Inside Beijing’s Forbidden City | Imperial Palace Tour

The Forbidden City in Beijing was the imperial palace of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is one of the finest examples of ancient Chinese palace architecture.

Construction began in 1406 during the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty and was completed in 1420. Covering about 720,000 square meters, the palace complex includes over 70 halls and courtyards, surrounded by a 10-meter-high wall and a wide moat.

The Forbidden City is divided into the Outer Court, where grand ceremonies were held, and the Inner Court, where emperors and their families lived and handled daily affairs.

After the last emperor, Puyi, abdicated in 1912, the palace ended its imperial role. In 1925, it became the Palace Museum, preserving countless historical treasures and artworks.

Today, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forbidden City remains one of China’s most iconic landmarks, attracting millions of visitors each year and offering a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture.