China, Beijing -The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City in Beijing, China, served as the imperial palace from the Ming to Qing dynasties. Built between 1406 and 1420, it consists of 980 buildings and covers 180 acres. It was the political and ceremonial center of Chinese government for nearly 500 years. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its traditional Chinese architecture. The Forbidden City was constructed using precious materials like Phoebe zhennan wood and golden bricks. It was the seat of the Ming dynasty until 1644, when it was captured by Li Zicheng. The Qing dynasty later took over, introducing changes to the palace. The complex is divided into the outer and inner courts, with significant buildings like the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

What changes did the Qing dynasty implement in the Forbidden City?

Explain the layout of the Forbidden City, including its division into different sections.

What role did the Hall of Supreme Harmony play in the Forbidden City?