Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties 11
About the Forbidden city 15
A Tour of the Forbidden City 22
The Central Route of the Outer Court 22
Wumen（Meridian Gate）—the main entrance to the Forbidden City 22
Taihemen（Gate of Supreme Harmony）—where Ming emperors heard ministerialreports 25
Taihemen Square—a fengshui square 27
Taihedian（Hall of Supreme Harmony）a sacred place where emperors conducted grand ceremonies 29
Taihedian Sqaure—the largest square in the Forbidden City 33
Zhonghedian（Hall of Complete Harmony）—where emperors rested briefly en route to sessions of court 35
Baohedian（Hall of Preserving Harmony）—where the Palace Examinations were held during the Qing Dynasty 36
The Dragons-and-Clouds Stone Carving—the largest in the Forbidden City 39
The Central Route of the Inner Court 40
Qianqingmen（Gate of Celestial Purity）—the dividing line between the Outer and Inner Courts of the Forbidden City 40
The Council of State—a confidential place in the Forbidden City 42
Qianqinggong（Hall of Celestial Purity）—an important administrative office during the Ming and Qing dynasties 43
Jiaotaidian（Hall of Celestial and Terrestrial Union）—the site of birthday celebrations for empresses 47
Kunninggong（Hall of Terrestrial Tranquility）a Shamanist shrine 50
The Imperial Garder—a private retreat for the imperial family 53
Qin'andian（Hall of Imperial Peace）—the only religious building on the axis of the Forbidden City 55
Jiangxuexuan（Crimson Snow Pavilion）—a nanmu wood structure in the Imperial Garden 57
Yangxingzhai（Hall of Temperament Cultivation）—where Puyi studied English 58
Famous Pavilions in the Imperial Garden—Wanchun,Fubi,Qianqiu and Chengrui 59
Shunzhenmen（Smooth and Pure Gate）—the north entrance of the Imperial Garden 61
Shenwumen（Gate of Divine Might）—the rear exit from the Imperial Palace 62
The Eastern Route of the Outer Court 64
The Target Practice Pavilion—where the imperial family practiced archery in the palace 64
The Eastern Route of the Inner Court 65
Fengxiandian（Hall of Ancestral Worship）—a palace shrine dedicated to imperial ancestors 65
Zhaigong（Hall of Abstinence）—where the emperor practiced rituals of abstinence 67
Jingrengong（Hall of Great Benevolence）—the birthplace of Emperor Kangxi 68
Yanxigong（Hall of Lasting Happiness）—a crystal palace in the Forbidden City 69
Chengqiangong（Hall of Celestial Favor）—the birthplace of Emperor Xianfeng 71
Yonghegong（Hall of Eternal Harmony）—the birthplace of Emperor Yongzheng 72
Zhongcuigong （Hall of Purity）—where Empress Dowager Ci'an died 74
Jingyanggong（Hall of Great Brilliance）—a library in the Forbidden City during the Qing Dynasty 75
The Ningshougong（Hall of Tranquil Longevity）Area—built for the retirement of Emperor Qianlong 76
Huangjimen（Gate of Imperial Supremacy）—the most beautiful glazed-tile gate in the Forbidden City 77
The Nine-Dragon Screen Wall—one of China's three surviving ancient nine-dragon screen walls 78
Ningshoumen（Gate of Tranquil Longevity）—the top-status gate in the Inner Court of the Forbidden City 79
Huangjidian（Hall of Imperial Supremacy）—a hall second only to the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the architectural hierarchy 81
Ningshougong（Hall of Tranquil Longevity）—an important building featuring Manchu customs 82
Yangxingdian（Pavilion of Temperament Cultivation）—living quarters for the retired emperor 83
Changyinge（Pavilion of Flowing Music）—the biggest theater stage in the Qing court 85
Leshoutang （Hall of Joyful Longevity）—Empress Dowager Cixi's living quarters 87
Yihexuan（Pavilion of Sustained Harmony）—where Emperor Qianlong read and spent leisure time 90
