Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties
China ·
Description
The Forbidden City is Chinese cosmology in miniature. 980 buildings and 9,999 golden-roofed rooms spread in perfect symmetry, guarded by bronze lions and ceramic dragons. For 500 years, no commoner crossed its red walls. Today, each courtyard reveals treasures of jade, silk and porcelain.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
The Forbidden City is the world's largest wooden palatial complex and supreme example of Chinese imperial architecture. It represents the apex of five centuries of Chinese architectural tradition and houses the largest collection of ancient Chinese art.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For being the world's largest palatial complex and supreme example of Chinese imperial architecture over 500 years.
It was inscribed in 1987 under criteria (iii) and (iv).
In central Beijing, China, north of Tiananmen Square.
Minimum 3-4 hours for essentials; a full day to explore in depth.
Go on weekdays, enter through the north gate (Shenwumen) and walk south.