Description Built in the early 15th century during the Ming dynasty, the 74-hectare (183-acre) Forbidden City served as the home for 24 of China’s Ming and Qing emperors. The palace drew its name from the fact that vast sections of it were off limits to virtually all save the emperor himself. Its 9000 rooms, filled with paintings, pottery and bronzes, are redolent of China’s imperial past, an era of concubines, palace eunuchs and a rigid power structure. Among the Forbidden City’s more notable landmarks are the Meridian Gate, the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Imperial Garden.
Transportation Air: Beijing Capital Airport. Rail: Train: Beijing Station. Underground: Qianmen. Road: Bus: Regular public services. Car: Towards Beijing city centre.
Contact Addresses For more information on the Forbidden City, contact China National Tourism Administration (see Tourist Information above).