The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1420-1911). It is the best preserved and the largest ancient palatial structure in the world. It attracts more than one million visitors every year.

Covering an area of 72 hectares (about 180 acres), the Forbidden City consists of 9,999 rooms, surrounded by a 10-meter high city wall, which measures 960 meters long from south to north and 750 meters wide from east to west. Outside the wall is a 52-meter-wide moat. It is indeed a city within a city.

Most of the structures in the Forbidden City are wooden, with white stone foundations, yellow glazed tiles, and colorful wall paintings. A south-to-north axis line divides the complex by half. The whole complex looks imposing and stately.

The Forbidden City can be divided into the Outer Court and inner Court. The Outer Court consists mainly of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Middle Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. The Hall of Supreme Harmony was where the emperor held grand ceremonies.

The Forbidden City can be divided into the Outer Court and inner Court. The Outer Court consists mainly of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Middle Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. The Hall of Supreme Harmony was where the emperor held grand ceremonies.

Much of the Forbidden City later fell into disrepair, but the restoration work has been superb. The complex, once again, is the actual and spiritual heart of Beijing and it is certainly worth more than one viewing.

On your first visit, you can hire one of the informative taped audio guides available at the entrance (the voice on the English tape belongs to ex-James Bond, Roger Moore). The tape provides ample historical background. After the tutored walk-through, you can retrace your steps without the audio guide, so you can take in the magnificence of the buildings.

Amble through the seemingly endless courtyards and halls and occasionally close your eyes and dream - this place is so atmospheric, you can almost smell the history.