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  • Shengwu Lou round earth dwelling in the village of Jiaolu, Fujian Province.  View of interior of the home of Li Zheng Ying and children. Visible Kitchen, living room / eating room.                  These are some of the most extraordinary multistory structures in China built exclusively out of earth and timber (they are known as tulou). From the outside they look and protect like fortresses, built principally by the ethnic minority group known as the Hakka. They where built principally in the 17th till the early 20th centuries. In all about 1000 remain standing today mostly centered around the mountainous regions of the provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi and Guandong. They where constructed in various shapes from circular, square, oblong,even rhomboid. Shengwu Lou, was built sometime in the Qing Dynasty ( 1644-1912) and still remains well preserved and lived in by a hand full of residents. The single - story inner ring and three -story outer ring are divided into 15 apartments that surround a courtyard  with a water well. Cokking and eating facilities are at ground level and all bedrooms and storage are spread over the upper floors.             Shengwu Lou round earth dwelling in the village of Jiaolu, Fujian Province.  Interior circular courtyard and living spaces with central water well, shared by residents and chickens and hens alike. These are some of the most extraordinary multistory structures in China built exclusively out of earth and timber (they are known as tulou). From the outside they look and protect like fortresses, built principally by the ethnic minoritiy group known as the Hakka. They where built principally in the 17th till the early 20th centuries. In all about 1000 remain standing today mostly centered around the mountainous regions of the provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi and Guandong. They where constructed in various shapes from circular, square, oblong,even rhomboid. Shengwu Lou, was built sometime in the Qing Dynasty ( 1644-1912) and still remains wel
    chihakarou_041_1.jpg
  • Schloss (Castle) Vaduz perches high on the slopes above Vaduz, the capital of the tiny landlocked Principality of Liechtenstein. Prince Hans-Adam II is the current resident of the Schloss. The mountain peaks in the background have snow on their jagged edges but the castle itself is free of snow and rests on the slope on a cold but fresh day. Sunlight shines on the side of the old castle walls making this a fairy tale scene of another era of history. The Liechtenstein dynasty dates a royal lineage going back to 1140 under various lines of the Hapsburgs dynasty. Liechtenstein is bordered by the Alpine countries of Austria and Switzerland and is a winter sports resort, though best known as a tax haven, attracting companies worldwide to register their assets in secrecy.
    RB-0010.jpg
  • Chengqi  round earth dwelling is considered the "king of Hakka earth buildings", Gaobei village, Fujian province,                  The bulding consists of four storeys plus four  inner circles containing a total of 400 rooms.          These are some of the most extraordinary multistory structures in China built exclusively out of earth and timber (they are known as tulou). From the outside they look and protect like fortresses, built principally by the ethnic minority group known as the Hakka. They where built principally in the 17th till the early 20th centuries. In all about 1000 remain standing today mostly centered around the mountainous regions of the provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi and Guandong. They where constructed in various shapes from circular, square, oblong, even rhomboid. Chengqi  was built sometime in the Qing Dynasty ( 1644-1912)  estimated at about 300 years old and still remains well preserved and lived in by a hand full of residents. Cooking and eating facilities are at ground level and all bedrooms and storage are spread over the upper floors.
    chihakarou_038_1.jpg
  • The Chuxi - Hakka- earth dwellings, Chuxi village, Fujian Province.  Interior circular courtyard and living spaces with central water well, shared by residents and chickens and dogs alike. These are some of the most extraordinary multistory structures in China built exclusively out of earth and timber (they are known as tulou). From the outside they look and protect like fortresses, built principally by the ethnic minority group known as the Hakka. They where built principally in the 17th till the early 20th centuries. In all about 1000 remain standing today mostly centered around the mountainous regions of the provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi and Guandong. They where constructed in various shapes from circular, square, oblong,even rhomboid. The Chuxi earth dwellings where built sometime in the Qing Dynasty ( 1644-1912) and still remains well preserved and lived in by a hand full of residents. The single - story inner ring and three -story outer ring are divided into 15 apartments that surround a courtyard  with a water well. Cooking and eating facilities are at ground level and all bedrooms and storage are spread over the upper floors.
