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| (An outsideview of the Palace Museum) |
Located in the center of Beijing the Palace Museum (also called the
Forbidden City) was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Construction of the Palace started in 1406 (the 4th year of the Ming
Yong Le reign) and ended in 1420 (the 18th year of the Yong Le reign).
In the course of history in underwent many renovations and is now
the largest and best preserved ancient architectural complex in China.
Covering an area of 720,000 square meters of land, and is 760 meters
from east to west. The palace boasts of 9999.5 rooms. Its layout followed
strict feudal code, with the palace ground divided into two main sections-the
Front Palace stand the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Complete
Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. The Inner Palace includes
the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Prosperity, the Hall of
Earthly Peace and the Imperial Garden. The revolution in 1911 ended
the rule of the Qing Dynasty and the imperial household was moved
out in 1924. In 1925, the Palace Museum was set up.
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| (Imperial Garden) |
(Hall of Preserved Elegance) |
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