The Forbidden City

Despite its name, it’s currently one of the visited attractions in Beijing. The stunningly huge complex was once the home of the two most popular and powerful dynasties in China: Ming and Qing. Back in the days, it was also called as the Purple City. Though it’s a seat of power, only those who were permitted by the emperor can enter it, thus, the name. It is now the official home of the Palace Museum and is located near the Tiananmen Square.

• Chinese Name: 故宫
• Address: 4 Jingshan Front, Dongcheng, Beijing
• Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (except on Mondays, where it closes at 11:00 a.m.)
• Fees: CNY 40 to CNY 60 (CNY 10 for certain sections)