Imperial PalaceThe Forbidden City

In Beijing, China

Its called the Forbidden City because it was forbidden for commoner to enter upon pain of death. It was started in the Mongol Yaun Dynasty and was built new by the Ming Dynasty. 1279-1368

Map of Imperial Palace

A. Meridian GateB. Gate of Divine MightC. West Glorious GateD. East Glorious GateE. Corner towersF. Gate of Supreme HarmonyG. Hall of Supreme Harmony

H. Hall of Military EminenceJ. Hall of Literary GloryK. Southern Three PlacesL. Palace of Heavenly PurityM. Imperial gardenN. Hall of Mental CultivationO. Palace of Tranquil Longevity

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Meridian Gate Meridian Gate is the southern and largest gate. Also the main

entrance to the Forbidden City. Originally the center arch was reserved for the Emperor alone. The one exception was that the princess may enter once on her wedding day.

Gate of Devine Might Gate of Divine Might. Originally named the Black Tortoise Gate. This is the northern gate.

West Glorious Gate

East Glorious Gate

Corner Tower

Gate of Supreme Harmony

Gate of Supreme Harmony is the second major gate at the southern end of the Imperial Palace.

Hall of Supreme Harmony

Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest hall in the Imperial Palace. It is built on top of three levels of marble base. It is one of the largest wooden structure of China.

The hall of Military Eminence was used for books during the Xing Dynasty until it burnt down in 1869. It was rebuilt that same year.

The Hall of Literary Glory is currently being used as the pottery section of the Palace Museum.

The Palace of Heavenly Purity was the residence of the emperor during the Ming Dynasty.

The Imperial Garden was used by the Imperial family to sip tea, play chest, or generally relax.

Hall of Mental Cultivation is where the Emperors have resided since the 1700s. 

Palace of Tranquil Longevity