The former imperial palace Gugong is located in the centre of Beijing. The construction of this magnificent palace was completed in 1420 and lasted 14 years. During the reign of the Mongol Yuan dynasty, this palace, spread over an area of 72 hectares, became its residence. And nowadays Gugong is considered one of the world's greatest palaces.
No one has ever calculated the exact cost of building this palace, but historical records tell us that materials for construction were delivered from everywhere, up to the most remote provinces of Guangdong and Yunnan, located thousands of kilometres from Beijing. A million workers and up to a hundred thousand craftsmen were hired to build the Gugong Palace.
Twenty-four emperors of the Qing and Ming dynasties ruled China from here, but for centuries the palace was closed to the common people. Even today, after the last emperor of China left the palace 75 years ago, it remains still closed to curious tourists. Half of the Forbidden City, as before, is surrounded by an aura of mystery. A world cut off from life, strictly regulated, rich and opulent, living its own life for several centuries.
Gugong Palace, the first of China's sites to be listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. The red walls and yellow roofs can be seen from the top of Coal Hill, located in the Emperor's favourite park, when viewing the Forbidden City. These two colours, red and yellow, are the main colours of the Gugong Palace.
The watch, jewellery and ceramics pavilions, as well as the painting exhibition, are also worth a visit. Also of interest are the pavilions of art of the Ming and Qing dynasties, bronzes and the exhibition hall with historical art treasures.
And the three palace pavilions of Complete Harmony - Zhonghedian, Supreme Harmony - Tanghedian and Preservation of Harmony - Baohedian are a must-see. Here you can admire art relics from various eras of China and learn about the cultural heritage of the Chinese people. There are also ancient exhibits and treasures of emperors, such as a remarkable collection of marionettes and clocks.
