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Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, located in the heart of Beijing, served as the imperial palace of China and the political center of the empire for nearly 500 years, from the mid-Ming to the end of the Qing Dynasty. Constructed between 1406 and 1420 by the Yongle Emperor, the complex spans 720,000 square meters and comprises 980 surviving buildings, making it the largest palatial complex in the world. Its layout strictly adheres to traditional Chinese cosmology and Feng Shui principles, with buildings aligned along a north-south axis to represent the Emperor's role as the intermediary between Heaven and Earth. The complex is divided into the Outer Court for ceremonial functions and the Inner Court for the imperial family's private life. Iconic features include the massive vermilion walls and golden-yellow glazed roof tiles, a color reserved exclusively for the Emperor. Following the end of imperial rule in 1912, it became the Palace Museum in 1925. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, it stands as an unparalleled monument to China’s imperial history and architectural mastery.
- Location: China
- Top sights: Palace Museum · Beijing Police Museum · Chairman Mao Memorial Hall
- Population: ~18.960.744 (2025)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -5 | -2 | 5 | 13 | 21 | 25 | 27 | 25 | 20 | 12 | 3 | -4 |
| Rain mm | 2 | 6 | 9 | 24 | 38 | 84 | 151 | 109 | 64 | 30 | 14 | 2 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The palace complex consists of 980 buildings with a total of 8,707 rooms.
- Construction involved over 1 million workers and 100,000 specialized artisans.
- The yellow roof tiles were colored specifically to symbolize the Emperor's power.
- The Forbidden City is surrounded by a 52-meter-wide moat and a 10-meter-high wall.
- It remained the imperial residence for 492 years (1420–1912).
- The Palace Museum was established in 1925, shortly after the last emperor left.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Forbidden City (17)
Gate of Uprightness🛡️ fortress
A grand ceremonial gate situated directly on the central axis between Tiananmen and the Forbidden City.
Imperial Ancestral Temple📍 landmark
An imperial temple complex from the Ming and Qing eras dedicated to the ancestral worship of the ruling family.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
When is the Forbidden City closed?
Is a passport required?
How large is the site?
Are there food options inside?
Forbidden City: where is it located?
Forbidden City: what is there to see?
Forbidden City: when is the best time to visit?
Forbidden City: why is it worth visiting?
History & landmarks
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