    chihakarou_042_1.jpg
  • Shengwu Lou round earth dwelling in the village of Jiaolu, Fujian Province.  Interior circular courtyard and living spaces with central water well, shared by residents and chickens and hens alike. ar These are some of the most extraordinary multistory structures in China built exclusively out of earth and timber (they are known as tulou). From the outside they look and protect like fortresses, built principally by the ethnic minority group known as the Hakka. They where built principally in the 17th till the early 20th centuries. In all about 1000 remain standing today mostly centered around the mountainous regions of the provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi and Guandong. They where constructed in various shapes from circular, square, oblong,even rhomboid. Shengwu Lou, was built sometime in the Qing Dynasty ( 1644-1912) and still remains well preserved and lived in by a hand full of residents. The single - story inner ring and three -story outer ring are divided into 15 apartments that surround a courtyard  with a water well. Cooking and eating facilities are at ground level and all bedrooms and storage are spread over the upper floors.
    chihakarou_008_1.jpg
  • Shengwu Lou round earth dwelling in the village of Jiaolu, Fujian Province.  Interior circular courtyard and living spaces with central water well, shared by residents and chickens and hens alike. These are some of the most extraordinary multistory structures in China built exclusively out of earth and timber (they are known as tulou). From the outside they look and protect like fortresses, built principally by the ethnic minority group known as the Hakka. They where built principally in the 17th till the early 20th centuries. In all about 1000 remain standing today mostly centered around the mountainous regions of the provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi and Guandong. They where constructed in various shapes from circular, square, oblong,even rhomboid. Shengwu Lou, was built sometime in the Qing Dynasty ( 1644-1912) and still remains well preserved and lived in by a hand full of residents. The single - story inner ring and three -story outer ring are divided into 15 apartments that surround a courtyard  with a water well. Cokking and eating facilities are at ground level and all bedrooms and storage are spread over the upper floors.
    chihakarou_034_1.jpg
  • A detail of King Johns tomb 1167-1216, showing the Royal Arms of England the arms of the Plantagenet dynasty with three lions, in Worcester Cathedral, on 23rd June 2019, in Worcester, England. King John was the fourth and youngest son of Henry II. The Royal Arms of England are the arms first adopted in a fixed form at the start of the age of heraldry circa 1200 as personal arms by the Plantagenet kings who ruled England from 1154. In the popular mind they have come to symbolise the nation of England.
    herefordshire-31-23-06-2019.jpg
  • Mostly elderly musicians in a Naxi Orchestra, a Naxi minority group playing at the Naxi Music Academy (Naxi Guyue Hui) in Old Town Lijiang, Yunnan province. The beautiful repetitive music they produce has been lost elsewhere in China and is threatened even here in Lijiang due to it’s ageing players. The instruments played did not survive the Cultural Revolution in most parts of China, but several members of the Naxi group hid theirs by burying them, to revive them in 1978 after the revolution. Music from the Han, Tang, Song and Yuan Dynasties is played.
    2005-07-05 Lijiang 037_1.jpg
  • Mostly elderly musicians in a Naxi Orchestra, a Naxi minority group playing at the Naxi Music Academy (Naxi Guyue Hui) in Old Town Lijiang, Yunnan province. The beautiful repetitive music they produce has been lost elsewhere in China and is threatened even here in Lijiang due to it’s ageing players. The instruments played did not survive the Cultural Revolution in most parts of China, but several members of the Naxi group hid theirs by burying them, to revive them in 1978 after the revolution. Music from the Han, Tang, Song and Yuan Dynasties is played.
