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China's Forbidden City

In the heart of Beijing lies the largest palace in the world, The Forbidden City. For five hundred years, it served as the home of the almighty Emperors of China along with their wives, concubines, and entourages of tens of thousands of eunuchs and civil servants. But the Forbidden City is more than an imperial residence; it is the center of the universe, a unique complex of structures revealing a hierarchy of power both imperial and divine.

Created By
StatusEnded
Original NameChina's Forbidden City
First Air DateOctober 21, 2011
Last Air DateOctober 21, 2011
Seasons1
Episodes1
Episode Runtime 0min
Language
Original LanguageEnglish
Production Countries
Production Companies
NetworksSmithsonian Channel
S01E01

The Centre of the World

Part 1 of a two-part examination of the Forbidden City in Beijing, the ancient Chinese imperial palace. Included: its construction during the Ming Dynasty; its flaws; a fire that foreshadowed the fate of the city and the Ming Dynasty.

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