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The Construction of the palace complex started in the 4th year of the reign of Emperor Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1406) and ended in the 18th year of the reign of Emperor Yongle (1420) The Forbidden City washome to the twenty four emperors who ruled China for 491 years It is the largest and best preserved group of ancient perial buildings in China.

The Forbidden City is divided into two parts: the Outer Court and theInner Court.The Outer Court centers on the Hall of Supreme Harmony,the Hall of Central Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, whichare called "the Three Front Halls" It was here that the emperor used tohold court and preside over grand ceremonies.