Shanghai7 across China 2008

Arrival in Beijing's new airport, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City

Bus 5!

This is the main inner courtyard where the Emperor was presented to the nobles.  The hall under restoration was where the Emperor stood.  My understanding is that the majority of the building took place in the early 1400's in a large building push.  More is available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbidden_city