International Travel
China — Beijing Attractions
Forbidden City

Forbidden City
Formerly known as The Imperial Palace, 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties lived and ruled China from here for 500 years — between 1420 and 1911. The largest palace complex in the world, it covers an area over 178 acres and contains 9,999 rooms.

Today, the Forbidden City — also known as the Palace Museum — is a major tourist attraction, drawing more than 10,000 people a day.

Enter the Forbidden City under the Gate of Heavenly Peace at Tian'anmen Square. The city is divided into two major sections: The outer palace —The Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, and the inner residential courts —Hall of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Union and the Hall of Earthly Tranquility.

Originally off-limits to Chinese citizens and foreigners, unauthorized people who ventured into the city were executed. In 1949 the palace was open to the public.

Home to over a million rare and precious historical relics, the Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Imperial Garden
Of the four classic traditional Chinese gardens within the Forbidden City, this is the
largest and most impressive.

Fun Events
Arrange for a Customized Group Tour of this magnificent architectural wonder, conveniently located in the heart of Beijing.

Forbidden City Tours
Taped guided tours, in various languages, can be rented at the southern entrance and returned
at the northern exit.

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