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

4.8/5
48800 reviews
5/5
We had a great time walking around. It lasted about half a day, but we didn't have time to see everything. Entry was with a passport, so there were no problems.
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4/5
Great for last minute tickets to get into the Palace Museum. I hadn’t known you needed to book tickets the the museum 7 days in advance and so opted for this option the night before going. Tour was quite fast and you don’t get to see a lot of the palace unfortunately but it is a very large complex so it’s understandable. 3 hours made it feel a bit rushed but you are not required to leave after the 3 hours so you can explore a bit on your own if you want. Overall though, I think it’s worth your money especially if you are solo traveling. Got to meet some other tourists and learn more about China through this experience!
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5/5
A magnificent and magical place that you absolutely must see.
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4/5
It's certainly worth checking out, but the crowds were simply overwhelming. It wasn't very comfortable. Perhaps the impression was spoiled by the fact that we went on a tour straight from the plane at 8 a.m. But in reality, everything was the same.
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4/5
The Palace Museum (Forbidden City) is worth visiting at least once for its historical significance, but it’s probably not somewhere I’d go again. I got lucky with a small group tour, which made the experience much more enjoyable. If your ticket allows, I’d recommend paying extra to see the Clock Gallery—it was one of the more interesting parts. Be prepared for the heat, especially in summer, and bring a hat or umbrella since you’ll be outdoors most of the time. It does get very crowded, so go in with realistic expectations.
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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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🔥 Recommened Hotels in Beijing

Hotels in Beijing

5 star

Legendale Hotel Beijing

9.1/10Good6834 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.55km from city center
Let me start with an overall impression: the decor is quite distinctive, but the facilities are definitely dated. If you have high standards for your living environment and aren't too concerned about value for money, you might want to reconsider. Most of the doormen are unprofessional; they don't proactively open car doors or help with luggage, they just stand there watching. A key highlight: SUV drivers and new drivers should seriously reconsider using the hotel's parking garage. Both the entrance and exit are 180-degree plus sharp turns, and the lanes are extremely narrow, making it very difficult to navigate. Furthermore, when my friend tried to leave the parking lot for the first time, the parking barrier hit his car. This happened because of the unreasonably sharp turn at the exit and the short time interval before the barrier came down again. The duty manager was quite helpful and actively tried to resolve the issue. However, when my friend attempted to leave the parking lot a second time, he was hit by the barrier again, even under the manager's watchful eye. This time, he even tried to drive out a bit faster. We've since reached a resolution with the hotel, but I still hope future guests will be extra cautious. Overall, it's indeed a beautiful building, but the interior maintenance is seriously lacking. Staying for a day for a photoshoot might be okay occasionally, but I won't be returning.
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Sofitel Beijing Central

9.3/10Very Good12762 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|2.52km from city center
💯 We chose Sofitel during our Dragon Boat Festival trip to Beijing, and it was a perfect experience. The location is superb, making it incredibly convenient to get to all the major attractions. The room was spacious and bright, with a stunning city view from the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the bedding was comfortable in a quiet environment. The location is fantastic, with easy transportation, right in the core of Jianguomen within the Second Ring Road. It's just a few minutes' walk to the subway station, and a very short drive to Tiananmen, the Forbidden City, and Wangfujing. It makes sightseeing and getting around incredibly hassle-free, making it the top choice for a trip to Beijing. Beira warmly checked us in and even upgraded our room type. It was a very pleasant stay! 👍
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Air China Boyue Beijing Hotel

9.3/10Very Good3587 Reviews
Yansha Commercial Area Beijing|7.59km from city center
1. **Unbeatable Location:** Situated at No. 36 Xiaoyun Road in Chaoyang District, right in the heart of the Third Embassy Area, just a 3-minute walk to the US Embassy. It's also close to Liangmaqiao/Sanyuanqiao subway stations (approx. 900 meters) and offers easy access to Sanlitun, Solana, and the airport expressway. 2. **Excellent Service Reputation:** The front desk staff are professional and responsive, handling requests like turndown service, deliveries, and room changes with great care. Following Air China's service standards, cleanliness rates 4.7/5 and service 4.7/5. 3. **Spacious and Comfortable Rooms:** Starting from 40 sqm, rooms are well-designed with comfortable bedding and excellent soundproofing. Bathrooms are large, feature separate wet and dry areas, include a bathtub, and have ample hot water. 4. **Comprehensive Facilities:** Enjoy a complimentary indoor swimming pool and gym, free parking, and a lobby lounge/coffee shop/tea room, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers. 5. **Abundant Breakfast:** A rich buffet with both Chinese and Western options. Window seats offer great views, and the breakfast is considered high value for money. 6. **Great Value for Money:** Offers 5-star amenities at a lower price point compared to other 5-star hotels in the same area.
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Grand Millennium Beijing

