Imperial Garden

Welcome to the Imperial Garden, a tranquil oasis at the northern end of the Forbidden City. Built in 1417, this 12,000-square-meter garden was where emperors and empresses came to relax. Notice the ancient cypress trees, some over 400 years old, their twisted trunks intertwined like lovers — called Linked Cypress. The rockeries, pavilions, and rare flowers create a miniature landscape representing the natural world. The Hill of Accumulated Elegance at the center was where the court celebrated the Double Ninth Festival each autumn.