Palace Museum

Imperial elegance, royal grandeur, thousand-year history

Beijing Ticketed Audio Guide on Location

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Overview

The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, sits at the center of Beijing's central axis. It was the imperial palace of twenty-four emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and it is the largest and best-preserved wooden ancient building complex in the world. Construction began in the fourth year of the Yongle reign of the Ming dynasty, which is 1406, and it took fourteen years to basically complete. Today it is over six hundred years old. The entire palace complex covers 720,000 square meters, with more than seventy palaces of various sizes and over nine thousand rooms. It is surrounded by a ten-meter-high city wall and a fifty-two-meter-wide moat, giving it a magnificent presence. When you step into the Forbidden City, what you see is not only the royal grandeur of red walls and yellow tiles, but also a condensed history of Chinese civilization. It houses over 1.8 million cultural relics, from bronzes, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy to clocks, jade and more, each one a national treasure. Whether you are visiting Beijing for the first time or have been here many times, the Forbidden City always offers new awe. It is suitable for all visitors interested in history, architecture, and art, and also great for bringing children to experience traditional culture. However, the Forbidden City is so huge that you cannot see it all in one day, so planning ahead is especially important.

Highlights

The first highlight you absolutely cannot miss in the Forbidden City is the three great halls on the central axis: the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the tallest and most magnificent palace in the Forbidden City, commonly known as the Throne Hall, where the emperor held grand ceremonies. Standing on the white marble terrace in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, you can feel the majesty of the emperor holding court. Remember to look up at the ridge beasts on the roof. There are ten of them, the highest rank in ancient architecture, and even the emperor himself could not use them casually. The second highlight is the Hall of Mental Cultivation and the Western Six Palaces next to it. Starting from Emperor Yongzheng, the Hall of Mental Cultivation became the emperor's bedroom and office. Later Qing emperors handled state affairs here, and many major decisions were made in this hall. The Western Six Palaces were where the imperial concubines lived, such as Cixi who once resided in the Palace of Gathering Excellence. The atmosphere here is completely different from the solemnity of the three great halls, and it lets you imagine the daily life of the court. The third highlight is the Treasure Gallery and the Clock Gallery. The Treasure Gallery displays royal treasures such as the gold filigree phoenix crown inlaid with pearls and gems, and the Golden Cup of Eternal Unity, each piece exquisitely beautiful. The Clock Gallery houses mechanical clocks from eighteenth-century Britain, France, and China, and there are chime performances on the hour, which is very fun. These two galleries require separate tickets, but they are absolutely worth it.

Stories

There are many interesting legends circulating about the Forbidden City, and the most classic one is the saying that "the Forbidden City has nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine and a half rooms." Legend has it that when Zhu Di was building the Forbidden City, he wanted to build ten thousand rooms, but one night he dreamed of the Jade Emperor, who said that the Heavenly Palace only had ten thousand rooms, so the mortal world could not exceed that. After waking up, Zhu Di ordered the construction of only nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine and a half rooms, and that half room was a small room under the Wenyuan Pavilion, used to store the "Complete Library of the Four Treasuries," symbolizing "never being too full." Although this number is just a legend, the Forbidden City indeed has countless rooms. Another story is about the "Hall of Supreme Harmony," also known as the "Golden Throne Hall." In fact, there are no gold bricks in the Hall of Supreme Harmony; the floor is paved with a type of fine square brick called "golden brick," which got its name because of the complex craftsmanship, high cost, and the metallic sound it makes when tapped. Also, behind the "Upright and Bright" plaque in the Palace of Heavenly Purity lies the secret of the Qing dynasty emperors' succession. Emperor Yongzheng invented the "secret succession" system, writing the name of the heir on two edicts, one placed behind the plaque and the other kept on his person, to be opened publicly only after the emperor's death. These stories give warmth to the cold palace, so when you visit, take a moment to notice these corners.

