The Unique Design of the Three Great Halls

As the most important group of structures within the imperial palace, this ideal measurements were crafted with a great deal of thought and effort

Attend The Grand Wedding of the Guangxu Emperor

Follow the wedding ceremony through the Outer Court and discover the unique traditions of an Imperial wedding

Spot The Sacred Animals In The Imperial Palace

Ever wondered why they are there?

Take A Tour of The Gate of Supreme Harmony

The largest gate and grand formal entrance to the Forbidden City's Outer Court

Explore The Hall of Supreme Harmony

Stand in the heart of the Forbidden City where the Emperor used to take his throne

Set In Stone: The Earliest Known Stone-Carved Chinese Texts

Discover the stone drums inscribed with poetry from over 2300 years ago.

The Wedding Chamber for Ancient Chinese Emperors and Empresses

Step into the secret room inside the Palace of Earthly Tranquility

A Happy Scene to Welcome Spring

What do nine rams and three boys symbolize in this colorful tapestry?

Ten Magnificent Landscapes by Ren Xiong

Explore the details and discover the significance of this gold-flecked painting

A Seal To Display the Emperor's Respect And Obedience To Heaven

A symbolic work that was rarely used by the emperor

Sukhāvatī (The Pure Land) Woven with Silk Thread

Take some time to appreciate the 19 different colors of silk used in the tapestry

A Seal that Claims the Mandate of Heaven

Demonstration of the Manchu rulers' orthodox legitimacy

Come Face To Face With the Hall of Preserving Harmony

5 Amazing Things You Have to See at the Forbidden City

From dragon thrones to lion statues

Wander Around the Hall of Central Harmony

A Conversation between Confucius and Bu Shang

A closer look at this manuscript by the renowned calligrapher Ouyang Xun (557-641)

Explore The Gate of Heavenly Purity

Your last stop before stepping inside the inner court

Why is the Palace called the Forbidden City?

Meridian Gate: The Entrance to the Forbidden City

Did you notice these details when entering the Forbidden City?

A Closer Look at the Qing Emperor's Grand Inspection Armor

See what the emperor wore during large-scale military exercises to thoroughly inspect the equipment and capabilities of the military