The period of the Ming dynasty in China is often compared to the Belle Époque in Europe and especially in France. This time is considered the «Golden Age» in the culture of the Celestial Empire when all fields of art and science, from architecture and landscape design to theater and decorative arts, made the most powerful evolutionary breakthrough.

The reign of the last imperial dynasty of China began in 1368. At the same time, the most luxurious palace in the former capital of the empire was built on the territory of the modern city of Nanjing. A year earlier the first emperor and founder of the dynasty laid its foundation stone and named it «King Wu». Only after the construction was completed, he declare his dynasty – Ming and himself – the great Chinese Emperor Hongwu. Throughout the life of Hongwu, the palace was constantly expanded and rebuilt. This continued until his death in 1398 when his grandson became the heir, and bloody wars for the throne of the emperor began.

In 1402, the son of the first emperor managed to defeat his nephew and ascend to the throne. Then a huge fire broke out in the beautiful palace. It killed all those who, in one way or another, helped him in this are not many historical monuments that have survived to this day. The third emperor of the dynasty called himself Yongle and dreamed of returning the capital to Beijing. So he began to build his new palace there under the name – «Forbidden City». Soon the palace in Nanjing lost its significance as the main residence of the emperor, and the capital of the empire was officially moved to Beijing. During the three centuries of the Ming dynasty, the palace remained the second residence of the state. However, numerous fires caused irreparable damage to it. Therefore, by the reign of the last emperor of the dynasty, Prince Fu, only a small part of it remained untouched, preserving its former greatness which can be still seen today.