Forbidden City 100, a documentary that sheds new light on the prestigious imperial palace built by the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in the early 15th century, premiered on CCTV-9, the documentary channel, on Jan 1.

Under the helm of Xu Huan - one of the masterminds behind the award-winning documentary The Forbidden City (2005), which marks the country's first nonfiction program illustrating the construction process of the royal residence - Forbidden City 100 reveals for the first time mysterious areas that aren't open to tourists, such as private royal meeting rooms and religious places.

Comprising 100 six-minute episodes, the documentary also interprets for the first time details of the complex's ancient inhabitation, such as fire prevention and refrigeration methods.

It is showing on the documentary channel and www.iqiyi.com.