The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is a vast palace complex in Beijing, China, serving as the imperial residence for Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years.
Off-limits to ordinary citizens for nearly five centuries under penalty of death, this vast palace complex housed successive Chinese emperors and their courts in the very center of imperial power.
An Imperial Residence for Centuries
The Forbidden City served as the imperial palace and residence for Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years, from the Ming dynasty through the end of the Qing dynasty.
A Massive Palace Complex
The complex contains nearly 1,000 buildings across almost 200 acres, representing one of the largest and best-preserved ancient palace complexes in the world.
Forbidden to Ordinary Citizens
As its name suggests, the complex was historically forbidden to ordinary citizens, with entry restricted to the emperor, his family, and authorized court officials and servants.
A Museum and UNESCO Site
The Forbidden City now operates as a major museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing millions of visitors annually to explore its historic imperial architecture and artifacts.
