Tourist Attractions in China Forbidden City Travel Guide

Attracting 8 million visitors annually, the Forbidden City is the world’s largest palace complex. Situated in the heart of Beijing near the Tiananmen Square, this enormous palace was constructed in the 15th century during the Ming Dynasty and served until 1911 as the imperial residence of emperors and their families as well as the center of Chinese political and ceremonial functions. In total, 24 emperors reigned over the country for almost 5 centuries from the Forbidden City until the abdication of Puyi, the last Emperor of China. Known today as the Palace Museum, the palace was formerly named the Forbidden City because entrance to it was strictly prohibited unless approved by the emperor due to its religious significance as the Heavenly Emperor’s earthly residence.

Surrounded by a 26-foot (8 meter) high wall with several gates, a wide moat and royal gardens, the complex covers a huge rectangle and consists of 90 palaces and halls with courtyards, nearly 1,000 other buildings and 8,700 rooms. The complex is a magnificent treasure trove housing centuries worth of valuable Chinese artifacts and art works including paintings, ceramics, porcelains, musical instruments, textiles, martial weapons and items used by the imperial family on a daily basis. Visitors will also find a few restaurants and souvenirs shops scattered throughout the complex.

The Forbidden City can be reached by buses and subway within Beijing. Once inside the complex, walking is the only transport.