History

The history of the Forbidden City is a microcosm of imperial power in the Ming and Qing dynasties. In 1406, Emperor Yongle of the Ming dynasty decided to move the capital from Nanjing to Beijing and ordered the construction of a new palace on the site of the Yuan dynasty's palace. Hundreds of thousands of craftsmen and millions of laborers were mobilized, and it was basically completed by 1420. That is the origin of the Forbidden City. Fourteen Ming emperors lived here until 1644, when Li Zicheng captured Beijing and the Chongzhen Emperor hanged himself on Coal Hill, ending the Ming dynasty. Then the Qing army entered the pass, and the Shunzhi Emperor took over the palace. Ten Qing emperors continued to rule China from here. In 1911, the Xinhai Revolution broke out, and the Qing dynasty fell, but Puyi still lived in the inner court until 1924, when he was expelled by Feng Yuxiang. In 1925, the Palace Museum was officially established, turning the Forbidden City from an imperial forbidden zone into a public museum. Since then, the Forbidden City has experienced wars, relocations, and many renovations. Especially in 1933, to avoid the Japanese army, over ten thousand crates of cultural relics were moved south, traveling across most of China for more than a decade, and most of the relics returned to Beijing intact—a miracle in the history of world cultural relics. Today, the open area of the Forbidden City has expanded from the initial 30% to over 80%, receiving more than fifteen million visitors each year, making it one of the most important cultural symbols of China.

Culture

The Forbidden City carries not only imperial culture but also the etiquette, beliefs, and way of life of the entire Chinese nation. For example, the emperor held ceremonies such as enthronement, marriage, and conferring titles in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, reflecting the idea of "divine right of kings." Every winter solstice, the emperor would worship heaven at the Temple of Heaven, but the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Hall of Abstinence in the Forbidden City are also extensions of this sacrificial culture. Many customs in the Forbidden City, such as offering sacrifices to the Kitchen God on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month and writing the character "fortune" on the first day of the new year, reflect traditional seasonal customs. As for court cuisine, although you can't taste the imperial meals now, there are some creative ice creams and palace-style pastries in the Forbidden City that let you get a sense of the flavors of that era. Moreover, the architecture of the Forbidden City embodies the concept of "harmony between heaven and man" everywhere. For instance, the orientation of buildings and the number of windows take into account lighting and ventilation, as well as feng shui. When you visit, pay attention to details like the height of thresholds and the patterns on door piers—they all have significance. The Forbidden City is also a living textbook of traditional Chinese culture. Many parents bring their children here to let them absorb this rich cultural atmosphere from a young age.

Symbolism

The numbers and layout in the Forbidden City are full of hidden meanings. Let's start with the number nine. The ancients considered nine to be the ultimate yang number, representing the Son of Heaven and supreme authority. That is why many door studs in the Forbidden City are arranged in nine rows and nine columns, totaling eighty-one. The height of the terraces and the number of steps of the three great halls are also related to nine. Then look at the colors. Yellow tiles and red walls are the keynote of the Forbidden City. Yellow belongs to earth, and earth is in the center, representing imperial power. Red belongs to fire, and fire governs brightness, symbolizing festivity and majesty. The number of ridge beasts on the roof also indicates rank. The Hall of Supreme Harmony has ten, the highest rank, and the numbers decrease from there. There is also the design of the central axis. The main palaces of the Forbidden City are all built on the central axis, with symmetry on both sides, reflecting the idea that the center is supreme. The ancient cypresses and Taihu stones in the Imperial Garden also follow the fairyland layout of 'one pool and three mountains.' If you notice the sundial and the measuring vessel in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, they are symbols of the emperor's power, representing that time and weights and measures are all controlled by the Son of Heaven. These details are not visible if you just glance around, but once you understand them, your view of the Forbidden City will be completely different.

Art & Design

The Forbidden City itself is a huge art treasure trove. Besides the architecture, the cultural relics inside are priceless. In painting and calligraphy, there are Gu Kaizhi's "Nymph of the Luo River" (Song dynasty copy), Han Huang's "Five Oxen" from the Tang dynasty, and Zhang Zeduan's "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" from the Northern Song dynasty. These are masterpieces in the history of Chinese art, rarely displayed, but the Palace Museum rotates exhibitions regularly. In ceramics, from the five famous kilns of the Song dynasty to the blue-and-white, famille rose, and enamel wares of the Ming and Qing dynasties, each piece represents the peak of craftsmanship of its time. For example, the Chenghua chicken cup of the Ming dynasty is only the size of a palm, yet it has fetched over two hundred million Hong Kong dollars at auction. In jade, there is the "Great Yu Taming the Flood" jade mountain, weighing five thousand kilograms, carved from a single piece of Hetian jade, which took ten years to complete. There are also gold and silver wares, lacquerware, enamelware, embroidery, and countless others. If you are interested in art, be sure to visit the ceramics gallery in the Hall of Literary Brilliance and the painting and calligraphy gallery in the Hall of Military Eminence. These are permanent exhibitions with carefully selected pieces. Additionally, the plaques and couplets in the Forbidden City are worth noticing, such as "Establish the Ultimate and Follow the Plan" in the Hall of Supreme Harmony and "Upright and Bright" in the Palace of Heavenly Purity—both the calligraphy and the content are profound.

