The Forbidden City is a palace complex in central Beijing. The former seat of Imperial Chinese Dragon Throne from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty—the years 1420 to 1912, it now houses the Palace Museum. The Forbidden City served as the home of emperors and their households as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government for almost 500 years.

Constructed from 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings and covers 72 ha.  The palace exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. It houses an extensive collection of artwork and artefacts from the imperial collections of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The  Forbidden City has sees an average of over 15 million visitors annually.

FORBIDDEN CITY
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Ancient Painting  ::  Maps of Complex

A. Meridian Gate ~ B. Gate of Divine Might ~ C. West Glorious Gate ~ D. East Glorious Gate ~ E. Corner towers ~ F. Gate of Supreme Harmony ~ G. Hall of Supreme Harmony ~ H. Hall of Military Eminence ~ J. Hall of Literary Glory ~ K. Southern Three Places ~ L. Palace of Heavenly Purity ~ M. Imperial garden ~ N. Hall of Mental Cultivation ~ O. Palace of Tranquil Longevity