11. The Forbidden City, Beijing
The Forbidden City, a sprawling imperial palace complex in Beijing, was constructed on the site of a former Mongolian palace. Commissioned by the Ming Dynasty in the 15th century, it served as the political and ceremonial center of Chinese power for nearly 500 years. The name “Forbidden City” reflects the restricted access to the palace, which was shrouded in secrecy and reserved for the emperor and his court. As a symbol of imperial authority and tradition, it encapsulates a history of dynastic rule and the complex politics of the Chinese Empire. Explore more about the Forbidden City.
