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
47623 reviews
4/5
We visited the Forbidden City, one of the few places in China where I would recommend hiring a Russian-speaking guide. The audio guide we rented was boring and a bit inconvenient due to the geolocation feature. You can see all the buildings in the first hour, but after that, they're very similar, and it's more interesting to hear their stories than to admire the views. To see the entire city, including the additional exhibitions, you'll need about 5-6 hours of leisurely walking. If you're passing through Beijing and are limited in time, and aren't particularly interested in Chinese history, I'd recommend visiting something else. But if you're staying in Beijing for a while, it's definitely worth a visit to experience Chinese history.
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4/5
We recommend visiting. Bulté is prepared for a long walk and requires a guide. We recommend learning how to use one before using it.
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5/5
I recently went on an incredibly informative tour that lasted three hours, and I must say, it was absolutely captivating! Our tour guide, Ms Qi Shuai, was truly exceptional in showcasing the various treasures and sharing the significance behind each piece. Her passion and knowledge were evident throughout the tour, and we learned so much from her. One artefact that particularly caught my attention was the Qian Liu Iron Certificate - its origin and story are simply fascinating! I highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in learning more about these treasures.
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5/5
Thanks to our guide, Ustya! She explained the site in a very engaging and understandable way, and answered all our questions. We went after lunch, arriving at a time when there weren't many people (although it felt like it was already very crowded). The views and the scale are incredible, definitely worth a visit. At first, the squares were all concrete, but when Ustya led us to the place where the emperors' mothers lived, we finally saw trees and greenery, and the picture became much more vivid in our minds. And the gardens, of course, are also incredible. We were a bit lost when we met the group—the text wasn't clear on how to find that specific tree in the square at the entrance. 😅 Perhaps you could add a photo of the location from the map when you announce the meeting point, or just a photo relative to the entrance and an arrow pointing the way—this is just a suggestion for the future, to help everyone get together faster.
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5/5
The tourguide women named Lucy is very nice and enthusiastic. Our tour was on a sunny day and she lead us moving the way with shade to avoid the sunlight. She told us the stories about the powerful empires. The Forbidden City is huge with adorable architectual, a great place to visit.
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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.

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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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🔥 Recommened Hotels in Beijing

Hotels in Beijing

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Staying at the Legendale Hotel with my children was an exceptionally pleasant experience. The location is excellent, making it very convenient for getting around and sightseeing. The hotel's European-style decor is grand and appealing, the environment is quiet and clean, and the room hygiene is impeccable. The beds were soft and comfortable. The front desk and service staff were all gentle and thoughtful, paying attention to small details. Overall, it felt luxurious yet welcoming. This stay was wonderful, and I'll definitely choose this hotel again next time I'm in Beijing.
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Five-star review! I stayed at the Sofitel Beijing Central for four consecutive days, and my overall experience was extremely satisfying. The location is excellent, close to Jianguomen subway station, making it very convenient to get to Wangfujing, Tiananmen Square, and the National Museum. The room was clean and tidy, the bedding was comfortable, and the soundproofing was good, so I rested very well. The front desk staff were warm and polite, and their service was prompt and responsive; communication was smooth whenever I had a request. The hotel environment is quiet and elegant, and the facilities are well-maintained. Traveling with children, staying here made getting around and sightseeing worry-free and convenient. It's a great choice for exploring urban Beijing, especially since the young lady at the Chance hotel front desk upgraded our room for free and gave us a breakfast voucher for one adult and two children for one day, considering our late arrival. I would definitely consider staying here again on my next visit to Beijing – it truly exceeded my expectations!
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This hotel's location is right in the heart of Beijing. It's a 5-minute walk to the Line 1 and Line 2 subway entrances, directly across the street, making it super convenient to get to famous attractions like Wangfujing and Tiananmen Square. The hotel lobby has a very luxurious feel. The bedding in the rooms is clean and high-quality, and the electric curtains add a nice touch. What I really loved was the toilet with all its functions. I expected dining at a five-star hotel like this to be quite expensive, but I was genuinely surprised by the affordable prices. Three or four waitstaff rotated to serve dishes and pour tea, and the Peking duck was many times better than some other famous duck restaurants. Both the hotel facilities and the quality of the staff reflect the high and professional management standards of this hotel. If you're coming to Beijing, you must stay at Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong!
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Crystal Orange Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Wangfujing