    2005-07-05 Lijiang 032_alamy_1.jpg
  • Elderly and young musicians in a Naxi Orchestra, a Naxi minority group playing at the Naxi Music Academy, Naxi Guyue Hui, in Old Town Lijiang, Yunnan province, China. The beautiful repetitive music they produce has been lost elsewhere in China and is threatened even here in Lijiang due to it’s ageing players. The instruments played did not survive the Cultural Revolution in most parts of China, but several members of the Naxi group hid theirs by burying them, to revive them in 1978 after the revolution. Music from the Han, Tang, Song and Yuan Dynasties is played.
    2005-07-05 Lijiang 033.jpg
  • Elderly and young musicians in a Naxi Orchestra, a Naxi minority group playing at the Naxi Music Academy, Naxi Guyue Hui, in Old Town Lijiang, Yunnan province, China. The beautiful repetitive music they produce has been lost elsewhere in China and is threatened even here in Lijiang due to it’s ageing players. The instruments played did not survive the Cultural Revolution in most parts of China, but several members of the Naxi group hid theirs by burying them, to revive them in 1978 after the revolution. Music from the Han, Tang, Song and Yuan Dynasties is played.
    2005-07-05 Lijiang 032_alamy.jpg
  • Mostly elderly musicians in a Naxi Orchestra, a Naxi minority group playing at the Naxi Music Academy (Naxi Guyue Hui) in Old Town Lijiang, Yunnan province. The beautiful repetitive music they produce has been lost elsewhere in China and is threatened even here in Lijiang due to it’s ageing players. The instruments played did not survive the Cultural Revolution in most parts of China, but several members of the Naxi group hid theirs by burying them, to revive them in 1978 after the revolution. Music from the Han, Tang, Song and Yuan Dynasties is played.
    2005-07-05 Lijiang 024_1.jpg
  • Elderly and young musicians in a Naxi Orchestra, a Naxi minority group playing at the Naxi Music Academy, Naxi Guyue Hui, in Old Town Lijiang, Yunnan province, China. The beautiful repetitive music they produce has been lost elsewhere in China and is threatened even here in Lijiang due to it’s ageing players. The instruments played did not survive the Cultural Revolution in most parts of China, but several members of the Naxi group hid theirs by burying them, to revive them in 1978 after the revolution. Music from the Han, Tang, Song and Yuan Dynasties is played.
    2005-07-05 Lijiang 031_alamy.jpg
  • Weathered door and door pull from Shengwu Round dwelling in the village of Jialou, Fujian province, China
    chihakarou_002_1.jpg
  • Pawon Temple is a Buddhist temple at Borobudur on the 25th October 2019 in Java in Indonesia.
    Java_2019-1047935.jpg
  • The tomb and memorial to Dame Mary Eure in the church of  St. Laurences Ludlow, on 11th September 2018, in Ludlow, Shropshire, England UK. The inscription reads: Here lyeth expecting a joyful resurrection the body of Dame Mary Eure, late wife to the Rt Hon. Raiphe Lord Eure, Baron of Malton, Lord President of the principality and Marches of Wales, and Lieutenant of the same. Daughter of S John Dawney of Sessey, in the county of York, Knight, she departed this mortal life 19th March 1612. Aetatis svae 55.
    ludlow_church-01-11-09-2018.jpg
  • King Henry VIII (8th) on a construction hoarding alongside a red standing pedestrian light in central London. Henry is seen in his most famous guise, as an obese middle-aged Tudor monarch, striking his famous pose symbolising power and wealth. He adorns the outer face of the hoarding at 55 St James's in London, a street in Westminster known more for 18th century opulence and style, rather than Tudor culture. His appearance is juxtaposed to a red pedestrian light that mimics the royal pose.
