About The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today it is known as the Palace Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves nearly 1,000 buildings and countless imperial treasures across 72 hectares.
Enter through the Meridian Gate and follow the central axis from the Outer Court, where emperors held ceremonies, to the Inner Court, where the royal family lived. Every hall, gate, and courtyard follows strict feng shui principles, with yellow glazed tiles, red walls, and marble terraces symbolizing the supreme power of the Son of Heaven.
What Not to Miss
The Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest surviving wooden structure in China, once used for coronations and imperial weddings.
The Palace of Heavenly Purity and the quieter western quarters, where you can see original thrones, clocks, and court robes.
Jingshan Park directly behind the palace: climb to the pavilion for the classic panoramic view over the golden rooftops.
