Forbidden City (The Palace Museum, Beijing): Tickets & Guide

Imagine a palace so magnificent that ordinary folks risked death just for peeking inside! Welcome to Beijing's Forbidden City (故宫, also called the Palace Museum), where 24 Chinese emperors ruled for 500 years. With almost 10,000 rooms, the grand palace museum is full of amazing treasures. What was once the world's most exclusive palace is now yours to explore!

Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day Address: No. 4, Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

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Reviews of Forbidden City

4.9/5
48359 reviews
4/5
It's a historic site, a very large complex, and it's easy to get lost. You should take an audio guide or go with a group to get a sense of the place. I really liked the second half of the palace, the Inner Courtyard, and the Garden. It's definitely best to get a ticket that includes the Treasury and the Clock Museum; they have very beautiful and rare exhibits. Cons: crowded, poorly organized line at the entrance. It's best to arrive at opening time. You can approach the South Gate from the east side instead of through the square. It's also very hot in the summer; we had a hard time finding the water shops.
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5/5
A must visit
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5/5
A must see! It would be a huge mistake not to visit. The place is incredible, the scale is incredible.
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5/5
The guide was excellent and the place was splendid. We received good explanations with touches of humor. We had short breaks to sit down and buy water. They also gave us advice for the rest of our visit after the guided tour. Very satisfied!
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5/5
Finally, I had the opportunity to enter the Forbidden City without waiting in line or trying to hack the online registration. The tour was very reasonably priced, and the organizer communicated with me via WeChat and explained everything in detail: meeting point, directions, and directions. I definitely recommend it!
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forbidden city tickets guide

Welcome to the Forbidden City - the legendary palace complex in Beijing, China! It has been drawing millions of travelers from all over the world to see its serene halls, hidden courtyard, and mysterious items from centuries-old age.

With so much to see, where do you even start? Then you’ve come to the right place~ We’ve got you covered in this guide: fun facts, history & architecture pro tips, ticket hacks, and so on. Let’s unlock the Forbidden City and step into the world of dragons, emperors, and imperial drama!

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Surprising Stories of the Forbidden City

Forbidden City: Gate of Supreme Harmony

Gate of Supreme Harmony

As a majestic symbol of China’s imperial past, the Forbidden City is full of fascinating secrets and whispers of intrigue. You might find out about a different palace museum after you read the following stories, which bring the Forbidden City’s mystical vibe to life in unexpected ways!

  • The Forbidden City had special ice cellars where ice could be stored year-round. In the Qing Dynasty, Bingwan (the Imperial Ice Bowl) was often served to the Qianlong Emperor, containing lotus seeds, almond jelly, fresh lotus roots, etc.
  • Puyi, the final emperor, broke centuries of tradition by bringing a Western bicycle into the Forbidden City.
  • The Forbidden City has always been home to the stray cats. They’re all officially taken good care of now. Some of them even have their own social media fame!
  • Special ingenious architectural techniques helped the palace be earthquake-resistant, like the Duogong Bracketing system and Post-and-Lintel Frame.
  • A Ming Dynasty concubine’s weeping was "heard" in the Palace of Eternal Spring, who was wrongfully accused of treason.
  • Each meal of the emperor’s menus consisted of 120+ dishes. But he could only take a few bites per dish. The leftovers were given to concubines or sold outside.

Why Is It Called the Forbidden City?

You can figure out why it is called the Forbidden City just from the name itself. It got this name because ordinary people were not allowed to enter it! It comes from a strict rule that kept most of the public out - only the emperor, his family, and servants were allowed inside.

From the Chinese name, “Zijin Cheng”, which means “Purple Forbidden City” (referencing the North Star), you can feel the divine connection between the emperor and heaven.

The Forbidden City was built between 1406 and 1420 during the Ming Dynasty and served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors until 1912. This complex was the political and ceremonial heart of China in the past. With its towering walls and wide moat, it was a mysterious and untouchable symbol of imperial power!

The Layout of the Forbidden City

The layout of the Forbidden City, Beijing

Source from Expats Holidays

Knowing the layout helps you prioritize key areas to visit and avoid getting lost! Follow me to spot the details of the Forbidden City to deepen your understanding~

The Forbidden City is a grand palace shaped like a rectangle in a bird’s view. It’s arranged everything along a central north-south axis, which is perfect for balance, just like the philosophy in ancient China.

  • Front (South): You’ll start at the Meridian Gate, where emperors made their important announcements. Beyond that, there lies a series of courtyards and halls, like the Hall of Supreme Harmony, used for coronations and ceremonies.
  • Middle: Next, you’ll come to the Hall of Central Harmony (emperor’s prep room) and the Hall of Preserving Harmony (for banquets and exams). The Gate of Heavenly Purity is just behind them, leading to the Inner Court (where the emperor lives).
  • Back (North): Here, you’ll encounter the Palace of Heavenly Purity (bedrooms of the emperor), the Hall of Union (empress’s spot), and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility (wedding chamber). The whole palace ends with the Imperial Garden, which is quite a peaceful escape with ancient trees and pavilions.

Around the Forbidden City, there are several beautiful parks and a moat that enhance its grandeur! You can walk along the moat pathways, enjoying the light breeze and reflections of the palace walls.

