Forbidden City Blog

Forbidden City: A Lasting Legacy

2008-11-17T04:54:00.000-08:00

While traveling around the world, a person can visit many wondrous and mysterious sites that conjure up images of historical events of long ago. One of the most fascinating sites in existence is the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, not far from the location of the 2008 Olympics. The Forbidden City has stood for almost five centuries and is rich in history and mystique. It has housed many Chinese emperors and was once considered China's political and ceremonial center.

Construction on the Forbidden City began in 1406 when Zhu Di, son of the Hongwu Emperor, became the Yongle Emperor and moved the capital of China to Beijing. The Forbidden City’s architecture is one that signifies traditional Chinese designing at its best. The Forbidden City's complex designs have influenced the design of many buildings in East Asia. According to legend, the inspiration for the Forbidden City came from Nguyen An, a eunuch from Annam (now present-day Vietnam). It is said he was inspired to design the Forbidden City based on his pet cricket’s cage. He was also in danger of being beheaded if he did not come up with a design that was “heavenly-inspired.” It took more than a million workers and 15 years to construct the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City consists of 980 buildings with 8,707 rooms covering 720,000 square meters.

After serving as the home of 24 emperors, the Forbidden City ceased being China’s political center in 1912. The Palace Museum was established in the Forbidden City after a coup in 1924. The Forbidden City has survived many events in China’s history such as the Cultural Revolution and World War II. In 1987, it was declared a World Heritage Site.

The Forbidden City is also an important part of Beijing’s civic layout. Its central north-south axis is the central axis of Beijing. The axis goes through Tiananmen Square. A wall measuring 7.9-meters with a six-meter deep, 52-meter wide moat surrounds it. The Forbidden City has four gates on the north, west, east and south sides. It holds many historical pieces including ceramics, paintings, bronze ware, timepieces, jade and many artifacts.

The Forbidden City is a treasure to behold and is truly one of the great historical sites in China. If checking out ancient art and architecture is up your alley, then visiting the Forbidden City should definitely be on any traveler’s wish list. Read more about the Forbidden City at: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

Black Holes, Cleopatra, Forbidden City, Diane Arbus

Now is the Time to Visit the Forbidden City

2008-11-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

One of the world’s most incredible landmarks is the Forbidden City located in Beijing, China. For centuries, this large palace and grounds was widely known of, but held deep secrets. One of the reasons the Forbidden City was an enigma to the world and most of China is also the reason for its name. The Forbidden City was the seat of the Chinese Emperor and no one was allowed to enter or leave this magnificent and mysterious city without his consent. Fast forward over 500 years later and China has finally opened this amazing palace to the world.

The Forbidden City Now Open to the Public
The Forbidden City started being built in 1407 and construction ended in 1420. Originally the seat of the Ming Dynasty, 24 emperors called the Forbidden City home up until 1924. This amazing landmark offers a staggering 9,999 rooms, thousands of priceless artifacts and art and a 30 foot wall that surround the 74 hectares of land. Today, one can visit the Forbidden City and it has only been about 30 years since people of all nationalities were allowed to enter these amazing palace grounds.

Read More About the Forbidden City
For those interested in visiting or learning more about the Forbidden City, the Smithsonian Magazine offers a fascinating article on the subject. You can read it today by visiting our main website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

Black Holes, Cleopatra, Forbidden City, Benjamin Franklin, Wrigley Field, Tattoo Art

The Forbidden City of China

2008-10-27T03:12:00.000-07:00

For those that are interested in travel, culture and architecture, one of the most beautiful structures are found in Asia. China has long been a fairly closed society and a complete mystery to the West. In recent decades travel between East and West has grown substantially showcasing many of China’s beautiful landmarks- one of them is the infamous Forbidden City. The Forbidden City sounds ominous and for many years it was a complete enigma, however with the awakening of China, the Forbidden City has opened its gates to the world and tourists from all over have descended onto this incredible architectural achievement. If you are interested in the Forbidden City, the Smithsonian Magazine offers an interesting article on this incredible masterpiece.

