For 500 years, the name "Forbidden City" was closely related to the fate of China. It was the imperial palace of China's last two dynasties. But after the collapse of the Qing Dynasty, the "Forbidden City" became the "Palace Museum" in 1925. Now, China Central Television and the Palace Museum are teaming up to shoot a massive documentary that will air in 2005.

The documentary of "The Palace Museum" will feature 100 episodes. Shooting of the first began on October 27. The enormous project is a joint venture by state broadcaster CCTV and the Palace Museum.

Built between in 1406 and 1420, the imperial palace saw the triumphs and failures, happiness and sorrow, and social and political change of five centuries of dynastic rule in China. The documentary will highlight the history of the palace, its complex and exquisite architecture, and the numerous treasures inside. It will also tell the stories of imperial figures, historical events and court life, including episodes previously unknown to the public.

The Palace Museum will do the research for the documentary. Myths about the palace and its inhabitants will be sifted from facts to give a better understanding of China's history during this period. The documentary will also look at the massive facelift given the Palace Museum late last year.

The core of the documentary will be 12 key episodes out of 100 planned. The documentary is expected to go to air in 2005, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the "Palace Museum."

(CCTV.com October 29, 2003)