The Imperial Archive, is also called Zhangbiaoku, the "Archive of official documents", was one of the locations were the central documents of the Ming and Qing dynasties were preserved. The Imperial Archive in the Forbidden City is the best-preserved one among all ancient archives.
Recently the government starts the restoration project of the Imperial Archive. The project has the important meanings of the protection, development and utilization of the precious archives and documentary heritage. It also helps to inherit the historical culture, maintain national spirit, promote cultural dissemination, and enhance the national cultural soft power. In the near future this ancient royal archive will be presented to the public.
The Imperial Archive is located at the south entrance of Nanchizi Street, east of Tiananmen Square. In 1982, it was listed as the National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. The Imperial Archive was built in Ming Dynasty. The main buildings are the Emperor Shiyuan Gate, the Main Hall, the East Hall and West Hall, and the Imperial Stele Pavilion.