    history_hoarding02-10-12-2014_1.jpg
  • Two queens and one princess, members of the British royal family are depicted on a postcard rack in central London.  On the left is Queen Elizabeth (known as the Queen Mother (born Bowes-Lyon) who died at the age of 101 in 2002. Her daughter is the present Queen Elizabeth the second and to her right is Princess Diana, the Princess of Wales who died tragically in Paris in 1997. The three are seen on sale outside a tourist shop in Whitehall in the borough of Westminster where revenue-earning foreign holidaymakers frequent to see major landmark sites such as Parliament and Buckingham Palace. While the Queen wears a formal crown, the Princess is with a tiara and all three are on sale for 30 pence (£0.3)
    royal_family-06-09-1997.jpg
  • Stained glass and arches in the Gothic mausoleum for the Albertin Deron family in the Pere Lachaise cemetery, Paris. Looking through the open arch with carvings and architectural features, we see inside to reveal flower pots and the stained glass of Saints Francois and Clothilde whose window has been broken to show other graves outside. Père Lachaise Cemetery (French: Cimetière du Père-Lachaise- or officially cimetière de l'Est, "East Cemetery") is the largest cemetery in the city of Paris, France (44 hectares (110 acres) containing the remains of a million French and foreign dead.
    pere_lachaise04-19-08-2012.jpg
  • A modern Italian woman walks past Agnolo de Cosimo Bronzino's painting of the Medici Eleanora of Toledo and son Giovanni C1545. The poster advertises the art exhibition by the celebrated painter Agnolo de Cosimo Bronzino. Agnolo de Cosimo Bronzino's painting of the Medici Eleanora of Toledo and son Giovanni C1545. Eleonora di Toledo (1522 – 1562), the daughter of Don Pedro Álvarez de Toledo, the Spanish viceroy of Naples. Eleonora was a patron of the new Jesuit order, and her private chapel in the Palazzo Vecchio  was decorated by Bronzino, who had originally arrived in Florence to provide festive decor for her wedding. She died, with her sons Giovanni and Garzia, in 1562, when she was only forty; all three of them were struck down by malaria while traveling to Pisa.
    florence_italy09-22-10-2010_1.jpg
  • A young Italian woman sits on a ledge outside the Piazza Strozzi in central Renaissance city of Florence. Above her are giant posters advertising the art exhibition by the celebrated painter Agnolo de Cosimo Bronzino. Agnolo de Cosimo Bronzino's painting of the Medici Eleanora of Toledo and son Giovanni C1545. Eleonora di Toledo (1522 – 1562), the daughter of Don Pedro Álvarez de Toledo, the Spanish viceroy of Naples. Eleonora was a patron of the new Jesuit order, and her private chapel in the Palazzo Vecchio  was decorated by Bronzino, who had originally arrived in Florence to provide festive decor for her wedding. She died, with her sons Giovanni and Garzia, in 1562, when she was only forty; all three of them were struck down by malaria while travelling to Pisa.
    florence_italy02-21-10-2010_1.jpg
  • Queen Mary II on a construction hoarding alongside a construction barrier in central London. She adorns the hoarding at 55 St James's in London, a street in Westminster known more for 18th century opulence and style although Mary was born at St. James's Palace, the eldest daughter of James, Duke of York (the future James II & VII), and his first wife, Anne Hyde. Mary II (1662 –1694) was joint Sovereign of England, Scotland, and Ireland with her husband (who was also her first cousin), William III and II, from 1689 until her death.
    history_hoarding04-10-12-2014_1.jpg
  • Looking downwards from a high vantage point on a hillside, we see one mountain-biker leading a second cyclist as they traverse across a sunlit mountainside near the hamlet of Masecha in the parish of Triesenberg, Liechtenstein. The late afternoon sun is low across the valley and there is a haze that partly obscures and refracts light over the distant landscape. There is snow on the distant mountain peaks but the countryside has the brown look of a snowless winter. Far off villages and hamlets hug the hillsides and golden light floods the scene. The tiny landlocked Principality of Liechtenstein is bordered by the Alpine countries of Austria and Switzerland and is a winter sports resort, though best known as a tax haven, attracting companies worldwide to register their assets in secrecy.
