The complex, which takes up close to two acres of the northeast quadrant of the Forbidden City, has four courtyards, 27 different pavilions and structures, and eye-catching rock gardens.

Cixi entered the Forbidden City as a concubine in 1851, at age 16, and delivered Emperor Xianfeng his only male heir five years later, Seagrave writes.

Treasures from the Forbidden City 1 minute read By TIME September 29, 2010 12:00 AM EDT ...