Jingqige（Pavilion of Great Auspiciousness）—where Concubine Zhen was kept confined 91
Ningshougong（Hall of Tranquil Longevity）Garden—a fine example of palace gardening 93
The Western Route of the Outer Court 94
Wuyingdian（Hall of Martial Valor）—where the insurgent leader Li Zicheng proclaimed himself emperor 94
Yudetang（Hall of Virtue Cultivation）—the bathhouse of Xiangfei（Fragrant Concubine） 96
Xihuamen （West Flowery Gate）—the western entrance of the Forbidden City 98
The Western Route of the Inner Court 99
Yangxindian（Hall of Mental Cultivation）—the center of supreme power of the Qing Empire 99
Yongshougong（Hall of Eternal Longevity）—a residence for empresses and concubines during the Ming and Qing dynasties 102
Taijidian（Hall of Supremacy）—a residence for empresses and concubines during the Ming and Qing dynasties 104
Yikungong（Hall of the Queen Consort）—where Empress Dowager Cixi's 50th birthday was celebrated 105
Changchungong（Hall of the Eternal Spring）—Dowager Cixi's living quarters 107
Chuxiugong（Hall of Gathering Elegance）—the birthplace of Emperor Tongzhi 108
Xianfugong（Hall of Universal Happiness）—residence of empresses and concu-bines during the Ming and Qing dynasties 110
The Palace Walls and Palace Moat 112
The Palace Moat—the Forbidden City's first line of defense 112
The Palace Walls—the Forbidden City's second line of defense 112
The Watch Towers—hybrid tower-non-tower structures 113
Permanent Displays of the Palace Museum 115
Palace Halls Kept as They Were in the Old Days 116
Places for Temporary Thematic Exhibitions 116
Opening Hours Admission Transportation 116
TheTemple of Heaven 117
About the Temple of Heaven 120
A Tour of the Temple of Heaven 125
Yuanqiutan（Circular Mound Altar）—the altar for emperors to Pray to heaven 125
The Heaven's Heart Stone—where the emperor stood while reading the ceremonial message 128
The Furnace for Burning Sacrifices 129
Huangqiongyu（Imperial Vault of Heaven）—for storing spirit tablets for use during heaven-worshiping ceremonies 130
The Triple-Sounding Stones—one of the three acoustic miracles of the Temple of Heaven 133
The Echo Wall—a famous acoustic attraction 134
The Nine-Dragon Cypress—the oldest cypress in urban Beijing 134
Danbi（Red Walkway）Bridge—the path leading to the Heavenly Palace 135
Qinianmen（Gate of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest）—the main entrance to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest 136
Qigutan（Altar of Prayer for Grain）—a sacred place where Ming and Qing emperors conducted grand ceremonies for praying for grain 137
Qiniandian（Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest）the symbol of the Temple of Heaven 138
Huangqiandian（Hall of Zenith）the bedchamber dedicated to the heavenly god 143
The 72-Bay Continuous Building—the passage for delivering sacrifices 143
The Slaughterhouse—where sacrificial cattle were slaughtered 144
The Double-Ring（Longevity）Pavilion—built by Emperor Qianlong for his mother 145
The Fasting Palace—a small imperial palace in the Temple of Heaven 147
Shenyueshu（Divine Music Administration）—a royal organization for playing ancient music 148
Opening Hours Admission Bus Routes 152
The Summer Palace 153
About the Summer Palace 156
A Tour of the Summer Palace 163
Court Area 163
Donggongmen（East Gate）—the main entrance to the Summer Palace 163
Renshoudian（Hall of Benevolence and Longevity）—where emperors attended to administration 164
Yulantang（Hall of Jade Ripples）—where Emperor Guangxu was placed under house arrest 166