The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is actually a palace and grounds located in the heart of Beijing. It was the seat of the Ming Dynasty and home to 24 emperors over 5 centuries. This incredible palace receives its name due to the fact that no one could enter the city or leave the city without consent from the emperor. Because only aristocrats and servants were allowed within the confines of the city, it has always stirred mystery and intrigue. Today the Forbidden City is a museum and opened for all to see. As China hosted the 2008 summer Olympics millions have flocked to China hoping to see many of the landmarks including this palace which is one of the most popular attraction in all of Asia.

The Forbidden City is Enormous
The Forbidden City is perhaps the world’s largest palace. In fact, it is stated that the palace offers an incredible 9,999 rooms. The palace resides on a phenomenal 74 hectares of land. It is surrounded by walls that are 30 feet high and in addition to these tall walls is a moat. Construction of the Forbidden City started in 1407 and ended in 1420. The palace continued to be the home of Chinese Emperors until 1924. It is said that it took a labor force of 1,000,000 Chinese to build this great palace and included upwards of 100K artisans. Inside the Forbidden City there are incredible pieces of artwork and paintings- many of them priceless.

Read More About the Forbidden City
For those interested in the Forbidden City, please visit the Smithsonian Magazine’s website to read the wonderful article on this architectural masterpiece. You can visit our main website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com

Cleopatra, Forbidden City, Black Holes, Diane Arbus

Enter China's Forbidden City

2008-10-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

China has definitely awakened after years of sleep and although the Chinese culture is one of the oldest and now wealthiest countries, many people that live in Europe and North America are not aware of just how beautiful and rich China’s history has been. China has received plenty of publicity over the last few years as they hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics and more and more tourists have been heading over to China to see the many magnificent cultural landmarks and achievements. One cultural landmark that is absolutely breathtaking is China’s Forbidden City.

The Mystery of China’s Forbidden City
China’s Forbidden City is actually a huge walled palace that includes a variety of buildings and landscapes. For centuries the Forbidden City was a mystery and few people entered inside it. Being the seat of the Chinese Emperor, no one could enter or leave the city without his permission. As such, over the years the Forbidden City has become perhaps the most mysterious palaces in the world.

The Forbidden City was Completed in 1420
The Forbidden City was constructed and completed in 1420 by the Ming Dynasty and from this time to 1912, the Forbidden City was the seat of 24 emperors. The Forbidden City was built in Beijing (called Gung Gong at the time) and is on a parcel of land that spreads across 180 acres. The palace itself has an incredible 9,999 rooms and it took a labor force of 200,000 Chinese to build the palace in just a few short years from 1407-1420.

The Palace Grounds
The Forbidden City is surrounded by 32 feet high walls and there is another form of defense- a moat that is 165 feet wide. Inside the Forbidden City there are beautiful gardens and wonderful buildings. Inside this wonderful palace are thousands of priceless artifacts and works of arts. The entire palace is built from wood and since this poses a huge fire risk in addition, you can spot bronze cauldrons placed around the palace grounds that are filled with water- to put out any fires that may ignite. Being so beautiful and so unique the Forbidden City is now designated as a World Heritage Site.

Read More About the Forbidden City
For those that have always been fascinated with Chinese culture or if the Forbidden City intrigues you, the Smithsonian Magazine has put together a phenomenal article on the beauty and mystery of this Palace. You can read it today by visiting our main website located at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com

Forbidden City, Black Holes, Wrigley Field, Cleopatra, Tattoo Art, Benjamin Franklin, Daredevil, Parthenon

Visit the Forbidden City in China

2008-10-13T05:10:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for exotic locations to visit, one place that tourists have been flocking to for many years is the beautiful city of Beijing, China. Beijing, China just recently hosted the 2008 Olympics and offers a wide variety of Chinese culture and landmarks to visit. One of the landmarks that is incredibly beautiful, but holds some mystique is the Forbidden City.

The Ming Dynasty in 1407 built the Forbidden City in the city of Gu Gong which is now Beijing. The Forbidden City gets its name from the fact that no one was allowed to leave or enter without the permission of the emperor. The Forbidden City is incredibly beautiful and staggering in its size. It is said to have 9,999 rooms and over 1 million pieces of art- many of which are priceless. It was built with the labor of 1 million men including about 100,000 skilled artisans.

