Palace buildings were meant exclusive for emperors and their families. No wonder these are the most imposing and the best in construction quality. An ancient Chinese palace complex consists of individual buildings in neat groups that are placed according to a certain order. The main buildings always sit astride the north-south axils of the palace complex, and to the left and right of the main buildings lie less important buildings. The main hall, where the emperor handled state affairs, always occupies the frontal section of the palace complex, and the imperial family's living quarters and the imperial gardens are in the rare section. Surrounded by walls, the palace complex is, in fact, a "city " in itself --- the "imperial city" within the country's capital city.