Beginning in the Ming dynasty, the Forbidden City was an elaborate and intimidating palace that housed China’s ancient emperors. It’s thought to be the pinnacle of Chinese art and architecture from that time period, and today it’s one of the most frequented by tourists. While the tours of the grounds are elaborate, there’s one area that no one has seen since 1924 — until now, that is. The Qianlong Garden has been sealed since the last emperor was removed in 1924. Now, after a massive restoration by the Palace Museum and the World Monuments Fund, the secret garden is set to open once again. See some of the incredible images of this forgotten space below.
