A watchtower on the northwest corner of the Palace Museum. [Photo/Official Sina Weibo account of the Palace Museum]

The Palace Museum in Beijing, also known as the Forbidden City, is about to celebrate its 600th anniversary. 

The Palace Museum released a set of photos comparing the now and then of the museum, the world's biggest architectural compound made of wood, bringing back nostalgia and respect for the grand history of the Imperial Palace.

According to Wang Xudong, director of the museum, a series of highlighted exhibitions will be on display next year in the former imperial palace occupied from 1420 to 1911.