Forbidden City

Located on Beijing Central Axis, the Forbidden City was the palace city of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its location in relation with the old city of Beijing epitomizes the ancient Chinese concept of urban planning of "building the imperial palace at the central location". The imperial court area formed by the Tian'anmen Gate, the Upright Gate, and the Forbidden City, together with the Bell and Drum Towers in the north exhibit the urban planning paradigm of "court in the front, market in the back" as prescribed in the Kaogongji. The Forbidden City is an outstanding example of the imperial palace in China. The centered and symmetrical planning pattern and the well ordered landscape demonstrate the principle of "choosing the center." It was a place where the imperial families hosted national celebrations, administered government affairs, and enjoyed daily activities. As a significant material, carrier of national etiquettes and cultural traditions, the Forbidden City has witnessed the Chinese cultural tradition of inclusion and diversity. The establishment of the Palace Museum in 1925 marks an important step in the development of Beijing Central Axis toward public access, and the museum bears witness to the historical transformation of the Chinese society from a dynastic system into a modern state.