Crossword Genius

China’s excellent Forbidden City? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

palace

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'forbidden city?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both groups as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'china's excellent' is the wordplay.
'china' becomes 'pal' (china plate is Cockney rhyming slang for mate).
'excellent' becomes 'ace' (ace can informally mean very good).
'pal'+'ace'='PALACE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for palace that I've seen before include "Royal mansion" , "Official residence of a sovereign" , "Locality round a monarch's official residence" , "imposing building" , "See 23" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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