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
47354 reviews
4/5
The tour guide was experienced and provided detailed explanations. Having a guide at the Forbidden City allows you to learn more about its history.
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5/5
J'ai vécu une expérience extraordinaire en ayant une guide anglophone qui nous a appris beaucoup de choses intéressantes. Ce fut un plaisir de grandir mentalement. Je recommande
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4/5
It's certainly a vast, historically rich place, but without a guide, I think we would have simply wandered around. It's fortunate that there was a Russian-speaking guide, even though Li is Chinese, but he did a great job! He provided us with a wealth of information about the places, their historical context, and even more about everyday life and food. He also recommended places to visit, which really livened up the visit. As for the organization of the tour, as the saying goes, "Seven don't wait for one." In our case, we were waiting for a group of five who were driving very leisurely at 9 a.m., arrived 30 minutes late, and then, another 30-40 minutes later, they dropped off because it started raining and they had nothing. As a result, the tour itself was shorter than planned, which negatively affected the overall impression. If the description says "No entry," then that's how it should be. Overall, not bad, but there is room for improvement. P.S. Thank you so much to Alexey for the gift. It was unexpected and really helped warm me up in the evening.😁
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5/5
This experience was a great way to explore the Forbidden City. The entrance ticket alone was great value. Joy was a great guide giving us insights into the different areas of the city. She was friendly and provided additional tips, facts, and insight. 10/10 would recommend this experience. A guide is the best way to learn about the Forbidden City!
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5/5
Guide was amazing and made a visit that would be otherwise boring into an interesting one with cool historical facts. Get a guide for this, its definitely worth 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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🔥 Recommened Hotels in Beijing

Hotels in Beijing

5 star

Legendale Hotel Beijing

9.1/10Good6649 Reviews
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This stay was absolutely fantastic! The hotel was spotless, and I loved that the disposable toothbrushes were already in the bathroom, no need to pick them up at the front desk. The room was spacious and well-designed. This is definitely my go-to hotel every time I visit Beijing! A special shout-out to the bathrobes and slippers – they were incredibly comfortable! Breakfast was still mostly Western, and aside from the milk, everything was perfectly to my taste!
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Sofitel Beijing Central （Accor）

9.2/10Very Good13042 Reviews
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My stay this time was absolutely wonderful, and I have to give a special shout-out to Leah at the front desk! I arrived in the evening to check in and wanted to change the floor of my reserved room. Leah patiently helped me check for available room types, and all my pre-noted requests were properly taken care of. The room was clean and spacious, high up and very quiet, with a great view. The bedding was comfortable, ensuring a sound sleep. The welcome amenities were thoughtfully prepared, and the in-room supplies were plentiful. The only minor downside was that the room facilities weren't great, but everything else was fine.
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Air China Boyue Beijing Hotel

9.3/10Very Good3918 Reviews
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I chose the Air China Boyue Beijing Hotel this time because it's under Air China. Overall, the room was decent, and the facilities and amenities were quite good. The location is excellent, mainly because it's very close to my office, which is why I picked it. Front desk agent Xiao Cao provided very thoughtful service, proactively asking me about my stay when I checked out. Manager Chai was also considerate and provided excellent service, even offering buckwheat pillows. All in all, I felt the service was very attentive and reassuring, definitely worth a five-star rating.
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Grand Millennium Beijing

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This hotel offers pretty good value for money, with an excellent location and affordable prices. While the facilities are a bit old, they are well-maintained. However, the customer service and the female front desk staff were quite subpar. They were unwilling to offer room upgrades or late check-outs, which was disappointing. I hope they improve, as it would be a shame to waste such a great location and the efforts of most of the other staff members.
FromNZD 180

Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong

9.6/10Excellent6458 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|2.63km from city center
The environment is beautiful, although the swimming pool is a bit small. But it wasn't crowded, which was nice. The room was also very new, and the kids loved it. The bed was large, a 2.2m bed, and very comfortable to sleep in. It rained at night so we didn't go out and instead had the seafood buffet. We even got to scoop our own seafood, which the kids found fun and unique. For the seafood buffet, my child even said that the chocolate and ice cream cake, which came out last around 8 PM, were the best things they ate. The concierge was very thoughtful, helping to receive a delivery, even unpacking it and bringing it up, and also helping with luggage. Getting a taxi to Wangfujing took only 15 minutes, which was very convenient.
FromNZD 173

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Beijing Xinqiao Hotel

9.1/10Good10576 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.86km from city center
The Beijing New Otani Hotel is an established five-star hotel in Beijing, boasting a prime location near a subway station and a wide array of dining options, including Wangfujing. The hotel itself offers a buffet and a Chinese restaurant. Overall, the hotel is well-maintained. In our room, the shower had excellent water pressure and drained quickly. The bedding was soft, and most importantly, the service was exceptionally friendly. We were in a hurry to check out and accidentally left our charger and important cards in the room. Manager Wang Zhaofeng immediately helped us search for them, responding promptly and quickly sending us photos of the found items, which instantly put our minds at ease. She then arranged for expedited shipping to mail them back to us. This kind of heartfelt service, anticipating and addressing guests' urgent needs, is truly commendable. We visited the hotel's breakfast restaurant once, and the variety was extensive, with excellent taste, quality, and freshness. The restaurant service was also timely and enthusiastic, leaving us very satisfied, especially the excellent service from Runze and Xiao Cai Gege. The superior service from these staff members truly enhanced our stay.
FromNZD 128

