The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, is a historical palace complex in Beijing, China. It served as the imperial palace for twenty-four emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The construction of the Forbidden City began in 1406 and was completed in 1420. It is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient wooden structures in the world, covering an area of 720,000 square meters (180 acres).

The Forbidden City is divided into two main sections: the Outer Court and the Inner Court. The Outer Court, where the emperor conducted state affairs, includes the Meridian Gate, the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. The Inner Court, where the emperor lived with his family, includes the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Union, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.