The Imperial Palace boasts a rectangular architectural design, measuring 961 meters in length from its southern to northern points and 753 meters in width. Surrounding the Palace is a 10-meter high city wall, with a 52-meter wide moat situated outside of it. As a prime example of ancient architectural hierarchy, construction techniques, and architectural art, the Palace has had a profound influence on the official buildings of the subsequent Qing dynasty for a period of 300 years. The religious buildings, particularly the series of royal Buddhist chambers within the Palace, are a testament to the integration and exchange of architectural features from various ethnic cultures since the 14th century.
