The Forbidden City

Located in the center of Beijing, the Forbidden City (also named Palace Museum, Chinese Name: Gugong), regarded as a must-see spot for travelers, is a magnificent and awe-inspiring sight. For almost five centuries, it served as the home of 24 Emperors and their households, and the ceremonial and political center of the Chinese imperial government.

Its clear lines, perfect proportions, and dramatic color scheme of vermilion walls, white marble terrace and staircases, and brilliant yellow-tiled roofs create one of the world's most beautiful architectural complexes. Serving as the seat of imperial power during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Forbidden City houses numerous rare treasures and curiosities. The site has been recognized worldwide for its monumental importance and was listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987.