After meeting the tourists at the South Gate of the Forbidden City, we began our tour immediately. Formerly known as the Purple Forbidden City, the Forbidden City in Beijing served as the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is also the largest and best-preserved ancient palace complex in China. Construction of the Forbidden City began during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty. Covering an area of approximately 700,000 square meters, it comprises over 9,000 palace buildings. The overall layout strictly adheres to symmetrical principles and is divided into two main sections: the Outer Court and the Inner Court.

The Outer Court, centered around the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, served as the venue where the emperor held grand ceremonies and administered state affairs; the Inner Court, centered around the Hall of Supreme Purity, the Hall of Union, and the Hall of Earthly Tranquility, was the residential area for the emperor and empress.

As an imperial palace, the Forbidden City not only boasts magnificent architecture and exquisite craftsmanship but also houses a vast collection of precious cultural relics, serving as a vital repository of China’s 5,000-year civilization. Now, let us step inside this imperial palace together to experience its solemn grandeur and profound historical heritage.