For those that are interested in visiting the Forbidden City, you should know that from 1407 till 1912, the Forbidden City was the seat of emperors, after this time, it was opened to the citizens of China and only about 30 years ago was it finally opened to all citizens of the world. If you are interested in this remarkable palace, the Smithsonian Magazine offers an excellent article on the subject. Please read it today at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

Forbidden City, Phantom of the Opera, Glacier National Park, Quincy Jones, Diane Arbus, Parthenon

Enter the Forbidden City of China

2008-10-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

For those that find Asia mysterious, one of the biggest mysteries that has recently been revealed to the world is the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City built about 600 years ago is now open not only to Chinese citizen but foreigners as well. This incredible palace and garden is one of the gems of China and for a long period of time housed incredible secrets which are now only being revealed slowly.

The Incredible Forbidden City
The Forbidden City was built in 1407 by the Ming Dynasty in the city of Gu Gong, which now is the city of Beijing. Close to Tiananmen Square and shaped like a rectangle, the Forbidden City stands today as the largest palace in the world and includes enclosed gardens. The palace and grounds received their name the Forbidden City due to the fact that no one could leave or enter without the emperors permission. The palace is said to have a staggering 9,999 rooms and was built using the labor of 1,000,000 men of which about 100K were skilled artisans.

Read More at Smithsonian Magazine
For those interested in learning more about the Forbidden City, the Smithsonian Magazine is offering an interesting article on the subject. You can read the article today, by visiting our main website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

Forbidden City, Daredevil, Tattoo Art, Cleopatra, National Archives, Cheetah Facts

The Emperor's Forbidden City

2008-09-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

For those that are fascinated by the Far East, one city that many found exotic and formidable was the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City is located in Beijing, it is actually a palace compound- perhaps the biggest and grandest in the world. Closed off from the West for close to 500 years, the Forbidden City is now a museum and one of the biggest tourist attractions in China. For those that have always wondered what is inside the Forbidden City, now is the time to find out.

The Forbidden City received its name because the only way one can enter or leave the palace compound was with approval of the emperor. The Forbidden City was completed in 1420 and was the seat of the Ming Dynasty. With a labor force of one million including 100K artisans, this city took only a few years to build. During its 500 years, the palace was home to 24 emperors, the last ruling until 1912. The palace has an unbelievable 9,999 rooms and thousands upon thousands of pieces of priceless art.

With the Forbidden City now open to the public, millions have flocked to see this incredible landmark. To learn more about this palace and its grounds, the Smithsonian Magazine offers an interesting article on the subject. To read it, please visit our main website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

Quincy Jones, Forbidden City, Tattoo Art, Diane Arbus, Cheetah Facts, National Archives

China's Formidable Forbidden City

2008-09-15T05:51:00.000-07:00

The Chinese culture is quite different from the West. Throughout millennia, the Chinese have beat to a different drummer and created incredible beauties both in art, culture, philosophy, etc that have inspired, yet continue to be an enigma to many in the West. For those that are fascinated by the people, architecture and culture of China, one landmark that continues to evoke inspiration and amazement is the Forbidden City.

The Enigma of the Forbidden City
For centuries, the Forbidden City was a mystery. In fact, while many have heard of the city, only few ever entered inside it. The Forbidden City is actually a palace compound built for the Chinese emperors. It got its name because no one could enter or leave the compound without the Emperors consent. The Forbidden City walled exterior is extremely formidable and for centuries it was a very guarded secret what was actually inside the City’s walls.

The Largest Palace in the World
The Forbidden City is not only one of the most mysterious landmarks ever constructed, but also the largest palace in the world. Incredibly, the Forbidden City offers 9,999 rooms and an inconceivable one million pieces of fine art- many priceless. The Forbidden City was built during the 15th century with a labor force that rivaled one million laborers including about 100,000 skilled artisans. It was constructed to be the seat for the Ming Dynasty and completed in 1420. During the centuries, the Forbidden City was home for a total of 24 emperors, the last being in 1912.

The Forbidden City Opens her Gates
The Forbidden City while closed off to the world for about 500 years has now opened her gates for tourists to view. No longer is the Forbidden City a highly guarded secret. In fact just 30 years ago, the palace now a museum and garden is open for all to see. In addition, the Forbidden City has been designated a World Heritage Site and since opening her gates to both Chinese citizens and world toursits, millions have visited this incredible landmark.