Yiyunguan（Hall of Fragrant Grass）—the residence of Empress Longyu 167
Deheyuan（Garden of Virtue and Harmony）—where Empress Dowager Cixi watched performances of Peking Opera 169
Leshoutang （Hall of Joyous Longevity）—the residence of Empress Dowager Cixi 172
Longevity Kitchens—the private kitchens of Empress Dowager Cixi 174
Yongshouzhai（Eternal Longevity Chamber）—the residence of the Imperial Eunuch Li Lianying 174
Front-Hill Area 176
The Long Corridor—the longest gallery in the world 176
Paiyunmen（Gate for Dispelling Clouds）—main gate of the Paiyundian 177
Paiyundian（Hall for Dispelling Clouds）—the place for celebrating Empress Dowager Cixi's birthday 178
Foxiangge（Pavillon of Buddhist Incense）—the landmark building of the Summer Palace 180
Zhihuihai（Sea of Wisdom）—the Buddhist world on the highest point of Longevity Hill 182
Baoyunge（Pavilion of Precious Clouds）—a cast bronze religious structure 182
Tingliguan（Hall for Listening to Orioles）—a small theater for Empress Dowager Cixi 184
Huazhongyou（Strolling through a Scroll Painting）—a group of buildings lined with Chinese landscape paintings 185
Zhuanlunzang（Revolving Sutra Repository）—a religious structure where Qing emperors and expresses came to attend religious services and recite sutras 186
Kunming Lake Area 189
YelüChucai Temple—the Tomb of one of the founding fathers of the Yuan Dynasty 189
Zhichunting（Harbinger of Spring Pavilion）—the earliest herald of spring 189
Wenchangge（Pavilion of Cultural Prosperity）—a classical city-gate structure 190
Bronze Ox—a cultural highlight on the eastern causeway 191
Kuoruting（Pavilion of Broad Vistas）—the largest ancient pavilion in China 192
17-Arch Bridge—the biggest bridge in the Summer Palace 192
Nanhudao（South Lake Islet）the biggest islet in Kunming Lake 193
Xiuyiqlao（Wavy Tapestry Bridge）—the Number One Bridge on Kunming Lake 194
Xiti（West Causeway）—the green necklace of Kunming Lake 195
Jingminglou（Bright Scenery Mansion）—the largest building complex on the West Causeway 197
Qingyanfang（Boat of Purity and Ease or Marble Boat）—the largest stone boat in China 197
Xingqiao—Open Pavilion Bridge 198
Suyunyan（Cloud Entertaining Eaves）—a city-gate structure 199
Rear-Hill and Back-Lake Area 200
Catur-dvipa（Four Inhabited Continents）—a group of mysterious religious buildings 200
Duobao（Multi-Treasure）Glazed Pagoda—the most treasured glazed pagoda in the Qing Dynasty 201
Suzhou Street—Business street of the Qing Dynasty 203
Xiequyuan（Garden of Harmonious Interests）—the Garden within the Garden 204
Opening Hours Admission Bus Routes 206
Jingshan Park 207
About Jingshan Park 210
A Tour of Jingshan Park 213
Qiwanglou（Beautiful View Tower）—where the imperial court paid homage to Confucius 213
Guanmiaoting（Pavilion of Wonderful Views）—one of the five major pavilions on Jingshan Hill 215
Zhoushangting（Pavilion of Surrounding Views）—one of the five major pavilions 215
Wanchunting（Everlasting Spring Pavilion）—central pavilion with the best view 215
Fulanting（Panoramic View Pavilion）—one of the five major pavilions 215
Jifangting（Fragrance Gathering Pavilion）—one of the five major pavilions 216
Shouhuangdian（Imperial Longevity Hall）Building Cluster—the hall for paying homage to ancestors 216
The spot where Emperor Chongzhen hanged himself 217
Opening Hours Admission Bus Routes 218
Beihai Park 219
About Beihai Park 222
A Tour of Beihai Park 225
Jade Flowery Islet Scenic Area 225
Jade Flowery Islet—the fairy hill on the lake 225
Yong'anqiao（Bridge of Eternal Peace）—a pathway to the southern bank 226
Yong'ansi（Temple of Eternal Peace）—a place for emperors and empresses to worship 227
