The Forbidden City (Beijing)

The Forbidden City is called such because it was for the use of the Imperial Family and their guests only while it was the Imperial Palace. It is also referred to as the Palace Museum now. It was last occupied in 1911.

Today it is accessible by anyone who can get a visa to China and pay the entrance fee.

Pro Tip: Bring a map from home and preferably a list of what you want to see and they don’t hand out maps and the grounds have many objects of interest as well as museums (such as the clock museum).

The artwork and decorative elements throughout the palace are amazing. Everywhere you look there are carvings of wood and stone, and artistic finishes on all surfaces.