Architecture

The architectural art of the Forbidden City is the pinnacle of classical Chinese architecture. The entire layout strictly follows the ritual system of "court in front, residence behind, ancestral temple on the left, and altar of the gods on the right," with a central axis running from south to north and symmetrical on both sides. Entering from the Meridian Gate, you pass through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony—this is the outer court where the emperor handled state affairs. Further back are the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Union, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, along with the six eastern and western palaces—this is the inner court where the emperor and his consorts lived. The building complex is mainly timber-framed, with bracket sets and flying eaves, and a variety of roof forms, from the double-eaved hip roof to the hip-and-gable roof and the pyramidal roof, each indicating a different rank. The Hall of Supreme Harmony has the highest-grade double-eaved hip roof, and the gilded carved dragon throne and the caisson ceiling inside are exquisite. The drainage system of the Forbidden City is also remarkable. The entire palace grounds have a slope, and rainwater flows through open and hidden channels into the Golden Water River, then into the moat. In six hundred years, there has never been a flood. The white marble railings, steps, and sumeru pedestals are carved with dragons, phoenixes, and cloud patterns, each a testament to the craftsmen's dedication. Standing by the corner tower and looking at the Forbidden City, you'll see that the tower, with its nine beams, eighteen pillars, and seventy-two ridges, is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architectural wisdom—no nails, only mortise and tenon joints, truly awe-inspiring.

Nature

Although the Forbidden City is a world of brick, stone, and wood, it also hides many natural elements. The most obvious is the Imperial Garden, which was a place for emperors and empresses of the Ming and Qing dynasties to enjoy flowers and stroll. The garden features ancient cypresses, old locust trees, ginkgo trees, and rockeries made of Taihu stones, with distinct scenery in each season. In spring, the peonies and herbaceous peonies in the Imperial Garden bloom; in summer, the trees provide shade and cicadas chirp incessantly; in autumn, ginkgo leaves turn golden and carpet the paths; in winter, after snow, the red walls and white snow create a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Besides the Imperial Garden, many courtyards in the Forbidden City also have ancient trees, such as the locust trees in the Cining Palace Garden and the pines and cypresses in the Qianlong Garden, all several hundred years old. And then there are the cats of the Forbidden City. These "palace cats" have become a unique attraction. Some live in the palaces, others stroll along the walls, lazy and mysterious, drawing many visitors who come specifically to find them. In addition, the corner towers and the moat are great spots to capture the interplay of nature and architecture. In the evening, as the setting sun casts light on the water, the reflections of the corner towers are clearly visible, and that serene beauty makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.

Modern Life

Today's Forbidden City is no longer the closed imperial forbidden zone; it has become a vibrant modern cultural landmark. In 2018, the Palace Museum's creative products went viral online. From the "I know" tape to the "Palace Museum lipstick" and the "A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains" series, these creative products brought ancient artifacts to life, and young people flocked to the palace to check in. The Palace Museum has also launched digital exhibitions, virtual reality experiences, and even collaborated with variety shows to let more people appreciate its charm. Although the Forbidden City is not open to the public at night, every Lantern Festival it hosts the "Lantern Festival Night" event, where the ancient palaces are illuminated with dazzling lights, creating a unique charm. The corner tower coffee shop and the ice cellar restaurant are also examples of the blend of modern and traditional. You can sit under the red walls and enjoy a "Kangxi's favorite chocolate," experiencing the wonderful fusion of ancient and modern. Moreover, the open areas of the Forbidden City are expanding. Many previously closed palaces have been restored and reopened, such as the Cining Palace and the Shoukang Palace, which are now popular attractions. The Forbidden City is no longer aloof; it has integrated into modern life in a friendly way.

