In 1420, Beijing became the Ming capital after the massive Forbidden City was completed
After nearly two decades of construction involving one million workers, the completion of the Forbidden City in 1420 transformed Beijing into the enduring heart of Chinese imperial power.
The Ming dynasty officially moved its capital from Nanjing to Beijing in 1420 following the completion of the Forbidden City. The Third Ming Emperor, Zhu Di, envisioned a massive palace complex that would showcase the celestial authority of the 'Son of Heaven.' This ambitious project required the labor of over 100,000 artisans and one million workers who utilized precious 'phoebe zhennan' wood and golden bricks.
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