Why the world’s largest palace stayed forbidden for more than 500 years

Palaces are grand structures, with unique elements attached to it that make it look stunning from the outside, But have you ever wondered what it actually feels like to step inside one, and that too the world’s largest one? Well, we are talking about the Forbidden City in Beijing which is not just China’s most iconic landmark, but is also the world’s largest palace complex which covers 180 acres right in the capital’s heart, and is a masterpiece of history and architecture. For centuries, it served as the private world of emperors and their courts, and remained completely off-limits to ordinary people. Today, this palace is accessible to the public, where visitors can wander through its grand halls and courtyards, and experience a slice of China’s imperial past that was once hidden from the world.

Built between 1406 and 1420 under the Ming emperor Yongle, the Forbidden City symbolised the might and authority of the Chinese throne. Over a million workers contributed to its construction, using marble from quarries near Beijing and timber transported from distant forests. For more than 500 years, it was the political and ceremonial center of China, housing 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Even today, its immense scale, over 8,700 rooms enclosed within towering walls and a moat, highlights the sheer ambition of imperial China.

The palace earned its name because ordinary citizens were strictly forbidden from entering. Only the emperor, his family, trusted officials, and servants lived within, and even they were confined to designated zones. The emperor had unrestricted access, while others moved only within prescribed boundaries. Intruders faced severe punishment, sometimes execution. Daily life was rigid, which included rituals, from court ceremonies in the Outer Court to private family life in the Inner Court. This sense of exclusivity continues to fascinate visitors today.

The Outer Court was where emperors showcased their authority in grand ceremonies. Visitors first pass through the Meridian Gate, the imposing southern entrance. Inside, the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest wooden hall in China, served as the stage for enthronements, imperial weddings, and New Year celebrations. Adjacent halls such as the Hall of Central Harmony and Hall of Preserving Harmony were used for preparations, feasts, and examinations. Strikingly, this section of the palace has no trees, symbolising that nothing should overshadow imperial power.

In contrast, the Inner Court was the emperor’s personal domain. The Palace of Heavenly Purity served as his residence, while the Palace of Earthly Tranquility was the empress’s quarters. The Hall of Union was where the empress received dignitaries and held coronation ceremonies. At the northernmost end lies the serene Imperial Garden, a 12,000-square-metre retreat with pavilions, cypress trees, and stone carvings—designed as a sanctuary where the royal family could rest and reflect.

The Forbidden City’s story did not end with the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911. The last emperor, Puyi, remained inside until 1924, after which the palace was transformed into the Palace Museum. It opened to the public in 1925 and today houses the world’s largest collection of preserved wooden structures and imperial artifacts. Exhibits include calligraphy, porcelain, ceremonial robes, and priceless treasures once reserved for emperors. In 2020, the Forbidden City marked its 600th anniversary, and in 2025 it will celebrate 100 years as a museum.

For modern travelers, the Forbidden City is one of Beijing’s must-visit attractions. Entry is via the Tian’anmen Gate and Meridian Gate, with the main tour route following a central axis through its courts and halls. The best time to visit is spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October), when the weather is mild. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter offers crisp beauty but freezing conditions. The site is open daily except Mondays, with hours varying by season. Conveniently, the palace is just 1.5 km from Tiananmen Station on Beijing’s Subway Line 1, making it easily accessible.