Tian’anmen Square serves as a vast ceremonial forecourt, opening the journey with a sense of openness and grandeur. As one of the largest public squares in the world, it provides a dramatic transition from modern Beijing to the historic core of the city. From here, visitors approach the southern gate of the Forbidden City, following a central axis that has structured Beijing’s urban design for centuries.

Beyond the gate walls, the Forbidden City reveals itself as an enclosed imperial world. Built in the early 15th century during the Ming Dynasty, this vast palace complex once housed emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. With nearly 10,000 preserved buildings, the site is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture, defined by golden roofs, red walls, marble terraces, and symbolic decoration. Walking through its courtyards and halls is a journey through ritual, hierarchy, and refined craftsmanship.