    RB-0017.jpg
  • Tomb for the Isabelle family in the Pere Lachaise cemetery, Paris. Père Lachaise Cemetery (French: Cimetière du Père-Lachaise- or officially cimetière de l'Est, "East Cemetery") is the largest cemetery in the city of Paris, France (44 hectares (110 acres) containing the remains of a million French and foreign dead.
    pere_lachaise21-19-08-2012.jpg
  • A modern Italian family and Agnolo de Cosimo Bronzino's painting of the Medici Eleanora of Toledo and son Giovanni C1545. The poster advertises the art exhibition by the celebrated painter Agnolo de Cosimo Bronzino. Agnolo de Cosimo Bronzino's painting of the Medici Eleanora of Toledo and son Giovanni C1545. Eleonora di Toledo (1522 – 1562), the daughter of Don Pedro Álvarez de Toledo, the Spanish viceroy of Naples. Eleonora was a patron of the new Jesuit order, and her private chapel in the Palazzo Vecchio  was decorated by Bronzino, who had originally arrived in Florence to provide festive decor for her wedding. She died, with her sons Giovanni and Garzia, in 1562, when she was only forty; all three of them were struck down by malaria while travelling to Pisa.
    florence_italy162-24-10-2010_1.jpg
  • A tourists takes a photo in front of defaced renaissance paintings in Florence's Piazza degli Uffizi. behind her is the reproduction of a renaissance painting that now adorns a construction hoarding screen. Someone has drawn a moustache and cannabis joint in the mouth of a religious character.
    florence_italy131-23-10-2010_1.jpg
  • A reproduction of the painting called 'Portrait of Francesco I de' Medici ' which was painted by Agnolo de Cosimo Bronzino in 1551, now adorns a construction hoarding screen, with plastic blue piping in a Florence side street, the original hanging in the Uffizi. Born in Florence, he was the son of Cosimo I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany and Eleonora di Toledo, and served as regent for his father starting in 1564. He went on to marry his Venetian mistress, Bianca Cappello, after aptly disposing of her husband, a Florentine bureaucrat. Francesco and Bianca died on the same day. Although the original death certificates mention malaria, it has been widely speculated that the couple was poisoned
    florence_italy28-22-10-2010_1.jpg
  • On the tarmac of RAF Northolt, a military and VIP airfield in north London, the recently-deceased body of Diana Princess of Wales is borne on the six shoulders of an RAF pallbearer guard, her coffin carried away from the Royal Air Force (BAe) 146 jet belonging to the Queen's flight used by members of the Royal family to travel to location around the country. Draped in the Royal Standard which is the flag used by Queen Elizabeth II in her capacity as Sovereign of the United Kingdom. The servicemen are in full ceremonial uniforms and wear immaculate white gloves to handle this very solemn occasion in British history. Their duty as servants to the crown being respectful and professional.
    diana_coffin-31-08-1997_1.jpg
  • Sisters Esther and Bella Freud are seen together. Both are daughters of the artist Lucian Freud and the great granddaughter of Sigmund Freud. Novelist Esther Freud (left) trained as an actress, appearing in and writing TV and theatre productions and named one of the 20 'Best of Young British Novelists 2' by Granta magazine in 1993. Her debut novel, Hideous Kinky (1992) was followed by Peerless Flats (1993), Esther lives in London and Southwold, Suffolk. Her most recent novel is Love Falls (2007). Bella Freud (right) is known for her womens' fashion label, though she is currently focussing on knitwear, producing beautiful collections of sweaters in limited numbers each season. For Autumn/ Winter 2005 Bella’s knitwear range has expanded to include menswear for the first time ever with a capsule collection of four sweater designs for men.
