The First Historical Archives of China (FHAC) is a central-level national archival institution dedicated to collecting and preserving archival records created by the central government agencies of the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as those of the earlier dynasties. As the first modern professional archival institution in China's history, it serves as an important keeper through which people from the rest of the world can understand and study Chinese history. The archive houses over 10 million Ming and Qing dynasties' archival documents across 77 fonds, ranking among the world's largest collections of historical archives of the same period.

The institution also administers Huangshicheng (皇史宬), the oldest and most complete surviving imperial archive complex in China. Constructed in 1534 during the Ming Dynasty, the complex consists of a main hall, east and west auxiliary halls, a main gate and an imperial stele pavilion. It covers a total land area of 8,460 square meters, with a floor area of 3,400 square meters.

Address: 9 Qinian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

(Source: The First Historical Archives of China)