The colors red and yellow dominate the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, symbolizing power and wealth. Red, the color of the emperor, represents prosperity, happiness, and good fortune, while yellow signifies the emperor's divine right to rule. These colors were chosen to convey the imperial authority and majesty of the emperor.

The Forbidden City, built in the 15th century, was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was designed to reflect the emperor's absolute power and was off-limits to commoners. The use of red and yellow was not only symbolic but also practical. Red walls and roofs were fire-resistant and could withstand the harsh winters of Beijing. Yellow, being the color of the emperor, was used extensively in the architecture and decorations to emphasize his divine status.

Historical records indicate that the use of red and yellow in the Forbidden City was meticulously planned. The emperor's robes were red, signifying his power and the bloodline of his ancestors. The yellow color was also associated with the sun, which was believed to be the source of life and power. The combination of red and yellow in the Forbidden City's architecture and decorations was a powerful statement of the emperor's authority and the divine right to rule.

According to the "Manual of Rites" (Lǐjì), the color red was associated with the five cardinal virtues: wisdom, benevolence, courage, propriety, and sincerity. These virtues were essential for the emperor to maintain harmony and order in the empire. Yellow, on the other hand, was associated with the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The emperor was seen as the embodiment of these elements, and the use of yellow in the Forbidden City was a way to connect him with the natural world.

The Forbidden City's color scheme also had practical implications. Red walls and roofs were not only fire-resistant but also provided insulation against the cold. The use of yellow in the construction of the palace was also a way to protect against evil spirits. In traditional Chinese culture, yellow was believed to have protective properties, and the emperor's use of yellow was a way to ensure his safety and longevity.

In conclusion, the colors red and yellow in the Forbidden City were chosen to symbolize the emperor's power, wealth, and divine right to rule. These colors were not only symbolic but also practical, providing protection and insulation. The meticulous planning and use of these colors in the Forbidden City's architecture and decorations were a testament to the emperor's authority and the importance of his role in Chinese society.