Travel Tips

When visiting the Forbidden City, I suggest setting aside at least half a day. If you want to cover all the main areas, it is best to plan a full day. The Forbidden City opens at 8:30, stops admitting visitors at 4:00 PM, and closes at 5:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays, except for legal holidays. Be sure to book tickets in advance through the official 'Palace Museum' mini-program or website. During peak season, you should book at least a week ahead; even in off-season, book two or three days in advance. Tickets are divided into morning and afternoon sessions. The morning session has relatively fewer people, so I recommend entering between 8:30 and 10:00 AM to avoid the peak of tour groups. The only entrance to the Forbidden City is the Meridian Gate. You can get off at Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West subway station and walk through the Tiananmen gate tower to reach it. Note that security checks at Tiananmen Square are strict. Bring your ID card and do not bring lighters or prohibited items. Once inside, if you do not want to backtrack, you can follow the central axis from the Meridian Gate to the Shenwu Gate, then exit through the Shenwu Gate. Across from it is Jingshan Park, where you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. If you get tired, there are the Ice Cellar Restaurant and the Forbidden City Corner Tower Coffee inside, where you can rest and have a cup of coffee, but prices are a bit high. You can also bring your own snacks and water. In summer, the Forbidden City is very sunny with little shade, so be sure to use sunscreen and drink plenty of water. In winter, it is windy, so keep warm. If you want to take great photos with fewer people, head to the Eastern and Western Six Palaces and the side halls of the Imperial Garden. Those places have fewer tourists, and the red walls and green tiles make for particularly good shots.

Major Spots Inside (24)

Hall of Central Harmony
The Hall of Central Harmony, located on the central axis of the three main halls of the Ou… Full Guide
Palace of Heavenly Purity
The Palace of Heavenly Purity, located at the very front of the inner court along the cent… Full Guide
Hall of Union
The Hall of Union, located on the central axis of the inner court of the Forbidden City, i… Full Guide
Hall of Preserving Harmony
The Hall of Preserving Harmony stands at the end of the three great halls of the Outer Cou… Full Guide
Hall of Mental Cultivation
The Hall of Mental Cultivation, located in the inner court of the Palace Museum in Beijing… Full Guide
Palace of Earthly Tranquility
The Palace of Earthly Tranquility, located at the northern end of the central axis of the … Full Guide
Hall of Supreme Harmony
The Hall of Supreme Harmony, commonly known as the Throne Hall, is the largest and highest… Full Guide
Gate of Heavenly Purity
The Gate of Heavenly Purity is the boundary gate between the outer court and the inner cou… Full Guide
Pavilion of Benevolence
The Pavilion of Benevolence is located on the east side of the outer court of the Palace M… Full Guide
Hall of Harmony
The Hall of Harmony is located in the area of the Six Western Palaces in the inner court o… Full Guide
Palace of Gathering Excellence
Chuxiu Palace, located in the northeastern part of the Western Six Palaces in the inner co… Full Guide
Hall of Nourishing Harmony
Yanghe Hall, located in the core area of the Outer West Road of the Palace Museum, is one … Full Guide
Hall of Character Cultivation
Yangxing Hall, located in the middle of the Ningshou Palace area of the Palace Museum, fac… Full Guide
Grand Council
The Grand Council, located on the west side of the Gate of Heavenly Purity square in the P… Full Guide
Meridian Gate
Meridian Gate is the main gate of the Palace Museum in Beijing, located at the southern en… Full Guide
Gate of Supreme Harmony
The Gate of Supreme Harmony is the main gate of the Outer Court of the Forbidden City. It … Full Guide
Square of the Gate of Supreme Harmony
The Square of the Gate of Supreme Harmony is the core square of the Outer Court of the For… Full Guide
Hall of the Supreme Pole
The Hall of the Supreme Pole is located in the western inner court of the Palace Museum in… Full Guide
Hall of Ancestral Worship
Fengxian Hall, located south of the Eastern Six Palaces in the Palace Museum, was the ance… Full Guide
Palace of Tranquil Longevity
Ningshou Palace, located on the Outer East Road of the Forbidden City, is a grand complex … Full Guide
Hall of Precious Glory
Baohua Hall, located on the Outer West Road of the Forbidden City, is an important Tibetan… Full Guide
Shou'an Palace
Shou'an Palace, located in the outer western road of the Forbidden City, was the residence… Full Guide
Shoukang Palace
Shoukang Palace, located in the outer western road of the Forbidden City, was the bedchamb… Full Guide
Jianfu Palace
Jianfu Palace, located to the west of the six western palaces in the inner court of the Fo… Full Guide

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