Step Inside the Forbidden City
On its 600th anniversary, discover China's famous Forbidden City and explore its architectural wonders and precious artifacts
In collaboration with
The home of Emperors
Where the wisdom and hard work of Ancient China is built into every detail
What's So Forbidden About The Forbidden City?
Discover how the palace got its name
Time for a tour
Take a look inside the imperial palace at the heart of China's history
Take a walk around
For the first time ever, explore the halls and gates in 360
Making an entrance
The doorways with a difference
Discover the architecture
Learn more about the craftsmanship of the halls
What Are The Three Great Halls?
A group of structures crafted with a great deal of thought and effort
You're invited to the imperial wedding
Discover the traditions of an Ancient Chinese marriage ceremony
A closer look at the wedding rituals
Zoom into these paintings showing the details of Ancient Chinese Imperial ceremonies
Spot the dragons
The stories behind the sacred creatures that guard the palace
Animal Attraction
Ever wondered what the lions and dragons mean?
Sealed in history
Stamping documents in style
Precious craftsmanship
Beautiful, functional, and priceless ornaments
The beauty in the detail
Incredibly intricate tapestries and paintings
Extraordinary articrafts
Ornate objects from everyday life
Spiritual treasures
Holy objects from the Palace
Now test your knowledge
How many emperors lived in the Forbidden City?
24
The Qianlong Emperor in Ceremonial Armor on Horseback (Giuseppe Castiglione (1688-1766, Chinese name Lang Shining))
What is the ratio of all the palace courts and terraces?
3:2
The Forbidden City - Three Ceremonial Halls (The Palace Museum)
How many lions can you find in the Forbidden City?
14
Album Leaf from The Grand Wedding of the Guangxu Emperor (Guangxu dahun tu) (Qingkuan (surname Zhao, 1848–1927) and other painters)