The Forbidden City In Beijing
AZ Beijing

Overview
Probably the most popular tourist destination in Beijing is the Forbidden City. Located in the center of Beijing, the Forbidden City was formerly the imperial palace to both the Ming and the Qing Dynasties. During the reign of these dynasties, a grand total of 24 emperors resided in the palace complex over the course of roughly 500 years.

The complex is surrounded by massive walls and a huge moat, and is comprised of a series of palaces, buildings and courtyards. Construction of the Forbidden City began in 1406 and was completed in 1420. The entrance to the Forbidden City is through the majestic Tiananmen Gate. Immediately to the north of the Forbidden City is Jingshan Park (also called as Prospect Hill, or Coal Hill), while on the east and west are Wangfujing and Zhongnanhai neighborhoods.

The compound is divided into two main areas, the Outer Court and the Inner Court. The Outer Court was used for administrative purposes, ceremonial and ritual events, and the Inner Court was utilized as living quarters.

Within the Outer Court one finds the halls of Central Harmony, Supreme Harmony, Preserving Harmony, Literary Glory and Military Eminence. In the Inner Court you will see the Hall of Union, the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Worshipping Ancestors and the Hall of Imperial Splendor.

There are other important buildings in the Forbidden City as well. If you do come to Beijing to study and learn Chinese, you must take time to visit the fascinating Forbidden City.

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