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Tourism GuideA field guide to China

Beijing · Attraction

Forbidden City Palaces

The Forbidden City also known as the Palace Museum is the worlds largest and best preserved ancient wooden architectural complex representing the pinnacle of Chinese imperial palace architecture and culture

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Forbidden City Palaces
Beijing, ChinaField notes · Attraction
BeijingImperial PalaceUNESCO World HeritageMing Dynasty

Why go

About Forbidden City Palaces

The Forbidden City located at the heart of Beijing served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1420 to 1912 This magnificent complex covers 72 hectares with 980 buildings containing 8707 rooms The palace is divided into two main sections the Outer Court where emperors conducted state affairs and the Inner Court which served as the living quarters for the imperial family The entire complex is surrounded by a 10meter high wall and a 52meter wide moat creating a truly forbidden city accessible only to the emperor his family and select officials The architecture follows strict Confucian principles with symmetrical layouts and hierarchical arrangements reflecting the cosmic order and imperial authority

Make time for

Practical ideas, not a checklist

  1. 01Explore the Meridian Gate the main entrance and marvel at its imposing five passageway structure
  2. 02Visit the Hall of Supreme Harmony the largest hall where emperors held grand ceremonies and enthronements
  3. 03Admire the intricate details of the Hall of Central Harmony where emperors prepared for ceremonies
  4. 04Discover the Hall of Preserving Harmony where imperial examinations were held and banquets took place
  5. 05Walk through the Gate of Heavenly Purity marking the transition from Outer to Inner Court
  6. 06Explore the Palace of Heavenly Purity the emperors residence and office in the Inner Court
  7. 07Visit the Hall of Union where imperial seals were stored and important documents were kept
  8. 08See the Palace of Earthly Tranquility the empresss residence and traditional wedding chamber
  9. 09Wander through the Imperial Garden with its ancient cypress trees pavilions and rockeries
  10. 10Discover the Nine Dragon Screen a magnificent glazed tile wall featuring nine colorful dragons
  11. 11Visit the Clock Exhibition Hall showcasing exquisite timepieces from the imperial collection
  12. 12Explore the Treasure Gallery displaying imperial jewels jade carvings and precious artifacts

Good to know

Construction Period
1406-1420 during the Ming Dynasty
Architectural Style
Traditional Chinese palace architecture with wooden structures
UNESCO Status
World Heritage Site since 1987
Total Area
720000 square meters
Number of Rooms
8707 rooms according to legend
Imperial Residents
24 emperors from Ming and Qing dynasties
Collection Size
Over 18 million cultural relics
Annual Visitors
Approximately 17 million visitors

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