Declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, the Forbidden City is the world's largest surviving palace complex. Built by a million men in the period 1406 to 1420, it has been home to twenty-four Chinese emperors and is an impressive representation of Chinese imperial power in all its majesty. The Forbidden City is still an important part of Chinese society and attracts countless visitors because of its history and beauty.
Step into the Forbidden City and be transported to a time of emperors, eunuchs and concubines. The palace's quintessentially Chinese architecture is fascinating to behold, and the imperial gates, courts and halls are sure to spark your imagination. The City is also surrounded on three sides by imperial gardens, each with unique features and equally matched in beauty. In spring, these gardens come alive with flowers and provide excellent photo-taking opportunities.
There are two shrines near the Forbidden City - the Imperial Shrine of Family and the Imperial Shrine of State. This is where the Emperor used to pray to the spirits of his ancestors and of the nation, respectively. It is a cultural eye-opener.
The Palace Museum is a national museum located within the Forbidden City. It boasts an impressive collection of ceramics, porcelain, jade and bronze ware. There are many rare paintings and artwork, some personally commissioned by the Emperor himself. The Museum also features ancient mechanical pieces as well as imperial artifacts. While there are some foreign artifacts, a significant number of the museum's collection is obtained from the Qing and Ming imperial collection. A trip to this museum is a must, as it is a vivid depiction of life in imperial times.
The Tiananmen Square, located adjacent to the Forbidden City, also merits a visit. This is the largest open urban square in the world, but more than that, this was where a great number of historical events took place. It was in here that Mao Zedong, in 1949, declared the People's Republic of China. It has also been the site of numerous historical Chinese protests. Within the square, you can also find the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, also known as the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. This is the final resting place of Mao Zedong, who was the Chinese Communist leader from 1945 to 1976. His embalmed remains are held within a crystal coffin and can be viewed by the public.
The Forbidden City is a must-see for any visitor looking for a greater understanding of Chinese history, culture and politics. It takes an average of three hours to fully explore. An English audio tour read by Roger Moore is available to visitors.
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