Crystal Orange Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Wangfujing

9.4/10Outstanding11300 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.25km from city center
The hotel was in a great central location. We loved the smart controls in the room which help with lighting and opening the curtains from the bedside. The rooms only downsides were a funny smell specific to our room from behind the fridge and the bathroom door which stuck so hard it needed to be pulled shut and made a lid noise when doing so, some oil should resolve this! Unfortunately when we arrived at 4:15pm from London our room was not ready which was very disappointing after a long trip. We had to wait another hour and go into the city to kill the time. Also everyone should note this hotel has one lift and no stairs, for a hotel with this many rooms this is simply not good enough. The staff use the same lift as does the cute delivery robot. This meant we spent way too much of our time existing for the elevator to down and up. Given we were on the floor above reception this would have been unnecessary if the stairs were accessible. This was a major issue for us and was the only thing that spoiled the stay. Other than this all was great.
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Peace Hotel Beijing(Forbidden city)

8.7/101765 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.47km from city center
🌟 Heartfelt hospitality in the heart of Beijing! Special thanks to Mike Wong and Hanson Wang for an unforgettable stay!Our stay at Peace Hotel Beijing (Forbidden City) left us with the warmest and most unforgettable impressions. The hotel is incredibly well-located right in the center of Beijing, within walking distance of the main attractions, making our sightseeing trips exceptionally convenient and easy.A special highlight was the lounge on the 19th floor where the club dinners are held. Dining with a glass of wine while enjoying the breathtaking, majestic view of the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park is an unparalleled pleasure! The atmosphere there is truly magical.However, the most valuable and outstanding feature of this hotel is how they treat their guests. We experienced not just a high standard of service, but genuine love, warmth, and true, deep hospitality that is so rare to find these days.We arrived at the hotel very early — at 8:00 AM, exhausted from our journey, and were mentally prepared to wait hours for check-in. To our amazement, we were not only greeted with a smile, but were given a room immediately, saving us from tedious waiting!I would like to express my deepest and most sincere gratitude to Mike Wong and Hanson Wang. They took incredible care of our family. Mike personally showed us two excellent rooms to choose from, helping us patiently and politely. The room we fell in love with on the 17th floor was instantly handed over to us.It is because of such dedicated, caring, and professional employees like Mike Wong and Hanson Wang that the brand builds its flawless positive image, making guests want to return over and over again. I highly recommend that the hotel management recognizes both Mike's and Hanson's outstanding dedication and awards them a well-deserved bonus or promotion. They are a true asset to your team!Thank you so much for an impeccable welcome. We will definitely be back and recommend this amazing hotel with all our hearts!
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Manxin Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Wangfujing

9.5/10Outstanding7008 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.28km from city center
This Manxin Hotel is in an excellent location, making it very convenient for visiting the Forbidden City, the National Museum, and Tiananmen Square when touring Beijing. There are also plenty of dining options nearby. The room size was just right, and the facilities were quite new, with a super large and bright TV screen – though we didn't watch it much as we were busy sightseeing. The highlight was the excellent service. When we first checked in, we felt the second floor was a bit too low, and after discussing it with the front desk, they immediately moved us to the fourth floor. The fifth floor has laundry facilities, which was also very convenient. The breakfast was quite good, offering Chinese, Western, and Beijing specialties. We stayed here for five nights, and every time we entered or left, the staff, including the cleaning crew, greeted us. Highly recommended!
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Livefortuna Hotel

9.6/10Excellent5817 Reviews
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Overall, it's excellent and offers great value for money. For those planning to book, keep an eye on the price fluctuations. I always feel that people on Ctrip don't share many photos, so I took a few extra to give everyone a better idea of the place.
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Breakfast

Nuo Hotel Beijing

9.1/10Good2596 Reviews
Wangjing Area Beijing|10.16km from city center
I've lost count of how many times I've stayed at NUO Hotel Beijing. We've been coming here every time we visit Beijing since my child was very young! This time, the front desk staff, Mina, upgraded our room and gave us complimentary executive breakfast on the 25th floor, which was much appreciated! The breakfast selection was small but exquisite, and the service was excellent. There are many kid-friendly attractions around NUO Hotel, and the pool is also very clean. Among hotels in Beijing at a similar price point, the location and value for money are top-notch. We booked a twin room this time, and they combined the beds into a super-king, just like at Universal NUO – a big thumbs up! One minor thing: the walls in room 2023 were a little dirty. Hopefully, they can tidy that up if they see this review.
FromNZD 200

Scitech Hotel

9.5/10Outstanding4960 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|2.93km from city center
We had a fantastic stay at Scitech Hotel in Beijing and were very happy with the entire experience. Everything was excellent from start to finish. The rooms were clean, comfortable, spacious, and well maintained, and the breakfast was great with a good selection of food. What really stood out, however, was the staff. Everyone we interacted with was friendly, welcoming, and very helpful throughout our stay. A special mention has to go to Ethan Qi, who was exceptionally kind and helpful. He genuinely went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience and made us feel very welcome. Great service, great rooms, great breakfast, and an excellent overall atmosphere. We would definitely stay at Scitech Hotel again when visiting Beijing and highly recommend it to others.
FromNZD 117

Yingxiangcheng Hotel (Beijing Canal CBD Luhe Hospital Branch)

9.4/10Outstanding2022 Reviews
The Grand Canal CBD Beijing|21.34km from city center
I booked this hotel for my father's medical appointment. It was excellent, and the front desk staff were very warm and welcoming. The room was spacious, clean, and bright, and the air conditioning worked perfectly. I was pleasantly surprised by the thoughtful service, especially the fresh-ground coffee – a perfect pick-me-up when I had an early start. The breakfast was decent too. Most importantly, it's incredibly convenient for Luhe Hospital, just across the road. I'll definitely stay here again for his follow-up appointments.
FromNZD 51

Sunflower Hotel (Beijing Sanlitun Industrial Park)

8.3/1069 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.
FromNZD 50

Gu bei yu shang du jia bie shu(gubeikoushuizhenjingqudian)

8.6/102 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

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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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