The Palace Museum and the Forbidden City

This is the world’s largest, imperial palace and was home to 24 emperors, their families and leaders who helped rule the country for more than 500 years. The common people were not allowed to enter this city until the end of the dynasties in 1924. Within the walls of the 178 acre palace complex in the heart of Beijing, there are more than 980 buildings that are masterpieces of Chinese architecture. Most of the roofs are yellow, glazed tiles. Yellow was an imperial color and represented power and prosperity. The color red symbolizes happiness and celebration. In 1925, the Palace Museum, the best and largest collection of Chinese historical artifacts in the world, opened its doors to the public and now more than 14 million people a year visit this once forbidden city.