The Forbidden City began construction in 1406 during the Ming Dynasty and took 14 years to complete. It stands exactly in the centre of ancient Beijing, and was the political nerve centre of China until the end of the Chinese dynastic era. It was home to 24 Ming and Qing emperors in all.

Rectangular in shape, the Forbidden City is the world's largest palace complex and covers 720,000 sq m. It is surrounded by a 6m deep moat and 10m high walls thick enough to withstand cannon attacks.

The southern section of the city, or the Outer Court, consists of five halls used for ceremonial purposes. The northern section, or the Inner Court, was the residence of the Emperor and his family, eunuchs and maid-servants.

The buildings within housed the Chinese aristocracy. Yellow – the royal colour – dominated the rooftops. On each corner of the roof are small statuettes, and the number depicted the owner’s social status. The residence of the Emperor had nine statuettes, while ten symbolises heaven and is used only on the most holy building in the entire city.