Built under the reign of Chengzu, it was designed to project the might and majesty of the Chinese emperor.

BBC: The perfect trip: China

Remember the Chinese fable of the mighty emperor who agreed to give a wily supplicant one grain of rice for the first square on a chess board, double that for the second square, double again for the third and so on, before he realised that he would be giving away his whole kingdom's supply before the board was half-finished.

ECONOMIST: Eventually, bigger means different

The extremely rare 18th Century ornament, made for a Chinese emperor, was brought to Britain by the seller's family more than a century ago.

BBC: The Chinese vase

He is Huang Di, the Yellow Emperor viewed by many Chinese as the founder of the country 6, 000 years ago.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia | Asia Buzz: Travel in Time

He says his decision to begin stepping down now is inspired by Chinese history, specifically the Qianlong Emperor, who ruled from 1736 until 1796, when he was 84 years old.

WSJ: The Forbidden City of Terry Gou

According to Chinese traditions, when a new emperor comes to the throne, he will give an amnesty.

BBC: China confirms leadership change

Around 1086, a Chinese emperor commissioned one 40 feet tall, replete with ringing gongs and indicators that told the time of day, date and position of the planets.

FORBES: No. 11 The Watch