The Great Wall of China

Gate to the Temple of Heaven

Constructed in 1406, The Temple of Heaven is a complex of Taoist buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for a good harvest. It is regarded as a Taoist temple, although Chinese Heaven worship, especially by the reigning monarch of the day, pre-dates Taoism.

The Tienanmen Gate to the Forbidden City

Portrait of Chairman Mao

The Forbidden City was built in 1406 and 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 five hundred years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government.

Imperial Power -- The Forbidden City - Beijing, China

Forbidden City

Window Detail