Forbidden City of China Album
The Forbidden City of Beijing was the imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end
of the Qing Dynasty--the years 1420 to 1912.  The last Chinese emperor, Puyi, was
dethroned in 1912.  He still was given various titles until 1949 when the communist
government took over and declared him a criminal of the state.  The Forbidden City
covers 182 acres and has 980 buildings.
The Maridian Gate, now used by
tours instead of entering from
Tiananman Square.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Panoramic of the courtyard of Supreme Harmony.
Map of the Forbidden City.
After passing through the gate you
come to the huge ceromony square
and the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
The Forbidden City has a moat
around some of the city.
Upon entering there is a large
court and another gate called
The Gate of Supreme Harmony.
The Gate of Supreme Harmony.
After passing through the hall you
come to another hall, The Hall of
Central Harmony.
Entering through the outer wall of
the Forbidden City by the Maridian
Gate.  There is also a section of the
palace within an inner wall.
All along the way there are
guards.
The Hall of Harmony contains the
throne of the emperor.
The court yard leading to the Hall
of Supreme Harmony.
The palace has 308 copper and
iron vats which were used to
fight fires.
The next hall is The Hall of
Preserving Harmony.
The Hall of Central Harmony.
The throne inside The Hall of
Central Harmony.
The throne in The Hall of
Preserving Harmony.
Panoramic of The Gate of
Heavenly Purity.
Inside the inner wall is the Hall of
Heavenly Peace.
This gate is through the inner
wall.
Throne inside the Hall of
Heavenly Peace.
Panoramic of the Palace of
Earthly Tranquility.
The courtyard of The Palace of
Earthly Tranquility.
Behind the Palace is The Garden
and the XiHua Gate.
The XiHua Gate.
There are 4 gates to the
Forbidden City.  The gate from
Tianaman Square is no longer
allowed to be used by tourists.
We cross the moat leaving the
Forbidden City.