The Forbidden City’s north gate, for exit-only. From here you can cross the road into Jingshan Park. During imperial times, the gate was used by servants coming and going from the outer court. Women arriving at court to be assessed as potential concubines also entered the palace through this gate.


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1. Shunzhen Gate

0.03 MILES

Small gate leading to the Gate of Divine Prowess, which serves as the Forbidden City's north exit.

2. Hall of Imperial Peace

0.05 MILES

This attractive double-eaved hall is the only Taoist temple located on the central axis of Beijing.

3. Imperial Garden

0.07 MILES

At the northern end of the Forbidden City is the Imperial Garden, where emperors and their consorts could retreat to read, relax, sip tea and stroll among…

4. Palace of Gathered Elegance

0.1 MILES

This hall contains interesting photos of the last emperor Puyi, who lived here as a child ruler at the turn of the 20th century. Empress Dowager Cixi also…

5. Palace of Accumulated Purity

0.1 MILES

One of the Forbidden City's six eastern palaces, this is notable for being the former residence of the young Xianfeng Emperor, who lived here with his mum.

6. Palace of Earthly Tranquillity

0.11 MILES

This palace was originally the residence of the empress, and in later times became the imperial couple’s bridal chamber (they only spent the first two…

7. Palace of Great Brilliance

0.12 MILES

The northeasternmost of the six eastern palaces of the Forbidden City, it started out as a residence for concubines, and later became a library.

8. Palace of Celestial Favour

0.13 MILES

One of the six eastern palaces, this dates from 1420, and was used as a residence of imperial concubines. Today it houses a museum displaying a range of…