“It’s beautiful. It’s a magnificent place to visit. I will come back with my girls and my wife,” Obama told a Xinhua correspondent before leaving the museum through the northern Gate of Divine Prowes.

“Very good! Spectacular!” he exclaimed in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian), in front of dozens of journalists and photographers. He also posed for photos on the square in front of the hall.

Inside Taihe Dian, Zheng briefed him on its history and architecture. Obama asked about the words on the board hanging in the middle of the hall, “Jian Ji Sui You”, meaning “Emperors should make good rules.”

Taihe Dian was one of the largest wooden structures in China and the largest hall in the Forbidden City. Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty emperors held their enthronements and wedding ceremonies in the hall.