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The room was tiny, I mean, really tiny. There was no space for luggage; if you put it on the floor, you couldn't walk. I originally booked a windowless room, and they said they upgraded me to one with a window, but it faced a wall about 50 centimeters away. So, open or closed, it was dark, and if you opened it, all you heard was the buzzing of the AC unit outside, so it was better to keep it shut. The breakfast was good, and the location was decent. I don't understand why hotel ratings are always so high nowadays. It's because after you book, the front desk chases you for a 5-star review. This practice really needs to be addressed.
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Peace Hotel Beijing(Forbidden city)

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This is my second time staying at Peace Hotel, first time was in 2017. This time we stayed at the newer West Wing. We initially had only planned to stay one night but decided to extend our stay and stayed 5 nights this visit. The hotel gave us a voucher for complimentary art workshop. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and so did my nieces. Location of the hotel is perfect, within walking distance to few subway stations and just one block away from downtown commercial shopping. Staff are friendly, great breakfast selection, rooms are, clean and spacious. The housekeeping staff are very polite and friendly, they are constantly maintaining the cleanliness and tidyness of the space. We did not get a chance to use the pool, as the day goes by it gets pretty busy with kids, swimming cap is mandatory and can be purchased from the gym trainers. The laundry room was convenient (3 washer, 3 dryer), detergent supplied, but the dryer takes a long time to fully dry so we ended up airing our clothes in our suite. If I return to Beijing again in the future, I will definitely book this hotel again.
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Five-star review! The hotel's location is superb, very close to the Forbidden City, making sightseeing incredibly convenient. Right next door is Siji Minfu, so you can order roast duck directly from the front desk and bring it back to the hotel to eat, skipping the queue. The staff are attentive and thoughtful, the rooms have good soundproofing, and the environment is quiet, allowing for a good rest. The rooms are tidy and clean, and the overall stay experience was great. This is definitely the top choice when visiting Beijing and the Forbidden City. Highly recommended!
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Livefortuna Hotel

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Nuo Hotel Beijing

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I chose Nuo Hotel for my birthday this year, and I was pleasantly surprised when the front desk wished me a happy birthday during check-in. They upgraded me to an executive floor, which was beautifully decorated with a great ambiance, and the view from the window was also lovely. I drove here this time, and at checkout, I wasn't proactively informed about parking fee waivers or anything similar. So, I had to go down to the garage and then come back to the front desk to inquire.
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Scitech Hotel

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The hotel's location is excellent, making it incredibly convenient to get anywhere. The subway is easily accessible, and major attractions like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the National Museum are just three stops away. There are also plenty of dining options nearby. As an established star-rated hotel, the service is impeccable and very thoughtful; they even aired out the room to remove smoke odor before our arrival. The cleanliness was also top-notch, and the shower pressure was great. The breakfast spread was very generous; I especially recommend trying the noodles!
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Yingxiangcheng Hotel (Beijing Canal CBD Luhe Hospital Branch)

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We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this hotel. The room was spotlessly clean, well equipped with all necessary amenities, and the bed was incredibly comfortable for a good night’s sleep. The hotel team was polite, attentive and ready to help whenever needed. Convenient location within walking distance to local attractions, shops and public transport. The breakfast buffet offered a wide variety of tasty food. Great value for money and we highly recommend this hotel to all travellers.
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Sunflower Hotel (Beijing Sanlitun Industrial Park)

8/1065 Reviews
East Second Ring Workers' Stadium Area Beijing|4.23km from city center
Nice hotel with air conditioning, hairdryer, small refrigerator, and TV. Quiet, three restaurants nearby, 200 meters from a Beijing party street (bars, nightclub, and karaoke). On the 3rd floor, a great billiards room with 17 Chinese billiards tables. Very helpful housekeeping staff. Free washing machine available for guests at reception.
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Gu bei yu shang du jia bie shu(gubeikoushuizhenjingqudian)

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Very satisfied, the kids had a great time Hygiene: Hygienic conditions are also very good Environment: Full score for the environment Service: Nothing except the phone at the front desk couldn't get through, and I also helped to make coffee

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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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