    bella_esther_freud01-03-09-2007_1.jpg
  • Crowds have gathered overnight before the funeral of Diana Princess of Wales – the Peoples' Princess - after her tragic car crash death in Paris. It is early morning in the Mall and families wait patiently and reverently behind police barriers lining the route where her body followed by the royal family will pass in a few hours. Tens of thousands have claimed their places for good vantage points while dressing the railings with flags and pictures and candles spelling her name along with flowers that will be thrown across the road as her cavalcade drives slowly past. Their monarchist sympathies ensure that the nation is mourning this popular lady while angry with the Queen’s apparent inability to show sympathy herself.
    diana_mourners-06-09-1997_1.jpg
  • Scaled history from the 'Splendid China' model village and modern architecture in the Shenzhen metropolis, China. With a foreground of China's history represented by a classical dynasty constructed in wood and the looming presence of the modern concrete city - the materials separated by thousands of years. We see some of the 50,000 ceramic figures and scenes from a period in Chinese history and further away, a modern corporate building in the metropolis contrasting with ancient, traditional architecture. Splendid China is an attraction at the Overseas Chinese Town, Shenzhen that has scaled down replicas of China's historical buildings, wonderful scenes and folk customs. The scale models are of a 1:15 with 100 miniaturized landmarks such as The Terracotta Warriors; Great Wall; Forbidden City; Old Summer Palace etc. all laid out according to their geographic locations.
    china_shenzen-21-04-1995_1.jpg
  • Steep stone carving pathway to the Hall of Preserving Harmony made from one single piece of marble at the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_P_1.jpg
  • Imperial Emporer's throne in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city throne beijin...jpg
  • Imperial Emporer's throne in the Hall of Complete Harmony. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city throne beijin...jpg
  • Artist making traditional Chinese paintings, but using various parts of his hand instead of a paintbrush in a studio inside the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_Y_1.jpg
  • Room where women were allowed in the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. This was where the emporer's wives and concubines would spend their time. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_W_1.jpg
  • Artist making traditional Chinese paintings, but using various parts of his hand instead of a paintbrush in a studio inside the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_CD_1.jpg
  • Detail of an ornate painted roof in The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_BZ_1.jpg
  • Hundreds of Chinese tourists walk towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_BW_1.jpg
  • Tourists outside The Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_BD_1.jpg
  • Protester outside the Forbidden City. Slogan says 'Forbidden City - To find the truth' another line is not recognisable.The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_AT_1.jpg
  • Chinese tourists inside The Forbidden City walk along one of the massive outer walls, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_AO_1.jpg
  • Chinese tourists push and shove each other to get a view of one of the imperial thrones inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_AD_1.jpg
  • Chinese domestic tourists outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_AA_1.jpg
  • Chinese domestic tourist takes a picture outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120528tiananmen beijing_Q.jpg
  • People's Liberation Army - PLA soldiers on guard outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120528tiananmen beijing_K.jpg
  • Chinese domestic tourists outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120528tiananmen beijing_B.jpg
  • Imperial Emporer's throne in the Hall of Union and Peace. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city throne beijin...jpg
  • Imperial Emporer's throne in the Palace of Heavenly Purity. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city throne beijin...jpg
  • Imperial Emporer's throne in the Palace of Heavenly Purity. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city throne beijin...jpg
  • Ornate wooden rooves at the Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_T_1.jpg
  • Chinese tourists inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_D_1.jpg
  • Artist making traditional Chinese paintings, but using various parts of his hand instead of a paintbrush in a studio inside the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_CE_1.jpg
  • Chinese tourists push and shove each other to get a view of one of the imperial thrones inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_CB_1.jpg
  • Hundreds of Chinese tourists walk towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_BX_1.jpg
  • Chinese tourists inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_BQ_1.jpg
  • Security outside under ther portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square at the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_BN_1.jpg
  • Chinese domestic tourists outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_BE_1.jpg
  • Chinese domestic tourists outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_BB_1.jpg
  • Chinese tourists in the Imperial Flower Garden - Yuhuayuan inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_AK_1.jpg
  • Cars pass outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120528tiananmen beijing_R.jpg
