An ancient political centre which is now a protected heritage site, this former palace retains an air of romance and mystery.
The mere mention of the Forbidden City conjures an image of mysticism and enchantment. Its opulence is unparalleled on the Asian subcontinent, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Beijing and earning it a place on UNESCO’s list of protected World Heritage sites.Built by the Yongle Emperor during the Ming Dynasty of the fourteenth century, this expansive palace complex has played home to 24 emperors over five centuries of Chinese history. Its 980 buildings were constructed by an estimated one million workers over 14 years and sprawl across 720,000 square metres in the heart of the city. The architecture shows influences from a wide variety of cultures while the rooms and ceremonial chambers are packed with priceless artworks, furniture and other artefacts from all periods of China’s imperial past.Entry to the Palace was barred to everyone except the royal family and their entourage, a practice which earned the complex its name. Following the fall of the last Emperor of China in 1912, the palace passed into national ownership. It was opened to the public in 1924 and now welcomes millions of visitors annually.Make your way through the palace complex along golden pavements, through grand courtyards, marble-floored rooms and perfectly landscaped gardens. Many of the rooms have displays of furniture and artworks from the various dynasties, as well as a dedicated clock exhibition and a spectacular library collection.This spectacular series of traditional wooden buildings is immense, so set aside at least half a day for your visit. Maps and audio tours can be purchased at the ticketing office, accessible from Tiananmen Square through the Gate of Heavenly Peace. For anyone who wants a more in-depth tour, there are a number of local guides offering their services.The Forbidden City is best visited during the week, as it can get crowded at weekends. Visitors enter through the South Gate, which is a short walk from Tian’anmen East and West subway stations.
