# The Forbidden City

An episode of [Dan Snow's History Hit](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1042631089), 26 Feb 2026, 1 h 15 min.

Audio: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/acast/s/dansnowshistoryhit/e/699dc6d1123f974082e0dd8d/media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=sCv0vpXrqx210kjCRKxpmGNrWTh2yVh6xIAq0ou9V8o

At the heart of Beijing sits the Forbidden City, one of the greatest architectural achievements in human history. It's the largest palace complex on Earth. Constructed in the early 15th century as the hidden heart of imperial power, it was a city within a city — sealed off from the world, governed by rigid ritual, political intrigue, and absolute authority. How did a daring coup bring this colossal complex into existence? What was daily life really like behind its towering walls? And, how did it endure revolution, the rise and fall of dynasties, and catastrophe to become a symbol of China itself? Dan travels to the heart of Beijing to reveal its extraordinary story. You can learn more in Dan's History Hit TV documentary 'Beijing Central Axis: China's Medieval Wonder'. Sign up to watch at: https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore You can email the podcast at ds.hh@historyhit.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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