evat267]

If he came up to me and said hello everyone, I would pass out IMMEDIATELY

[@Andreastheduck]

One problem I have with your vids though: they're very relaxing yet extremely interesting and my nervous system can't decide between sleeping and a state of uttermost concentration. help pls

[@user-bo1ue1ur3t]

I just try to keep a soft focus on the content, like allowing it to be heard but not lingering too long on one aspect or factoid. I let it shape a world in my mind that I can snuggle up and fall asleep in.

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

I'd like to help but I don't know what to say. I probably have a few videos with a topic you're not very interested in. 😅

[@Jamie_Pritchard]

Listen once while wide awake for the info, and then a second time while ready to sleep for the ASMR 😁

[@chrisnam1603]

@@Jamie_Pritchard yes! same as i do :)

[@nataliebutler]

Don't worry about taking it all in. If you fall asleep you can just listen again, and again, and a... 😴

[@bird2624]

The amount of effort you must put into these frequent uploads, we're all damn thankful. Nice work!

[@genekwagmyrsingh9433]

Were you around when he disappeared forever? It was awful!

[@kurtf.4383]

French, you should do a autobiographical episode. You seem like an interesting guy.

[@jiachenlu1064]

It's so amazing to see you writing Chinese characters! And I am proud that people like our culture❤️

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

I hope I didn't butcher the characters too much 🙈. I watched a tutorial on youtube because I didn't want to make a complete fool of myself, but it's hard and it reminded me how much of an art Chinese calligraphy is.

[@forevermarked5826]

Love China history! Love history in general and China has a great history

[@mmml4602]

@@TheFrenchWhispererASMR It's pretty amazing if you just watched one tutorial. The ones you wrote all have a rather complicated structure compared to some other ones

[@Sarah-hc3wn]

Jiachen Lu absolutely LOVE Chinese history! its absolutely fascinating. Your culture is so diverse and rich!

[@PRINCESS2527]

Love China ❤️😊

[@MyLaundryStinks]

The amount of research you must do for your videos is astonishing. I know I've said it before, but I'm so glad you're back. Your work is always incredible.

[@lpgilber]

I always think the same thing. The amount of detail we are given. It's impressive!

[@kirstycat]

i’m really depressed right now and haven’t been able to sleep properly recently but this was really calming + interesting, distracting from my thoughts, for me, thank you.

[@user-bo1ue1ur3t]

His space tour videos soothe my depressive episodes, I'd recommend those. Also the one about trees ^.^

[@RichMitch]

You aren't your thoughts, Kirsty. You have got this, m8. x

[@elizabethvelez7435]

Hang in there Kristy. I think the world's a little depressed right now. Know you're not alone and everything will work out that's depressing you, it just takes time. Sunshine and fresh air, get some and remember, you're valuable.

[@kirstycat]

Elizabeth Velez thank you 💕

[@kirstycat]

Rich Mitch thanks!

[@alinas.3433]

as a Chinese I'd say this vid is literally awesome

[@Pipoe1302]

I was always fascinated about Chinese history, hope you will do one on Japan next. Cheers from Belgium!

[@RichMitch]

Check out the china history Podcast by laszlo Montgomery on youtube, yo. Its awesome

[@Pipoe1302]

Ty for the recommendation!

[@hate8471]

Anything about Japan I think of ghost of tsushima love the game😂🔥

[@timboneiod1780]

Japanese history is so common on KZbin. I’d much prefer Korea or Vietnam

[@Tomhad]

Watch the bill wurtz video “history of japan” very good

[@concernedhermit7153]

As a Chinese native I must say your handwriting of Chinese characters is awesome for a non-Chinese people! Also the content is very 👍

[@adriannp.]

I still watching you since 6 years ago, waiting for you to come back. And when you came back i could see that your quality increased a lot, a lot that you must deserve more than one million subs. Waiting for this, meanwhile i will support al your videos for sure, like old times!

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

Thanks Adrian!

[@lonelittlejerry917]

I just looked up "china history asmr", and lo and behold, you've uploaded just that an hour ago.

[@DwightLivesMatter]

That's awfully specific lol.

[@lonelittlejerry917]

@@DwightLivesMatter Ikr. Was playing as Ming in EU4 and wanting fitting background noise.

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

I played Ming too but I remember there was an annoying revolts event that made the country hard to control when your emperor died without an heir, which was probably realistic but what a bummer in terms of gameplay.

