The Forbidden City

The Imperial Palace, commonly known as the Forbidden City, is China's most important attraction, dating back to the 13th century Yuan Dynasty. Its enormous size resulted from enlargements constructed between 1406 and 1420 during the Ming Dynasty after moving the capital from Nanking. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 and its distinctive architecture and its current role as the Palace Museum of dynastic art and history.

This magnificent palace has housed 24 Ming and Qing Emperors in all, earning it the moniker "Forbidden City" because regular inhabitants were not permitted inside. The complex is 720,000 square meters and is enclosed by a 10-meter-high wall with four towers and a 50-meter-wide moat. It is separated into two sections: one for ceremonial and administrative reasons and the other for the Emperor and his concubines' private rooms.

The Meridian Gate, completed in 1420, is a highlight: the Golden River Bridges, a network of five beautifully adorned white marble bridges, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, which served as the Emperor's dining hall. The Palace of Heavenly Purity, the enormous hall in the Inner Court, and the Hall of Military Courage, permanent home and private audience hall for the emperors, are well worth a visit. The 35-meter-high Hall of Supreme Harmony is notable for being the country's largest surviving wooden structure and its magnificently decorated gilded imperial throne.

The ancient Imperial College is just a short walk from The Palace Museum (Guozijian). Founded in 1287 by Kublai Khan and only closed in 1900, this gorgeous institution functioned as the country's official university. Former Emperors frequently visited it to better their education and expertise.

Address: 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng, Beijing
Official website: https://en.dpm.org.cn