Forbidden City（故宫） Travel Guide

The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, is a must-visit tourist attraction in Beijing, China. Here is a travel guide in English for it:

1. General Introduction

The Palace Museum is the largest and most well-preserved imperial palace complex in the world. Construction started in 1406 during the Ming Dynasty and took 14 years to complete3.
It was the residence of 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, serving as the political and cultural center of China for over 500 years.
In 1987, it was listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO35.

2. Location and Access

The Palace Museum is located in the center of Beijing, to the north of Tiananmen Square. You can reach it by various means of transportation. Subway lines such as Line 1 are convenient options, and there are also many bus routes that pass nearby15.
The Meridian Gate is the main entrance to the Forbidden City1.

3. What to See

The Central Axis:
- Meridian Gate: The starting point of the central axis, it is magnificent and imposing. In ancient times, it was the main entrance for the emperor and important officials1.
- Hall of Supreme Harmony: The most important hall in the Forbidden City. It was where the emperor ascended the throne, granted audiences to officials, and held grand ceremonies. The hall is extremely luxurious, with a gilded throne and elaborate decorations1.
- Hall of Central Harmony: A place for the emperor to rest before going to the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Rehearsals for ceremonies were also held here1.
- Hall of Preserving Harmony: Banquets were held here, and the imperial palace examination was also conducted in this hall every three years during the Qing Dynasty2.
- Gate of Heavenly Purity: The main gate of the inner court, where the emperors handled daily affairs1.
- Palace of Heavenly Purity: The bedroom and office of the emperors1.
- Hall of Celestial and Terrestrial Union: Empresses received greetings from other concubines here, and it was used to store the imperial seals1.
- Palace of Earthly Tranquility: The empress's bedroom1.

The Side Halls and Palaces:
- Palace of Compassion and Tranquility: It is an essence of ancient Chinese palace architecture and was once inhabited by imperial concubines1.
- Palace of Longevity and Health: The female occupants here were relatively long-lived1.
- East and West Six Palaces: These were the living places for the emperor's concubines, each with its own characteristics15.
- Garden of Imperial Peace: A small but exquisite garden, which is a place for the royal family to relax1.

4. Tips for Visiting

Time Management: The Palace Museum is vast, so it is advisable to allocate enough time for your visit. At least half a day is needed to explore the main areas. If you want to visit in detail, a full day would be better3.
Guided Tours: You can choose to join a guided tour to better understand the history and culture behind each building. There are professional guides available inside the museum, or you can use audio guides for a more flexible experience3.
Comfort and Preparation: Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved. And bring water and snacks to keep yourself energized3.
Crowd Avoidance: Try to avoid visiting during peak tourist seasons and holidays to have a better viewing experience. If you have to visit during these times, it is better to arrive early in the morning3