[@lonelittlejerry917]

@@TheFrenchWhispererASMR Yeah, definitely. I think in situations like that it's fair enough to roll back to an earlier save in the hope that your leader spawns an heir, haha

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

@@lonelittlejerry917 Absolutely. Some people call it cheating, I just call it loading an earlier save.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Listening while sleeping on my sailboat. This is true happiness😂

[@joshbaker8864]

Quite a life you live, Skip. Must say I’m rather jealous. Enjoy it a little extra for me next time.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

@@joshbaker8864 its a really small sailboat dont be jealous haha. I would rather have your knowledge. Take care.

[@kaahzvi5820]

How do you have internet connection?

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

@@kaahzvi5820 USA. Wifi everywhere.

[@justRICHTOFEN]

I have been watching your videos for about a month now, and I am so glad I found your channel. You are my favorite ASMR channel. Your videos are so interesting and really have helped me get through working at Walmart. I have a routine where I come home from work and watch your videos and eat dinner by candlelight. Its very relaxing. Keep up the awesome work!

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

Glad you like them, and welcome!

[@MASweet]

I visited the Forbidden City about 5 years ago. It was amazing 😁

[@ASMRTRENT]

Oh nice, thanks whisperer, a culture ripe with tradition, art, and the pursuit of perfection, which is perfect for ASMR relaxation. Stay relaxed my friend.

[@graceyfy]

His Chinese writing is better then me and I’m Chinese 😂

[@MSDesignASMR]

*Your voice is always so soothing to listen to!* Thanks for the amazing video!

[@reece3163]

Thank you so much. Was patiently awaiting this one! Great job with the odyssey also. Thoroughly enjoyable!

[@generalusernamelolol2127]

This is great asmr! Thank you for this 😊. Helped as I’ve done homework :)

[@poetryjones7946]

ADORE the ink and pen, dear friend! What a glorious ASMR, thank you yet again for saving our brains during this surreal Covidlife ⭐️🌹

[@loriboufford6342]

I have been to the forbidden city, I had no idea how much of a gift it was to see it. That was 25 years ago. Life there was much different than now. I truly enjoy listening to you teaching us about teaching unusual places in China

[@annamizzi4718]

I adore watching your history videos. It’s become my nighttime ritual to fall asleep to your videos just to get myself excited to learn about the rest! You always put a lot of work and effort into researching what you’re talking about, it’s always a good listen.

[@amdb6]

I’ve been watching your content for many years and I always appreciate how it turns out!!! Keep it up!!!

[@toffthe]

Merci beaucoup. I think Chinese civilization is fascinating, such incredible beauty and refined sensibility.

[@ruabadfish02]

Oh. My. Goodness. So excited for this. You’re just the best FW. 😍

[@quietlycreativeasmr7751]

I really love your set up! The beautiful little curiosities, and the books! I’d love to look through those books. Watching you paint those symbols (I’m so sorry I don’t know the proper name) is so incredibly soothing as well. Love your voice!

[@jenniferpike616]

I fell in love with China the first time i visited in 2017. I also had the joy of seeing the Forbidden City on that particular trip. I absolutely loved it.

[@kylbarry4466]

lemme just stop by a drop it a like before i even watch it, i'll be back later to listen before i sleep :D

[@danielprior121]

Fantastic so peaceful and relaxing 😌

[@wild_phil5570]

This is like a college lecture but actually interesting and better than any professor I've ever had.

[@TBrown67]

So underrated! Love your content!

[@omars.8073]

Such consistently great content. Thank you so much!

[@lpgilber]

I never heard about the Forbidden City until I was invited by the Chinese government for a course. That was a site we were supposed to visit, but they were having military celebrations around the same time, so it was canceled to the dismay of many of my travel companions. Cue, several years later when I went on a Asian cruise and I was able to visit it then. I still didn't understand its importance until I actually saw it for myself and was taught its history. It's one of my treasured memories of China.

[@chinemapictures]

I love your channel. I listen to you while I do my chores after work. I think the first video I saw was about Ancient Rome. Thank you, French Whisperer ASMR!

[@poetryjones7946]

Thank you so much for another perfect ASMR 🌹🙏🏼🌹

[@shirleyrogers3145]

Very professional. I love the content and the way you present it. It feels like a fascinating story rather than the dry data I memorized in college. The set is simple, but attractive and eye catching. All that aside, the magic is in your voice. Thank you for sharing it.

[@MrWylis]

Thank you, FW. You're a legend round these parts.