Read More About the Forbidden City
If you are intrigued by the Forbidden City and the mystery it holds, you will definitely want to read the Smithsonian Magazine’s article on the subject. You can visit our main website and learn more about this masterpiece today, simply follow the link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

Daredevil, Forbidden City, Parthenon, Diane Arbus, Quincy Jones, Black Holes

The Palace in the Forbidden City

2008-09-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

China has definitely awakened. Over the last few centuries the Chinese Empire seemed quiet and withdrawn; however China is definitely making a comeback and for the last several decades has grown at a breakneck speed economically and politically. The Chinese have an incredibly rich history dating back to the beginning of human civilization. For thousands of years the Chinese culture, philosophy and history have been a great resource to the rest of the world. One of these great historical achievements that are pretty much still a mystery to those in the West is China’s Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City might sound like a formidable fortress, which it does have aspects of, but it is also includes one of the largest and most beautiful palaces the world has ever seen. The name the Forbidden City is supposed to stoke intrigue and mystery. It was called the Forbidden City due to the fact that no person could either leave the city or enter it without the consent of the emperor. Amazingly, for centuries, this structure has stood and the interior was a closely guarded secret until just a few decades ago.

The Forbidden City is the Largest Palace in the World
While the Forbidden City still contains many mysteries, the impression it made around the world was that of the largest palace to ever stand. The Forbidden City, built during the 15th century with a labor force rivaling one million strong (including over 100,000 artisans) has an incredible 9,999 rooms and an astonishing one million pieces of art- many of them priceless.

The Forbidden City originally served as the seat for the Ming Dynasty and it was completed in 1420. However, throughout the years over 24 emperors have called it home- the last emperor ruled from the Forbidden City up until 1912.

The Once Forbidden City is Now Open for All to See
The interior of the Forbidden City is no longer a closely guarded secret. In fact, it recently became a museum and about 30 years ago, it was opened for all to see- including foreigners. Now opened, this historic palace has been designated a World Heritage Site. Millions have visited her and as it is located in Beijing it was a huge attraction during the 2008 Olympics. For those that are fascinated by this palace, the Smithsonian Magazine offers an incredibly insightful article. Please visit the following link to read it. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

Benjamin Franklin, Forbidden City, Glacier National Park, Cheetah Facts, Cleopatra, Tattoo Art

The Mysteries of the Forbidden City

2008-08-24T07:06:00.001-07:00

The Mysteries of the Forbidden City

With the Olympics having taken place this year in Beijing, one of the many sites that no doubt tourists will flock to is the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City is a masterpiece that was built in the city of Gu Gong (now the city of Beijing). It operates today as a museum and palace, however, it was only 30 years ago that this incredible landmark was open to tourists from outside of China and less than one hundred years ago that it served as the seat of the emperor.

Built nearby Tiananmen Square and shaped like a rectangle, the Forbidden City stands. Considered to be the largest palace in the world, it is said to have an astounding 9,999 rooms. In addition it has incredibly beautiful gardens and is enclosed- hence the name the Forbidden City due to the fact that you can only enter or leave with the permission from the emperor.

The Forbidden City was built by the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty in the year 1407. Incredibly it took over one million laborers (about 100,000 were artisans) and 14 years to build.
For those interested in this amazing palace and museum, the Smithsonian Magazine has an intriguing article on the Forbidden City. To read more, please visit our main website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

National Archives, Forbidden City, Diane Arbus, Daredevil, Quincy Jones, Parthenon

Enter China’s Forbidden City

2008-08-10T06:02:00.000-07:00

China has been growing at an incredible rate for the last several decades and today with the focus of the Olympics and their huge economy and manufacturing sector many Westerners are once again focused on this world giant. China offers to many Westerners exotic culture and architecture. In fact, one of its landmarks- the Forbidden City is now becoming one of China’s most popular tourist attractions.

The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City has always been surrounded with mystery and intrigue. In fact, it is called the Forbidden City because no person could either leave or enter this palace without the permission from the emperor. And while it was well known throughout the world, many have always been fascinated at what is exactly inside and just what goes on in this magnificent palace.

