Walk through the towering gates of the Forbidden City and enter a realm once reserved only for emperors. Standing proudly in the heart of Beijing, this vast palace complex was built between 1406 and 1420 under Emperor Yongle of the Ming dynasty. For almost five hundred years, it was China's political and ceremonial heart, home to twenty‑four emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Covering 72 hectares and containing almost 1,000 surviving buildings, the Forbidden City is the largest ancient wooden architectural complex in the world. Its design follows strict principles of symmetry and hierarchy, with the most important halls aligned along a central north–south axis to symbolize the emperor's role as the mediator between heaven and earth. The golden roofs, vermilion walls, and marble carvings were not merely decorative, they embodied imperial authority and Confucian ideals of harmony and order.
The palace was "forbidden" because ordinary citizens could not enter without imperial permission. Protected by a 52‑meter‑wide moat and towering walls, it was a city within a city, complete with courtyards, gardens, and living quarters for thousands of residents. Every detail carried meaning: guardian lions symbolized power, dragons represented the emperor's divine mandate, and the color yellow was reserved exclusively for the Son of Heaven.
Since 1925, the Forbidden City has been open to the public as the Palace Museum, welcoming millions of visitors each year. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands today not only as a monument to dynastic power but also as a living archive of Chinese art, culture, and history.
This Virtual Cache invites you to experience the Forbidden City through your own eyes. As you explore its courtyards and halls, take a moment to capture a photograph that reflects your personal perspective. By sharing your favorite image with your log, you become part of a collective story, adding your memory to the legacy of a place that was once forbidden, now open to the world.
The Forbidden City.
How to claim this Virtual Cache?
- Take a selfie (optional) and/or a photo of an item displaying your geocaching name, taken inside the Forbidden City. Choose the photo that best captures your experience or perspective, whether it's a sweeping panorama, a subtle architectural detail, intricate displays, or a bustling courtyard scene. Let your creativity flow; this is about showing what the Forbidden City means to you.
Note: If you send a selfie via private message, be sure to mention this in your log!