Top 10 amazing historical sites in China
- By Lu Na
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E-mail China.org.cn, October 26, 2010
Today the Forbidden City (故宫) (or Palace Museum), a World Heritage site since 1987, still abounds with the sense of grandeur and wealth as it did in ancient times. It has an aura of pomp and majesty that transcends the ages. This secret city was closed off from the world for about 500 years and houses 720,000 sq m of courtyards, pavilions, great halls, flourishing gardens and nearly 10,000 rooms come together to form one of the best-preserved historical sites in China.
Owing its origins to the 24 Ming and Qing dynasty emperors who worked and lived here, few of the original buildings remain. The last emperor Puyi, known in the West for the film "The Last Emperor," moved out of the complex in 1925.
The entire complex sits on a north-south axis, or meridian line, with halls and houses symmetrically arranged on the side. It consists of three parts: the outer court where the emperor received high officials and administered state affairs; the inner court where the emperor, empress and concubines lived; and the private Imperial Garden for the imperial family's entertain and relaxation.
Travel tips:
1. At Meridian Gate, visitors can rent a multilingual walkman guide that introduces the history and architecture of the palace. The tape and player should be returned at the north gate of the Palace Museum upon exiting.
2. Don't forget to visit the Jingshan (Coal Hill) Park, opposite to the palace's north gate. From this location can see the splendid layout of the palace.
Hours: 8:00 a.m.- 4 p.m. (May-September); 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. (October-April);
Admission: 60 yuan/person (high season), 40 yuan/person (low season); Some of the museums have additional charges.
Tel: 86-10-65132255
Getting There:
By Subway: 1. Take Line 1 and exit at Tian'anmen East;
2. Take the Loop Line and exit at Qianmen;
By Bus: Bus No. 1, 4, 5, 10, 20, 22, 52, 57, 802; The Forbidden City is within walking distance from Wangfujing, Xidan or Qianmen.
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