[@AustinM1918]

Been waiting so long for a China history thanks so much I hope for more in the future

[@sirpizza2044]

Amazing video bro! I don't know why but whenever you get to the part where you say what other platforms your on and your patreon I get so relaxed I don't know why but it's that one part so keep saying it😆 it also reminds me that I should definetly support you on patron sometime in the near future you deserve it your videos are so good. Keep up the good work man

[@sabc1467]

I think a topic that would interest you and I would LOVE to hear is about fungi. There’s so many fascinating things about them. Did you know they are closer to humans than plants given they breathe oxygen like us and not Co2? They’re so important to the ecosystem as well! I hope you consider it 😊

[@yanamclaughlin1644]

Every single one of your videos is an absolute work of art ♡

[@KiltLeo]

I barely made it inside the doors until I fell asleep. You're turning into one of my favourite AMRS to sleep to. Cheers

[@Debbie338]

Thank for a typically brilliant, informative video. You’re spoiling me for other ASMR creators.

[@exploringwithmicaela9301]

Thank you 😊 This is wonderful!

[@YeahhDan]

Another excellent video. You're the best! 😊

[@al8898]

I'm certain my IQ has gone up since subscribing to this channel. My definite go to for a while now. Excellent content! Merci from Scotland Sir! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😊

[@NenaLavonne]

Love this channel!!!!! ♥️

[@danielnemati8370]

You’re the best. Asmr and free knowledge.

[@thegalaxyhasclass]

Amazing video! I really enjoy that you're showing your artistic talants lately! Cheers!

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

Thank you!

[@deepquake9]

I so very much appreciate your stories. The history and you.

[@hannahh8696]

Your voice is extra relaxing in this one - not sure why! I really don’t know enough about China. My introduction to the some of the social issues present in modern Chinese society was when I read ‘The Good Women of China’ at the age of 17. But I admit that I still don’t know enough about its history. This is very welcome - as always, thank you. I’m really enjoying the addition of painting/drawing in the last couple of videos; it’s extremely tingly!

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

Thanks, honestly I never draw or paint but that's fun to try for videos and it gives me something to do on screen 😅

[@hannahh8696]

It’s very relaxing. Your painting and drawing is good for someone for who never does it!

[@YeahhDan]

@@TheFrenchWhispererASMR it was a wonderful visual trigger for me

[@desertshield]

Very informative and entertaining. Big like!

[@nataliavlzd0607]

Amazing! ❤❤

[@gennydoesitalltv]

Love this and very informative.

[@SienAppelsien]

I put this on accompanied with some chinese zen music, and it was just so perfectly fitting that I often forgot that it was two separate videos. It was like your tempo of speaking matched up perfectly with the song. It's so great to listen to while drawing

[@KyeWB]

This is high quality ASMR 🙌🏻 and I’m learning something also! 😅

[@Sarah-hc3wn]

LOVE THIS!! Where have u been my whole life!

[@lolololololutrythcfy]

you deserve all the subs dude

[@rubyquail]

Wow, great calligraphy! Impressive. And thank you for sharing you collection of beautiful Chinese arts and crafts.

[@stu8900]

Just in time for bed! ❤️

[@viviinthevalley1072]

Am so amazed that you could write the chinese characters and do calligraphy so well! You are just so smart and cultural. Vous êtes magnifique 🥰

[@Chadgigington]

Best asmrtist!

[@songbanana8]

Yay I voted for this one! I visited the Forbidden City and it was beautiful and HUGE. Amazing we can see and touch pieces of history even today. I hope to visit China again someday and will listen to your videos to relax until I can😴

[@narberalgamma7854]

謝謝你的這段視頻 . Cela signifie, "merci pour cette vidéo " en chinois. J'ai commencé à apprendre cette langue magnifique et qui plus est, je vous avez proposé d'aborder la chine sur une de vos vidéos précédentes. C'est avec un grand plaisir que je vais la visionner et merci encore pour votre travail de grande qualité!

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

Merci!

[@kendellkryptonite2561]

I have watched your greek mythology video every night since I found your channel. I love your style, and I will be looking forward to more awesome content.

[@bigmonkeybanana]

Ça tombe très bien ! Comme j'ai regardé Le dernier Empereur pour la première fois il y a peu de temps

[@Monster4life100]

I’ve been to the forbidden city. So much history and the architecture was beautiful. Really enjoyed your video 😊

[@rhiannonm8132]

started with history of russia, then ancient china, ghenghis khan and the mongols, now this. slowly learning the history of the eurasian continent with french whisperer… it’s much more effective than history class in school was!

[@jadet4604]

This is so cool, im so glad i found ur channel! As a guy with Aspergers who is sooo interested In history, different cultures and stuff i find this the best kind of asmr there can be! U r so amazing and inspiring bro. Damn.

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

Thanks and welcome!

[@deepquake9]

Thank you so much!

