The Forbidden City sits exactly in the center of the ancient city of Beijing. It took 14 years to complete the city's construction. For 500 years, it served as home for 24 Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. A 26-foot high wall and a 20-foot deep moat surround it. Today, the Forbidden City, now officially known as the Palace Museum, holds the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden sculptures in the world. Until 1949, the city was officially off-limits to the public. (GETTY IMAGES)