The Largest Palace in the World
The Forbidden City is known as the largest palace in the world. Located on 178 acres in Beijing the Forbidden City was built during the 15th century with the labor of more than a million men along with about 100,000 artisans. It took less than 15 years to build this masterpiece and one of the most incredible facts about this palace is that it reportedly has 9,999 rooms and an astonishing one million pieces of precious art. The Forbidden City served as the seat for the Ming Dynasty, upon its completion in 1420, a total of 24 emperors have called the Forbidden City home. The last emperor ruled from this palace up until 1912.

The Forbidden City is Now Open to All
The Forbidden City, once a great palace later became a museum that was closed off to all foreigners. However, over the last 30 years foreigners have been invited and welcomed to enter the great walls of the Forbidden City to see all that this incredible landmark now a World Heritage Site has to offer. Since being open to all, millions have flocked to see this great architectural and cultural achievement.

For those that are interested in either visiting the Forbidden City or finding out about all the amazing art and architectural delights found inside, the Smithsonian Magazine has an interesting article on the subject. To read more about this incredible landmark, please visit our main website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

Quincy Jones, Forbidden City, Glacier National Park, Wrigley Field

Read About China's Forbidden City

2008-07-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

There are castles and palaces scattered throughout the world, however one palace among others was always looked upon as a place of mystery, beauty and unimaginable wonders. The Forbidden City is this palace. Stated as the largest palace in the world, the Forbidden City
is called “Forbidden” because nobody could leave or enter the palace without the permission of the emperor. While once a place for only the emperor, important aristocrats and servants, it eventually became a museum closed off to foreigners and today, it has become a historical landmark allowing entrance for all the world to see.

The Forbidden City was built by more than one million men, including over 100K artisans in the city of Beijing during the 15th century. Sprawling over 178 acres and what is believed to be 9,999 rooms, this palace was set up as the seat of the ruling Ming Dynasty- a dynasty that ruled from 1420 to 1644. From 1420 to early in the 20th century a total of 24 emperors have ruled from the Forbidden City known as one of the most impressive command centers in the world.

The Forbidden City is an amazing sight to behold. For a long period of time this magnificent palace was closed off to foreigners heightening the mystery, however for about 30 years, foreigners have been allowed into this now museum and World Heritage Site. The palace is impressive and passing through the Meridian Gate into the palace grounds is a site to enjoy. The grounds offer a giant plaza or square crossed by white bridges and blooming flowers in spring. And while the grounds are breathtaking, this palace because of its sheer size is in need of constant renovation. In fact, a renovation of the place gardens is taking place right now and will be completed in 2016.

As you walk through the grounds and above the main plaza of the Forbidden City , the tallest building in the palace complex is easily visible. This building called the Hall of Supreme Harmony was built in the 15th century and is where most of the important ceremonies took place. In addition, it houses the famous Nine Dragon Screen built in 1771. This tile decorated screen features nine imperial dragons against a background of clouds and water. It is incredibly beautiful and one of the most prominent features of the complex.

To read more about the Forbidden City , Smithsonian Magazine is featuring an article on this incredible palace. Please visit our main website today to read more at: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

Tattoo Art, Benjamin Franklin, Forbidden City

A Glimpse of China's Forbidden City

2008-07-20T13:31:00.001-07:00

For those fascinated with Chinese Culture, one of the masterpieces found in Gu Gong (which is today the city of Beijing) is an amazingly beautiful, but formidable palace. The actual palace, now a museum is the size of an entire city and is called the Forbidden City. Quite close to Tiananmen Square this city, shaped like a rectangular is considered to be the world’s largest palace with an astounding 9,999 rooms. Easily surpassing many of the palaces found in Europe and around the world.

Built in 1407 by the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty during the Yongle reign, the Forbidden City, while huge only took about 14 years to build. It should be noted that there were over one million who labored on the project and an estimated 100,000 artisans.

While the Forbidden City was off limits in the past, today it is open for all to see, not only to Chinese citizens, but all tourists. To read more about this incredible palace turned museum, visit the Smithsonian Magazine’s website. There is a very interesting article about this palace and some of the highlights one may see on the tour. You can visit us at:http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

Quincy Jones, Forbidden City, Glacier National Park, Wrigley Field

Visit the Forbidden City

2008-06-23T03:59:00.000-07:00

China has one of the most beautiful, but formidable palaces in the world. Located in Gu Gong, which is Beijing to the rest of the world, the Forbidden City is found. It is now no longer just a palace, but a beautiful museum. Quite close and to the north of Tiananmen Square, this city is rectangular in shape and is considered to be the world’s largest palace complex with an incredible 9,999 rooms.

