100 episodes × 6 minutes. The Forbidden City told one corner at a time.
The Forbidden City 100 is CCTV's 100-episode micro-doc series on Beijing's 600-year-old palace complex. Each episode focuses on a single corner, gate, or ritual object. We picked 2 starting points to help you make sense of your visit.
The Meridian Gate (Wu Men), south entrance of the Forbidden City. Built 1420. Five arches: only the emperor used the center one. You enter today from the central arch — yes, even you, foreign tourist. Book 7 days ahead on the official WeChat mini-program; ¥60 (Apr–Oct) / ¥40 (Nov–Mar).
Hall of Supreme Harmony — the throne room of Ming and Qing emperors, 35 m tall. The 'chiwen' roof ornaments (3.4 m dragons) are designed to spit fire and prevent wooden-beam fires: the original sprinkler system. Located at the center of the Forbidden City's north-south axis.