Though it is growing and changing all the time, Beijing's imperial history is still visible today.
Though it is growing and changing all the time, Beijing's imperial history is still visible today.
One of the city's most popular tourist destinations is the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, an opulent gilded cage that was once the seat of power for the Ming and Qing dynasties.
One of the city's most popular tourist destinations is the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, an opulent gilded cage that was once the seat of power for the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Juanqin Studio, one of the most luxurious buildings in the Forbidden City, was built for Qing Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799).
The Juanqin Studio, one of the most luxurious buildings in the Forbidden City, was built for Qing Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799).
The summer residence for the imperial court was the Summer Palace, which features a lake, park, temples and palaces.
The summer residence for the imperial court was the Summer Palace, which features a lake, park, temples and palaces.
Visitors are seen walking through the ruins of Haiyan Hall in the old imperial Summer Palace on the outskirts of Beijing.
Visitors are seen walking through the ruins of Haiyan Hall in the old imperial Summer Palace on the outskirts of Beijing.
A statue at the Confucius Temple in Beijing, named for the Chinese philosopher Confucius.
A statue at the Confucius Temple in Beijing, named for the Chinese philosopher Confucius.
Dating as far back as the days of Khubilai Khan, Beijing's Ancient Observatory (pictured here in an 18th-century engraving) still stands and features astronomical instruments on its roof.
Dating as far back as the days of Khubilai Khan, Beijing's Ancient Observatory (pictured here in an 18th-century engraving) still stands and features astronomical instruments on its roof.