Construction of the Forbidden City began in 1407 during the fifth year of the Yongle reign. This was the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty. While the palace is incredibly large, construction only took about 14 years to complete. However, it should be noted that it required a workforce of one million workers. While much of the construction was hard labor, this city’s beauty was created by an estimated 100K artisans that worked on the project.

Today, this beautiful museum-palace is open to tourists. What was once forbidden to practically all Chinese is now open not only to Chinese citizens, but to foreign tourists as well. A wide variety of tours are available and the ability to see the incredible splendor this palace offers is finally a wonderful reality. To learn more about the Forbidden City, the Smithsonian Magazine has put together an extremely interesting and in-depth article on the subject. Please visit us today by clicking on the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

Daredevil, Forbidden City, National Archives, Cleopatra

China's Magnificent Forbidden City

2008-06-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

China has been getting lots of press in the West lately with the upcoming summer Olympics and their thriving economy. While China might be looked upon several decades ago as a sleeping giant, today, it is once again thriving. China has some of the richest culture, civilization and history the world has ever seen and one of the most interesting aspects of its culture still stands today: The Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City, built by more than one million men in less than 15 years in the 15th century is one of the most impressive landmarks in the world. The Forbidden City (called Forbidden due to the fact that no one could leave or enter the palace without the permission of the emperor) was once the seat for the emperor in Beijing.

Today, it is open for all to see and many visitors will be taking advantage of this incredible landmark this summer during the Olympics. With 178 sprawling acres of ground and a presumed 9,999 rooms, the Forbidden City is unequaled in the world.

For those interested in Chinese art, history and culture, the Forbidden City should not be missed. You don’t have to fly half way around the world to see this treasure, Smithsonian Magazine has an in depth article regarding the Forbidden City that offers insights that will arouse your curiosity. For those interested in the Forbidden City, visit us at Smithsonian Magazine: http://www.smithsonianmag.com

forbidden city, tattoo art, Cleopatra

China's Forbidden City

2008-06-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

The Forbidden City (called “Forbidden” because nobody could leave or enter the palace without permission from the emperor) was once a teeming palace, later a museum closed off to foreigners, and is now a historical landmark thrown wide open for the 2008 Olympic games. The world’s largest palace complex currently surviving today, the Forbidden City is now one of the first stops of any visitor to Beijing.

During the 15th century, the Forbidden City was built by the hands of more than a million men in less than 15 years. With 178 acres of ground, a presumed 9,999 rooms, and a million pieces of precious art, the Forbidden City was the perfect seat for the ruling Ming Dynasty, who ruled from 1420 to 1644. Since its completion in 1420, twenty-four Chinese emperors have called the Forbidden City home. Up until 1912, this was the world’s most celebrated command center.

While most of the Forbidden City was closed to visitors thirty years ago, today this amazing landmark is a World Heritage Site, and one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. Just passing through the Meridian Gate and into the palace grounds inspires awe in any visitor. Even the grounds themselves are breathtaking. With a giant plaza or square crossed by white bridges and blooming with flowers in spring, the gardens and plazas of The Forbidden City are breath-taking in their beauty. Still, in a place this ancient there are improvements to be made, and with help from experts from the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute, a major renovation of the palace gardens will be completed in 2016.

Above the main plaza of the Forbidden City is the tallest building in the palace complex, the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Built in the 15th century, this hall is where all of the most important ceremonies took place. It’s also home to the famous Nine Dragon Screen, which was built in 1771. The tile-decorated Nine Dragon Screen features nine imperial dragons against a background of clouds and water. It’s one of the most famous features of the Forbidden City.

To give visitors a true feel for the Chinese Imperial history and culture, one of the most important areas of the Forbidden City is the Palace Museum. The museum contains an impressive collection of artwork, including rare paintings commissioned by Chinese emperors as well as ceramics, porcelain pieces, and bronze ware.

Like China itself, the Forbidden City was once closed to visitors. Today, however, the doors of the Forbidden City and China’s rich imperial history are open to all. To learn more about the history of China’s glorious Forbidden City, visit the Smithsonian Magazine website today at: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/