[@kiwisatan6515]

my ap test is about asia and the imperial empire so this is perfect for me right now

[@paulpaul20000]

Well, now I can relax and actually learn something really interesting and actually useful, thanks ! I went and was there myself 2 years ago, and now, I can listen to its detailed story !

[@iansilo105]

Your work is wonderful as usual,thank you so much !. I am sorry to say my browser/laptop is to old to download your videos,so i will watch as much of your work as i can to make up for the loss. Again thank you.

[@nathanisamazing54]

Ghenghis Khan ASMR Sleep Story wants to know your location

[@ytreece]

😂 nice comment

[@NN-cm2mh]

Your videos are the best❤️

[@taylorroach8116]

This is perfect 👌 I have always wanted to learn about Chinese culture and it has always made me fall 😴 😴 😴 🤪

[@christopherz1994]

Chinese fan here! Love all of your videos and this one means a lot to me.

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

Happy to hear that!

[@veraciously]

Me last night: What a fascinating topic! I look forward to this. Me next morning: (doesn't remember a single thing said because I fell asleep 5 mins in but the video played for 50mins before my phone ran out of battery)

[@LittleBirdASMR]

oh LOOK who has a lil' checkmark by their naaaaame!!! omg so cool, and well-deserved.

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

Thanks, and yes, I got this badge a few weeks ago. Now I answer as many comments as I can to show it off 🙄😅

[@LittleBirdASMR]

The French Whisperer ASMR AS YOU SHOULD🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🥰😂💋

[@Snaxolotl71]

I’m the one thousandth like :3 Great video as always

[@ragingrivers__3440]

I wish you had some calming music in the background but still I love your work

[@jungsufi]

Can we get a “behind the scenes” video? It’s amazing the work you do. It would be a great insight to see your research process, artifacts choice, editing, etc. Just an idea!

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

Thanks! It is old now, but I did this years ago, a video called "making-of and channel rambling" if I remember well.

[@JennySimon206]

I used to front of house manage The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle modeled after The Forbidden City. So beautiful. If u have a chance to visit Seattle, you should stop in and see our mini version.

[@neverstopz9045]

Thank you

[@aceofspades6667]

TFW ASMR brought me here with his history of rome incantation.

[@FEVfan]

I love asmr and i've recently been interested in chinese history, this video is perfect.

[@pumpkinthighs]

Who the hell is this?

[@FEVfan]

@@pumpkinthighs i just realized the reference, i feel stupid now lmao

[@pumpkinthighs]

@@FEVfan I'm happy to see another Enclave enjoyer

[@tproeber]

You know......I bet your history content spoken in a normal voice would top Kings and Generals and other top history channels. Your French origin/accent/interpretation of history is a ..... breath of fresh air to all the Anglosphere content. I know there is a ton of French content on KZbin, but for example it was great to hear Napoleonic history from a non British person - I mean for real! The British are so proud of Waterloo - they (and maybe mostly Prussia) defeated WHAT WAS LEFT OF NAPOLEON.

[@jumboopizza255]

How is it possible you know this much about subjects ranging from history,art,science? Very impressive, I think the only subjects I haven't seen you talk about are like math,chemistry or biology.

[@TheFrenchWhispererASMR]

it's quite simple, I don't know this much ;). I just know enough to know where to look and the main lines of the stories, but then I research to remember things I had forgotten, and learn more. I enjoy it and it is one of the reasons why I make these videos.

[@ytreece]

There are some science posts if you look at his channel. Off the top of my head I can recall cells, space, and atoms. FW has such broad depth of knowledge! There is a post about his process for making these that is really interesting too.

[@misanthropicservitorofmars2116]

Boxer rebellion and the Taiping rebellion are some of the most fascinating civil wars I can think of.

[@jamesbrickley778]

What is the music at the start? It's beautiful.

[@lesclaypoolonbass9431]

what instruments do they use to make that Chinese music like in the intro?

[@somedudefromholland]

Does anyone know the music from the intro? I'd love to find out what it's called.

[@inversepolarity]

My cat wouldn't stop purring and staring at this video. I think she's in love.

[@PothePerson]

Very interesting and relaxing. Thank you. I love your voice. Would you be interested in recording an audiobook for a comission? If so, how can I contact you?

[@Bofore13]

Oh yeah, it's time to learn and chill.

[@gaberodriguez7938]

If you were ever interested in making a video on it, I think that a history of aviation video would be fantastic, might be a bit of a big project though.

[@mr.person6596]

My man, I just heard the advertisement of you on Calm and got really confused about what was going on since it was just before this video started.

[@nikigreen2609]

Time to “cuddle up in your bed”. Sigh. I’ve been looking forward to this one a lot. Thank you TFW.