The Forbidden City

China · palace · history

Home of emperors. For more than 500 years, from 1420 to 1924, this palace was home to 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Biggest palace. It's the largest preserved royal palace complex still standing anywhere in the world.

Why 'forbidden'?. Ordinary people weren't allowed inside without the emperor's permission, which is how it got its name.

A museum now. Today it's run as the Palace Museum, so visitors from all over the world can finally explore it.

World treasure. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, recognized as an important place for all of humanity.