The Forbidden City 故宫
The imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, at the heart of Beijing.
The Forbidden City was the seat of Chinese emperors for nearly five hundred years, closed to the public for most of that time.
Its 980 buildings are laid out along a strict north-south axis of power and ceremony.
Inside The Forbidden City
The Meridian Gate 午门
The towering south gate through which every visitor enters.
Blanchett · 2.9 min
Hall of Supreme Harmony 太和殿
The largest hall, where the emperor received his court.
Blanchett · 3 min
Did you know
- The Forbidden City has no nails in its great halls; the timber frame is held by interlocking joints.
- It was closed to the public for almost 500 years, opening as a museum in 1925.
Practical information
- Location
- 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
- Opening hours
- 08:30-17:00 (closed Mondays, except holidays)
- Ticket price
- TODO: verify current price (peak around 60 CNY)
- Getting there
- Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen East or West
Source: TODO: official Palace Museum URL · Verified: TODO: verify against official source