Educational Resources & External Links

For students and researchers looking to dive deeper into Chinese Imperial history, we recommend the following verified educational resources.

The Official Website

The Palace Museum (Official Site) The official digital home of the Forbidden City in Beijing. This site offers high-resolution galleries of imperial treasures and official news on museum exhibitions.

Recommended Learning Sites

Wikipedia: The Forbidden City A comprehensive overview of the palace's history, construction, and cultural impact, featuring detailed citations and architectural data.
UNESCO World Heritage Centre Official documentation on why the Forbidden City is protected as a site of "Outstanding Universal Value." Excellent for geography and conservation studies.
Khan Academy: Forbidden City Art History A deep dive into the art, symbolism, and architecture of the palace, specifically designed for high school and college-level students.
Encyclopedia Britannica A reliable, fact-checked summary of the Ming and Qing dynasties' use of the palace complex.
National Geographic Education Excellent visual resources and maps explaining the Forbidden City’s place within the history of Beijing.
The MET: Ming Dynasty Timeline The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s timeline of the Ming Dynasty, providing context on the era when the palace was built.
Smithsonian: China Collections Explore imperial artifacts and historical photographs held within the Smithsonian Institution’s Asian art collections.
Google Arts & Culture: The Palace Museum A stunning virtual tour of the Forbidden City, allowing students to walk through the courtyards via 360-degree Street View.
The Palace Museum YouTube Channel Official video tours and documentaries showing the restoration work and daily life within the museum grounds.
BBC: In Our Time - The Ming Dynasty An expert radio discussion and podcast exploring the rise of the Ming Dynasty and the building of the Great Wall and Forbidden City.