8.8/105849 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|4.64km from city center
This was my first stay at the Grand Millennium Beijing, and it exceeded my expectations by far. It wasn't overly crowded, so it felt very peaceful and quiet. The swimming pool is a major highlight, integrated seamlessly with the gym on a different floor, creating a spacious, high-ceilinged area with a Southeast Asian vibe. I encountered many Hong Kongers there, from business travelers in the elevator to an elderly couple in the executive lounge; they were all very humble and friendly. The surrounding area boasts a wide variety of restaurants, and the Fortune Plaza Mall is practically a canteen for Beijing's white-collar workers. The night view is also top-notch, with the CCTV Headquarters lit up beautifully. A pleasant surprise was bumping into a celebrity while working out – the 'rooster among roosters,' haha. The Grand Millennium is fantastic, giving me every reason to return. The male manager who handled my check-in was very gracious, and the service was just perfect.
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Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong

9.5/10Outstanding6407 Reviews
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I always choose this hotel when I go to Beijing, first because of its convenient location and second because of its excellent service. This time, after watching Nicholas Tse's concert, I specifically changed my booking to stay here the next day. Although there was a slight hiccup, the night manager didn't drag his feet or fail to resolve the issue because it was late; instead, he fixed it very quickly and to my satisfaction. So, I will definitely choose them again next time.
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Family friendly

Beijing Xinqiao Hotel

9.1/10Good10473 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.86km from city center
After comparing several hotels for our family trip to Beijing, we finally settled on the Xinqiao Hotel, and it made our entire trip comfortable and hassle-free – a solid five-star rating! 📍The location is absolutely fantastic. Right outside, you'll find Chongwenmen Subway Station for lines 2 and 5. It's just a 10-15 minute walk to Tiananmen Square, Wangfujing, and Qianmen, and only a few subway stops to the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven. The surrounding New World and Guorui malls offer plenty of dining and shopping options. Plus, it's very close to Beijing Railway Station, making travel incredibly convenient, especially when traveling with kids. 🛁The room was full of pleasant surprises. The entire room features natural hot spring water drawn from a thousand meters underground, so all the water for washing is natural spring water, making showers wonderfully relaxing. The room was impeccably clean, the bedding was soft and dry, and the mattress was just the right firmness. It was quiet and peaceful at night. We stayed in a family duplex suite, which had two floors and two bathrooms, offering ample space – perfect for a family of three. The amenities were complete, and they even thoughtfully provided children's toiletries and slippers. The attention to detail was exceptional.
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Crystal Orange Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Wangfujing

9.4/10Outstanding11296 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.25km from city center
The location is unbeatable! It's just a few minutes' walk to Wangfujing, and you can stroll to Tiananmen and the Forbidden City. There's a subway station right across the street, making it super convenient to get around. The room was spotless. The mattress was just right – not too soft, not too firm – and the soundproofing was good. The bathroom had a separate wet and dry area, and the shower had great water pressure and hot water. I really liked the scent of the toiletries too. Breakfast was delicious, with stir-fries, baozi (steamed buns), and zhajiangmian (noodles with fried sauce) – very satisfying. All the staff were lovely. When I checked in, they proactively told me the quickest way to get to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen. They replenished water and tissues daily in the room, and even gave me a souvenir when I checked out. Overall, it offers good value for money, and I'd likely stay here again on my next trip to Beijing.
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Peace Hotel Beijing(Forbidden city)

8.6/101725 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.47km from city center
Traveling with kids, this hotel was an excellent choice! The environment was clean and tidy, and the overall atmosphere was very welcoming. The staff were friendly, warm, and attentive, even giving a small gift to my child. Breakfast offered a good variety, with plenty of options for kids like pastries, porridge, and fruits, all very fresh. There's also an M&M's vending machine on the first floor that my child loved. Overall, it's great value for money. It's our top pick for family trips, and we'll definitely be back!
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Manxin Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Wangfujing

