The Palace Museum
About This Museum
For nearly six centuries, the Forbidden City has commanded the heart of Beijing, a sprawling testament to imperial power that once forbade commoners from even glancing at its vermilion walls. Today, as The Palace Museum, its gates are thrown open to all, inviting you to wander through a city within a city of ornate halls and quiet courtyards. You don't just see history here; you feel its immense weight in the silent echoes off the stone pathways and the intricate dragon carvings coiling atop golden roofs. It's an overwhelming and utterly captivating journey into the soul of ancient China.
Collection Highlights
Beyond the sheer scale of the architecture, the real treasures lie within: peek into the Clock Hall to see an exquisite 18th-century timepiece shaped like a theatrical stage, or lose yourself in the Gallery of Ceramics where a radiant 'clan of red' vase seems to glow from within. The Palace of Tranquil Longevity holds a separate, glittering world of imperial jade carvings.
Visitor Information
Wear comfortable shoes—this is not an exaggeration, as the complex spans 180 acres. Grab a map at the Meridian Gate entrance and consider heading straight for the less-crowded eastern sections first. A restorative pot of tea and a snack in one of the cafe courtyards is practically mandatory to break up the day.
Architecture & Building
A masterpiece of traditional Chinese palatial architecture, characterized by its sweeping upswept roofs finished with golden glazed tiles, vibrant vermilion pillars, and an intricate hierarchy of buildings all arranged along a precise north-south axis to reflect cosmic order.
Contact & Location
Address: 伪满皇宫博物院, 5, 光复北路, 东广场, 新广街道, 宽城区, 长春市, 吉林省, 130051, 中国
Phone: +86 400 950 1925
Website: Visit Website
