Why the Forbidden City is special
For nearly 500 years (1421-1910), twenty four emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties ruled China from inside the Forbidden City.
The emperors lived there and seldom ventured outside. Palace intrigue and internal political power struggles were common.
Lavishly decorated palaces, temples and reception halls are tightly packed within the Forbidden City. They're connected by a baffling maze of zigzagging alleys.

Immense dimensions
The Forbidden City measures 960 meters (3200 feet) by 760 meters (2500 feet) - and is surrounded by a thick, high defensive wall that is in turn surrounded by a moat as wide as a river.
Once, the Forbidden City's room count reached 9,999 (nine was a lucky number).

No longer a palace
The Forbidden City is now a public museum exhibiting precious cultural treasures.

Known by several names
The compound goes by several names: "Imperial City" (old official name), "Public Museum" (current official name) and "Forbidden City" (which most people call it).

How it got its "Forbidden City" nickname
It gained its ominous sounding sobriquet because entry was once strictly prohibited without royal authorization. A visit without that sanction would have cost your life. Today, a visit costs you a modest admission fee.

What leading travel books say about the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is a bewildering complex that defines the very word imperial.
China
Frommer's

The Forbidden City is the grandest symbol of a fallen empire.
Beijing
Fodor's Pocket Guides