White Dagoba—the landmark building of Beihai Park 229
Qiongdaochunyin（Jade Flowery Islet in Shady Springtime）Tablet—inscriptions by the emperor 232
Covered Corridor—a colorful ribbon skirting the northern part of the hill 232
Yuegulou（Hall of Ancient Scripts）—a treasure collection of the most famous ancient calligraphic works 233
Xianren Chenglupan（Immortal's Plate for Containing Dews） 234
Eastern Bank Scenic Area 236
Haopujian（Haopu Creek Garden）—a garden within a garden 236
Xiancantan（Altar of the Goddess of Silkworms）—where the Empress and concubines offered sacrifices to the Goddess of Silkworms 237
Northern Bank Scenic Area 238
Jingxinzhai（Peaceful Heart Garden）—a garden within a garden 238
Xitianfanjing（Hall of Western Paradise） 240
Dacizhenrudian（Hall of Great Mercy and the True and Genuine Suchness）—the main hall of the Hall of Heavenly Kings 241
The Iron Screen Wall—a legacy of the Yuan Dynasty 241
Chengguantang（Hall of Clear Vision）—where eunuchs stood on duty during the Ming Dynasty 243
The Hall of Quick Snowfall 243
Nine-Dragon Screen Wall 246
Five Dragon Pavilions—structures on water 247
Chanfusi（Temple for Bestowing Blessings） 248
Fangdian（Square Hall）—China's largest extant wooden pavilion-style structure 249
Round City Area 251
Tuancheng（Round City）—an imperial garden raised high 251
Chengguangdian（Hall for Receiving Light）—the main structure of the Round City 252
White Jade Buddha—the biggest jade Buddha image in Beijing 252
White Robe General—shady place of cool 254
Opening Hours Admission Bus Routes 254
Yuanmingyuan Garden 255
About Yuanmingyuan Garden 258
A Tour of the Yuanmingyuan 264
Jianbiting（Pavilion in a Blue Mirror） 264
Bieyoudongtian （Palace of Unique Beauty） 264
Jiexiushanfang（Enchanting View Cottage） 265
Pengdaoyaotai（immortal Abode on Penglai Island） 265
Haiyuekaijin（Sea of Magnanimity） 266
Hanjingtang（Scripture-Conservation Hall） 266
Shizilin（Lion Forest Garden） 268
Xiyanglou（European-style Palaces）—the Versailles of China 268
Xieqiqu（Harmonious Wonder）—a European-style fountain 269
Huanghuazhen（Labyrinth）—a European-style maze 271
Fangwaiguan（Belvedere）—a place for the religious observances of the Uygur concubine 272
Haiyantang（Hall of National Peace）—the biggest European-style garden 272
Yuanyingguan（Immense Ocean Observatory）—the most magnificent European-style scenic spot 273
Guanshuifa（Throne for Viewing the Waterworks） 276
Opening Hours Admission Bus Routes 276
Yonghegong Lama Temple 279
About Yonghegong Lama Temple 282
A Tour of Yonghegong 287
Archway group and screen wall—a group of structures at the southern extremity of the Yonghegong 287
Zhaotaimen（Gate of Radiance and Peace）—the main gate of the Yonghegong 288
Yonghemen（Gate of Harmony and Peace）—the first major hall of Yonghegong 288
Giant Bronze Ding—one of the three rarities of Beijing 290
Imperial Stele Pavilion—inscribed in four languages 292
Bronze Mount Sumeru—a rare artwork 292
Daxiongbaodian（Mahavira Hall）—the main hall of Yonghegong 294
Yongyoudian（Hall of Everlasting Protection）—where the coffin of deceased Emperor Yongzheng was placed 296
Falundian（Hall of the Wheel of the Law）—a place for reading scriptures and conducting religious services 298
Sandalwood 500-Arhats Hill—one of the three rarities of Yonghegong 300
Life Story of Sakyamuni—a large mural 300
Wanfuge（Pavilion of 10 Thousand Happinesses）—the tallest structure in Yonghegong 300
Sandalwood Giant Buddha—one of the three rarities of Yonghegong 302
Opening Hours Admission Bus Routes 302
Appendix：Emperors of the Ming Dynasty＆Emperors of the Qing Dynasty 303