At the heart of Beijing's central axis stands the Palace Museum, formerly known as the Forbidden City, a masterpiece of traditional palace architecture and one of the world's largest and best-preserved wooden architectural complexes. Construction began in 1406, and the imperial palace served the Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly 500 years.

Spanning 961 meters from north to south and 753 meters from east to west, the Forbidden City is defined by its grand scale and exquisite details. Golden roofs, majestic halls, orderly courtyards and intricate decorative elements come together in a harmonious composition, while its four gates and beautifully crafted corner towers add to its iconic architectural beauty.

The Forbidden City is a shining example of why Beijing was named the UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture 2029. Home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Great Wall, Palace Museum, Temple of Heaven and Beijing Central Axis, Beijing brings together centuries of architectural heritage with a forward-looking vision for sustainable urban development.