North of the Forbidden City lies Jingshan Park, perfect for a panoramic view of the palace. Zhongshan Park in the west is also ideal for relaxation, with shaded areas with cozy benches.

📱 Get well-connected by using a fast & reliable China eSIM before your trip!

How to Get to the Forbidden City?

The Forbidden City is an easy place to get to from all sides of Beijing, China. Look at the following table, which shows you how to get to the Forbidden City from the two main airports in Beijing!

From

Transportation

Duration

Cost

Distance

Capital Airport

Airport Express Train + Subway Line 2 + Subway Line 1

~1h10m

~$4

~30km

Daxing Airport

AirPort Express + Subway Line 10 + Subway Line 1

~1h25m

~$5.5

~50km

If you’re in downtown Beijing, taking the subway is the most cost-effective way to get to the Palace Museum. Check out the subway map of Beijing where you can find many stops around the Forbidden City, like Tiananmenxi of Line 1 (also near Tiananmen Square and the National Centre of the Performing Arts).

Shared bikes are also popular and affordable in Beijing, including Meituan Bike, Hellobike, and Didi Qingju (known as Ofo). Download the app and find a bike to enjoy the road (International phone number users welcome).

Other travelers might also choose to take a taxi or Beijing's ride-hailing services. Both are very convenient if you want a more private space. But it may cost more than public transportation.

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What to See in the Forbidden City?

The moat in the Forbidden City, Beijing

The moat in the Forbidden City, Beijing

The Forbidden City is magnificent in its size of about 72 hectares (180 acres). From its layout, you’re able to visit the core highlights of the Forbidden City (walls & the moat as the defenses, the Outer Court, and the Inner Court).

However, knowing these key features of the Forbidden City will lead you to a deep insight into its architecture and artistic values!

  • The yellow and red color set: The combination of yellow and red reflects a specific sort of harmony - yellow (earthly power, stable) and red (fiery energy, active).
  • Divine animal statuettes on the roof: These small figures (like a dragon, phoenix, lion, heavenly horses, Xiezhi, Suanni, etc.) served both symbolic and practical purposes in imperial China. More animals mean a higher importance of rank and status. They can weigh roof tiles to prevent wind damage as well.
  • Stone lions: You can see them at the gates, like the Meridian Gate or the Gate of Supreme Harmony. They’re made of marble mostly, placed at key entrances to ward off evil and assert authority. Inspiration for the design came from early Silk Road art (cause real lions weren’t native to China).
What else to do in Beijing? Check out these popular day trips on Trip.com!

Forbidden City Tickets Booking Guide

Except for statutory holidays, the Palace Museum (the Forbidden City) is closed on Mondays throughout the year.

  • Opening Hours: 08:30
  • Stop-admission Time: 16:00
  • Closing Time: 17:00

You’re also suggested to make your reservation in advance online! Be aware that on-site purchase of same-day tickets is not supported.

The prices for adults differ from the peak season (Apr 1 - Oct 31) to the off-season (Nov 1 - Mar 31).

  • Peak season: 60 yuan per person (~$8.35)
  • Off-season: 40 yuan per person (~$5.57)

People aged above 60 or still students can have a discount of half the cost of a standard adult ticket! Make sure that you have your student ID and valid passport in your hand. Infants (under 1.2 meters or younger than 6 years old) are free of charge to enter the Forbidden City.

For the best of your experiences in the Forbidden City, book your tour with Trip.com to enjoy a private guide to the wonderland 🚶of ancient China!
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Local Tips for Visiting the Forbidden City

Handle patterns in the Forbidden City, Beijing

Handle patterns in the Forbidden City, Beijing

Congratulations! You’ve already known so much about the Forbidden City from its history to architecture, mystical stories to its grandeur. Booking a ticket to the Forbidden City is also quite easy for you!

Here’s some more practical advice for you:

  • Arrive early by 08:00 🕗 to beat the crowds or late entry at 15:30 (close at 17:00) for quieter vibes.
  • Pack comfortable shoes, sun protection products, enough water, and snacks.
  • Must-see halls following the central axis: Taihe Dian (Supreme Harmony), Zhonghe Dian (Central Harmony), and Baohe Dian (Preserving Harmony).
  • Look for hidden gems like the roof beasts, stone carvings, and golden doorknobs.
  • Try the “Ice Lounge” 🧊 near the Hall of Mental Cultivation (-5℃ room with ice sculptures only for summer).
  • Do not step on the thresholds (symbolic barriers against Evian).
  • It’s prohibited ❌ to use flashlights, selfie sticks, and other items that are explosive or dangerous that might affect the cultural relics and other visitors.

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China Entry Requirements & Things to Prepare

  • 24/240 China Visa-Free Transit: US citizens can enjoy a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit when traveling through 24 Chinese provinces, provided they hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region.
  • China Plug & Power: China plug uses Type A/C/F (220V). Bring a Type A/C adapter (US plugs sometimes work, but bring a universal adapter for safety).
  • Internet Access in China: You need a China VPN for Google/Ins/YT/X, etc. But you can also use a China eSIM with built-in access to overseas apps!

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Lily

Lily

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Hey, I'm Lily from Chengdu. I'll constantly post my travel blogs here. I focus on sharing insights from living tips, transfer tricks, to how to get the best price for your international flights & hotels. You'll get the quick & valuable hints for your journey in the future. Stay tuned! Love u all!

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