The Forbidden City, completed in 1420, was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), home to 24 emperors over nearly five centuries. It stands today as one of the largest and best-preserved ancient wooden architectural complexes in the world. In 1925, the palace was officially transformed into a public institution – the Palace Museum – where you can wander through the grand halls and tranquil gardens in all seasons, and explore galleries featuring a wide range of exhibitions. In 1987, the Forbidden City was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Forbidden City holds a special place in the hearts of Chinese people. As one of the most visited destinations in the country, it houses more than 1.9 million pieces/sets of artifacts and artworks that embody the essence of Chinese civilization across millennia.