9.5/10Outstanding7082 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.28km from city center
While there was an initial misunderstanding due to a hygiene concern which caused distress on our first night stay that I had to escalate the matter through Trip.com, the hotel manager turned the experience around. The night before check-out, we had a genuine and positive conversation at the lobby. She was humble and openly acknowledged her shortcomings and appreciated for helping her learn and grow as a leader. Good to know that a manager willing to take accountability and desire to improve. Every hotel staff we have interacted with are professional and friendly. Aside from the good service recovery, we loved the hotel's convenience: 1. Siji Minfu Peking Roast Duck Restaurant (四季民福) is next to the hotel along with other food options in the same stretch. 2. The hotel is perfectly located within walking distance to Wangfujing Pedestrian Street (shopping and food). 3. The fun robot that delivers food right to our doorstep! The hotel also prepared light snacks for our airport journey. Overall, this hotel is highly recommended!
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Livefortuna Hotel

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I and my family have a 3 nights stay in the cosy family rooms. The hotel location is very convenient for getting around and exploring the area. The buffet breakfast offers both Western and Asian options. It would be even better if there were more vegetarian dishes available for vegan guests. Overall, it was a good experience, and I enjoyed my stay.
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Nuo Hotel Beijing

9.1/10Good2539 Reviews
Wangjing Area Beijing|10.16km from city center
The surrounding area offers great entertainment and amenities, with beautiful scenery. Parks, cafes, and pubs are all within walking distance. From the room window, you can see a large lawn, making it perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway. The decor is Chinese style, and both the rooms and public areas are very well-designed. The guest traffic is moderate, so it's not noisy. The concierge staff proactively help with luggage, deliver and retrieve items, and open car doors. The service is incredibly warm and thoughtful.
FromPHP 7,390

Scitech Hotel

9.5/10Outstanding4466 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|2.93km from city center
The Swissôtel Beijing is an established top-tier hotel in Beijing. Although it's been around for some time, its overall maintenance, facilities, service quality, current pricing, and even its location are, all things considered, still truly outstanding. During my one-day stay, they delivered Beijing specialty snacks to my room three times. The staff were very dedicated and service-oriented. It's highly suitable for tourists because of its incredibly convenient location. Finally, I'd like to thank the staff members Xiao Qiu, Xiao Tong, and Xiao Ying for their thoughtful and meticulous service. I was extremely satisfied with my stay and highly recommend it!
FromPHP 5,599

Yingxiangcheng Hotel (Beijing Canal CBD Luhe Hospital Branch)

9.5/10Outstanding2314 Reviews
The Grand Canal CBD Beijing|21.34km from city center
The room was spacious, clean, and tidy. What I liked most was the TV, which offered a wide variety of free TV series. Ordering takeout was also incredibly convenient (watching 'Dream of the Red Chamber' while enjoying bubble tea and braised dishes was just bliss). Although the hotel was a bit far from tourist attractions, it actually allowed us to take less popular routes, avoiding the crowds. This meant we had a good chance of getting a seat for the entire journey instead of standing, which was a huge relief (I honestly couldn't handle the crowded Beijing subway anymore during the last few days). Finally, a big shout-out to the front desk staff! The two ladies working on the evening of Jan 2nd and the afternoon of Jan 3rd were both gentle and enthusiastic. The hotel also provided excellent luggage storage service. Five stars! 💓💓💓💓💓
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Gu bei yu shang du jia bie shu(gubeikoushuizhenjingqudian)

9.6/10Excellent14 Reviews
Beijing Wtown/The Simatai Great Wall Beijing|109.66km from city center
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
FromPHP 10,249

Waldorf Astoria Hutong Courtyard

9.7/10Excellent356 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.47km from city center
To experience the authentic courtyard atmosphere, I specifically chose the hotel's Hutong Suite. Outside, Beijing was freezing, but as soon as I entered the room, I was instantly warmed. The bedding was incredibly comfortable, and in the evening, they even provided a complimentary wellness tea and special small snacks, which was a very thoughtful touch! In the morning, I also enjoyed the hotel's breakfast in-room dining service, recharging for the day in the ancient-style room. A special shout-out to Chloe and Willow, thank you for your warm and attentive service. I will definitely choose to stay here again next season!
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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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FAQs about the Forbidden City

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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