This chronicle of the Forbidden City, a rich blend of history,anecdotal narrative, biographical portraits and illustrations,carries readers through 500 years of imperial China.

本书以图文形式展示了自1420年至1912年500年间故宫辉煌瑰丽的建筑、馆藏文物，并用生动细腻的语言讲述了宫墙内真实鲜活的人物命运、历史事件和宫廷生活。

ACKNOWLEDEGMENTS

MAP OF THE FORBIDDEN CITY

FOREWORD

INTRODUCTION

OUTER COURT

EMPEROR YONGLE'S DREAM OF RED MANSIONS

SON OF HEAVEN

Dragons and Cranes: Symbols of Office

MANDATE OF HEAVEN

Controlling Time: Imperial Calendars

BARBARIANS AT THE FORBIDDEN CITY

The Qing Conquest

INNER COURT

THE DAILY ROUND

THE GILDED CAGE

Pigeon Whistles

EUNUCHS AND MAIDSERVANTS

A Palace Maid Remembers

THE NEXT GENERATION

Imperial Tours

THE SUN AT NOON

THE ABUNDANCE OF QIANLONG

Imperial Pleasances

EAST MEETS WEST

WALLS OF THE MIND

The Boxer Rebellion

THE LAST ENTHRONEMENT

FROM PALACE TO MUSEUM

PRIVATE AND PUBLIC TREASURES

A Museum Miscellany

CHRONOLOGY Of MING AND QING DYNASTIES

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY

INDEX