故宫

China has no more iconic location than the 故宫 (Forbidden City). For nearly six hundred years this city within a city was home to the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. With 999 rooms, a number of secret passages, and a spectacular royal garden. After the fall of the imperial government in 1912, the 故宫 became a lavish prison that held the powerless last emperor, and following the fall of China's republican government in 1949,  Chairman Mao stood on the balcony of the 故宫 and proclaimed the establishment of Communist China.
Today the palace is known as the 故宫博物馆 (palace museum), and it is beautifully up kept. I made the short trip there from the subway station near school last Tuesday and it was spectacular. Have a look.