Must see attractions in Forbidden City & Dongcheng Central

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…

One of the six eastern palaces in the Forbidden City, this was a residence of imperial concubines. Emperor Kangxi, most exalted of the Qing emperors (or…

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…

Built in 1420, this palace has been the residence of numerous empresses, imperial concubines and consorts. It's one of the six eastern palaces in the…

This historic entryway is all you can see of the palatial former British Legation, now home to China's Security Bureau. It was where most of the…

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.

A portal leading to the Hall of Martial Valour in the western regions of the Forbidden City's outer court.

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

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

This pavilion was used during the Qing dynasty to store gold and silver objects used for ceremonial rituals.

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

A gate leading to the Hall of Martial Valour.

This inactive Tibetan Buddhist temple can't be entered, but the elevated square in front, which forms part of a small park, is a peaceful little escape…

Several teetering old storehouses here once held grain and rice for the imperial family. Today they've been integrated into a fairly lacklustre enclave of…

In Beijing's Former Legation Quarter, this grey brick building served as the French Post Office in the early 20th century. It was recently a Sichuan…

Outside the northwest walls of the Forbidden City is this Qing dynasty Buddhist temple, once used for worshipping the god of rain. It's one of several in…

This branch of the famous Sheng Xi Fu Hat Store has a quirky, free-to-visit hat museum out the back, revealing the history of the company and of hats in…

One of the main halls within the Workers' Cultural Palace, but closed to visitors. It was used to store the spirit tablets of imperial ancestors in its…

Known locally as the Resting Hall, this imperial building has a yellow-glazed eave-hipped roof. Closed for visitors.