Audio Guide
Forbidden City
A curated walk hall by hall — from the gates to the imperial garden, with the history, people, and trivia behind each stop.
Galleries
Gates
Gate of Divine Might
The north gate and main exit, facing Jingshan Park across the street.
Gate of Heavenly Purity
The main gate to the Inner Court, where Qing emperors held court.
Gate of Supreme Harmony
The main gate to the Outer Court, the largest gate in the Forbidden City.
Meridian Gate
The main entrance to the Forbidden City, where emperors issued decrees.
Outer Court
Hall of Central Harmony
Where the emperor rested before grand ceremonies at the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Hall of Preserving Harmony
The last of the three great halls, where the imperial examinations were held.
Hall of Supreme Harmony
The most important hall, used for grand ceremonies like coronations.
Hall of Union
Where the 25 Imperial Seals were stored and empresses were enthroned.
Nine Dragon Wall
A glazed tile wall from 1771 featuring nine vivid dragons.
Inner Court
Hall of Mental Cultivation
Where Qing emperors lived and worked. Empress Dowager Cixi ruled from behind a curtain here.
Palace of Earthly Tranquility
Ming empress quarters, later used for Manchu shamanist rituals and imperial weddings.
Palace of Heavenly Purity
Ming dynasty imperial bedroom, later used for receiving foreign envoys.
