The Forbidden City — home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties — covers 720,000 square meters and is the largest, best-preserved wooden palace complex in the world.
Practicalities: book real-name tickets 1-7 days ahead on the official "Palace Museum" mini-program; ¥60 peak / ¥40 off-peak; closed Mondays; opens 8:30 — arrive at opening.
Classic route: enter at Meridian Gate → Hall of Supreme Harmony (imperial coronations) → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Imperial Garden → exit at Gate of Divine Might. About 3 hours; rent an audio guide for depth.
Details that matter: the bronze cranes and turtles before the Hall of Supreme Harmony symbolize an eternal reign; ridge-animal counts mark rank; the Qianlong Garden, Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery need separate tickets but are worth it.
Best moments: the palace after snow is breathtaking (luck + weather); the light is finest near closing; the corner towers and moat are the classic photo spots.
