Forbidden City

Beijing, China

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The Forbidden City is a large palace complex found at the heart of Beijing, China. It served as the residence of Chinese emperors from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty, a period of over 500 years between 1420 and 1924. This grand site was the ceremonial and political center of the Chinese government during this time.

Construction of the Forbidden City began in 1406, under the orders of the Yongle Emperor of the Ming dynasty, and was completed in 1420. Over a million workers were involved in its building. Since then, 24 emperors lived at the Forbidden City, 14 from the Ming dynasty and 10 from the Qing dynasty. After the last emperor was removed in 1924, the palace complex became the Palace Museum in 1925 and opened to the public.

The Forbidden City is the largest wooden palace complex in the world. It covers about 960 meters from north to south and 750 meters from east to west. There are 980 buildings with nearly 9,000 rooms. The buildings are arranged along a north-south line, following feng shui principles. Most important buildings face south to receive the sun and show respect to heaven.

A 7.9-meter-high wall and a wide moat surround the palace complex. The roofs are mostly yellow, the color of emperors, while walls are painted red for good fortune. Notable features inside include the Hall of Supreme Harmony, which is the largest building and where major ceremonies took place, and the beautiful Imperial Garden. The Wu (Meridian) Gate is the main southern entrance.

The Forbidden City was called “forbidden” because common people were not allowed to enter during imperial times; only those with special permission could go inside. The emperor, his family, concubines, and servants lived or worked there. From outside, the palace was seen as mysterious and sacred. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important symbol of ancient Chinese culture and history.