  • People's Liberation Army - PLA soldiers on guard outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120528tiananmen beijing_P.jpg
  • People's Liberation Army - PLA soldiers on guard outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120528tiananmen beijing_O.jpg
  • Chinese domestic tourists outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120528tiananmen beijing_M.jpg
  • People's Liberation Army - PLA soldiers on guard outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120528tiananmen beijing_J.jpg
  • Chinese domestic tourists have their picture taken outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120528tiananmen beijing_I.jpg
  • Chinese domestic tourists have their picture taken outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120528tiananmen beijing_G.jpg
  • Cars pass outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120528tiananmen beijing_D.jpg
  • People's Liberation Army - PLA soldiers on guard outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120528tiananmen beijing_C.jpg
  • Chinese tourists inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_AB_1.jpg
  • Chinese domestic tourist takes a picture outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120528tiananmen beijing_Q_1.jpg
  • Chinese domestic tourists have their picture taken outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120528tiananmen beijing_F.jpg
  • Imperial Emporer's throne in the Hall of Preserving Harmony. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city throne beijin...jpg
  • Room where women were allowed in the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. This was where the emporer's wives and concubines would spend their time. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_X_1.jpg
  • Room where women were allowed in the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. This was where the emporer's wives and concubines would spend their time. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_V_1.jpg
  • The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_M_1.jpg
  • Chinese tourists push and shove each other to get a view of one of the imperial thrones inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_K_1.jpg
  • Crane sculpture at the Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_H_1.jpg
  • Large bronze lion at The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_F_1.jpg
  • Chinese tourists inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_E_1.jpg
  • Artist making traditional Chinese paintings, but using various parts of his hand instead of a paintbrush in a studio inside the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_CF_1.jpg
  • Artist making traditional Chinese paintings, but using various parts of his hand instead of a paintbrush in a studio inside the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_CC_1.jpg
  • Chinese children wearing souvenir imperial head dresses inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_C_1.jpg
  • Hundreds of Chinese tourists walk towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_BV_1.jpg
  • Hundreds of Chinese tourists walk towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_BT_1.jpg
  • Chinese tourists listen to their tour guide inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_BS_1.jpg
  • Security outside under ther portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square at the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_BL_1.jpg
  • Security outside under ther portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square at the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_BH_1.jpg
  • Chinese domestic tourists outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_BF_1.jpg
  • Fruit seller outside The Forbidden City. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_BC_1.jpg
  • Chinese tourists touch the large brass studs on one of the doors inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_B_1.jpg
  • Protester outside the Forbidden City. Slogan says 'Forbidden City - To find the truth' another line is not recognisable.The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_AV_1.jpg
  • Chinese tourists inside The Forbidden City sit down along one of the massive outer walls, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_AP_1.jpg
  • Chinese tourists in the Imperial Flower Garden - Yuhuayuan inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_AM_1.jpg
  • Chinese tourists inside The Forbidden City, a Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_AG_1.jpg
  • Ornate wooden rooves at the Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_AF_1.jpg
  • Tourists walking underneath the Front Gate to Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China. The Tiananmen Gate was built in 1415 during the Ming Dynasty. Towards the demise of the Ming Dynasty, heavy fighting between Li Zicheng and the early Qing emperors damaged (or perhaps destroyed) the gate. The Tian'anmen square was designed and built in 1651, and has since enlarged four times its original size in the 1950s.
    20120531tiananmen area beijing_N_1.jpg
  • Outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120528tiananmen beijing_L.jpg
  • Chinese domestic tourists outside the Heavenly Gate of Peace, the entrance to the Forbidden City underneath the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_BK.jpg
  • Steep stone carving pathway to the Hall of Preserving Harmony made from one single piece of marble at the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
    20120601forbidden city beijing_Q_1.jpg
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