The Forbidden City is located in the heart of Beijing/Peking. It has been the focus of authority in imperial China for over five centuries. Twenty-four emperors lived and ruled China from there. Since 1925, The Forbidden City has been under the change of the Palace Museum, whose extensive imperial collections make it one of the most prestigious museums in China. Each of these treasures tells a story. The following is a list of some exhibitions which may arouse your interest. Visit them, and you will know more about the cultural background of this grand Forbidden City.

The Clock Gallery - This exhibition hall houses over 200 clocks and watches from the imperial collection. These watches and clocks were made mostly in Switzerland, England, France, the U.S. and Japan, presented as gifts to the Emperors by foreign envoys. Some Chinese made timepieces are also on display. Although they were made over 200 years ago some of the clocks on display still work.

The Treasure Gallery - The imperial family was so luxurious that it possessed an enormous amount of gold, silver, pearls, gems, jade and jadeite, which were used to decorate costume, jewelry, furnishings as well as articles for daily use. Designed according to the intensions of the emperors, some of these treasures were made either in the palace workshops or by skilled craftsmen in South China while the other treasures were presented as tributes by princes, dukes and officials. Marked with distinct characteristics of imperial culture, they are not only noted for their economic value but also cherished as precious historical materials and exquisite works of art.

The Bronze Gallery - China’s Bronze Age began approximately from 2100 BC, and saw its prime around 13th to 11th century BC. At those times, bronze, still regarded as a precious alloy, was mainly used to forge ritual ware for ceremonies paying tribute to the ancestors and expensive containers on banquets for honorable guests. The amount, variety and size of bronze wares often represent the owner’s social status and power. The greatness and the inscriptions are the two characteristics of the Chinese bronze culture.

The Painting and Calligraphy Gallery - Paintings and calligraphy are always on the top of the museum's exhibition agenda. Housing 50,000 calligraphy and 45,000 paintings excluding those done by emperors and imperial consorts, the museum's collection encompasses the dynastic masterpieces of the past two millennia, basically reflecting the overall history of Chinese fine art.

The Jade Gallery -Jade has a unique place in Chinese culture. The collection includes several pieces famed throughout history, as well as artifacts from recent archaeological discoveries. The earliest pieces date from the Neolithic period.

The Pottery Gallery - Here, you will find out why China is called China. Obviously we are good at making china wares. Check out our extraordinary achievements on porcelain-making here.

TIPS 1. Visit the Tiananmen Square, stroll around there for about half an hour then enter the Forbidden City. This will allow you to experience the carefully laid out complex to best effect, and you will be facing front side of each structure as you progress northwards.

2. The Forbidden City is large, so wear your walking shoes. I'd suggest that one to spend about 6 hours for this destination if you are planning to cover the entire palace. Those who love history will find this visit an eye opener.

3. There is no restaurant inside the Forbidden City, however snacks and drinks are available. Please bring lots of water and some food if you plan to spend a day here.