The Forbidden City is a rectangular area covering more than 720.000 square meters.
Inside is the Imperial Palace, which was home of the emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties. 24 emperors resided here.
In 1421, the year after the construction ended, emperor Yangle officially moved the capital to Beijing from Nanjing.
For grand ceremonies civil and military officials were lined up according to rank in the vast courtyard in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony (See picture). Bronze markers, ranging from first to the ninth rank designated their position.

The courtyard beyond covers a space of 10,000 square meters. There are no trees on the square since in ancient China emperors considered themselves Son of Heaven, born to reign over the country, so they should occupy the highest position. Nothing was allowed to overwhelm the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the highest building in the Forbidden City and trees were no exception.