Smithsonian Channel: Original Programming in HD and On Demand: Forbidden City: China

FORBIDDEN CITY: CHINA

	In the heart of Beijing lies the largest palace in the world, the Forbidden City. For 500 years, it served as the home of the almighty Emperors of China along with their wives, concubines, and entourages of tens of thousands of eunuchs and civil servants.


VIDEOS: THE CENTER OF THE WORLD

FORBIDDEN CITY: THE CREATION
An Emperor�s vision leads to the creation of the Forbidden City.

9,999 ROOMS
Learn why the number nine plays an important role in the design of the Forbidden City.

STILL SO MANY SECRETS
The Lawless city of Tachilek - a smuggler's paradise in Asia's golden triangle.


VIDEOS: THE REIGN OF THE CONCUBINE

THE REIGN OF THE CONCUBINE
Cixi, known first as Yehenara, began as a simple concubine but ultimately came to rule the Middle Kingdom.

CHOOSING A BRIDE
It is not the Emperor, but his mother, who chooses his bride; she also ranks his many concubines.

AN HEIR TO THE THRONE
When Yehenara gave birth to a son, she became the second most powerful woman in the Forbidden City.