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
47511 reviews
5/5
It's a must-see for every visitor to Beijing.
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5/5
Following Teacher Li's tour of the Forbidden City was so much fun! Thank you, Teacher Li, for your meticulous and humorous explanations, which brought history to life! Red walls and yellow tiles, majestic palaces—the Forbidden City is magnificent and breathtaking; every step is a scenic view. It was truly awe-inspiring! 🏯
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5/5
The scholar said that Teacher Li's lecture was excellent. Today, he learned a lot about the stories behind the architecture and cultural relics of the Forbidden City. The overall pacing of the guided tour was also very good, and the group members were well taken care of throughout the tour. Highly recommended!
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5/5
We definitely think this is a must-see place in Beijing. It's best to arrive early in the morning, as there are fewer people. Book tickets in advance. The site is enormous, and it's definitely worth the money. The views and the scale of the buildings are breathtaking, and this type of experience sparks a deep interest in Chinese history. Overall, we're thrilled 😍😍😍
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5/5
It's a huge complex. Beautiful architecture, but very crowded. It's best not to take children; they won't find it interesting. It'll take about five hours to walk around it all.
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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

9/10Good6574 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.55km from city center
I had seen the Grand Hyatt earlier, but this was my first time staying for three days. The opulent lobby and European-style sculptures were impressive. From the moment I stepped out of the car to the front desk, the staff took care of my luggage, which made things so much easier. All the other services also made me feel right at home. If I go back to Beijing, I'll definitely stay here again.
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Sofitel Beijing Central （Accor）

9.2/10Very Good13045 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|2.52km from city center
I was very satisfied with my stay this time! The hotel's location is very convenient; I didn't have to go far for transportation or dining. The room was spotlessly clean, the bedding was soft, and the soundproofing was good, so I had a peaceful night's sleep. The front desk staff, especially Chance, provided warm and thoughtful service, efficiently handling check-in and check-out, and patiently answering any questions. The public areas were clean and impressive, and the facilities were well-maintained. Overall, it offered great value for money, with no disappointments. It's suitable for both short trips and business stays. I've already recommended it to my friends and will definitely choose Sofitel Beijing Central （Accor） again next time I'm in the area. It's truly worth staying!
FromDKK 795

Air China Boyue Beijing Hotel

9.3/10Very Good4033 Reviews
Yansha Commercial Area Beijing|7.59km from city center
I drove to Beijing, and since out-of-town cars can't enter the Second Ring Road, I chose this hotel on the Third Ring Road. It's a very old hotel; the room facilities are basically from the 1980s. The worst part was the bed – the kind where if one person turns over, the whole family gets woken up, which meant I didn't sleep well all night. As for the service, it was very poor. Trip.com advertised free ice cream and a 15% discount, but neither was available when I arrived. The front desk said there was no ice cream because the weather was cold. The counter staff said I could have biscuits instead and that while the 15% discount wasn't available, a 5% discount was. However, when checking out, I was told it was full price, with the explanation that the discount was only for August. I then asked why it was still advertised as a free gift if it wasn't available, which was speechless. This issue delayed my trip by half an hour. Eventually, the lobby manager came and gave me a box of biscuits, and that was the end of it. I just want to say that if an activity isn't available, it shouldn't be advertised. No one knows the process, the explanations are inconsistent, and the management is chaotic.
FromDKK 440

Grand Millennium Beijing

8.8/105885 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|4.64km from city center
Before booking, I read the negative reviews, which were mostly complaints about the service. After staying, I felt like this hotel was one giant obedience test. Upon entering the room, I noticed a strong smell from the air conditioning ducts. I picked up the phone and dialed 'one touch.' The operator transferred me to the front desk, who said they would get back to me shortly. 'Shortly' meant I had to call again to get any kind of answer. After changing rooms, the next day my room card stopped working. That's when I understood why there was a phone in the hallway. After calling, they said an auntie would come to help open the door. Ten minutes later, the auntie finally arrived. After opening the door, she said a concierge would bring a new room card later. Well, it never arrived within two hours. Eventually, when I went to pick up my takeout, I had to go to the front desk myself to get a new one. The tissues in the room ran out. The auntie replaced them with new ones, but just left the new pack on top of the tissue box instead of putting them inside. I don't understand that. There was a short black hair in the bathtub... The mini-bar was completely empty on the first night, possibly due to the room change. At breakfast, I opened a Chinese steamed dim sum, and there was a black hair inside... Breakfast ended at 10:30 AM, and many guests came at 10:35 AM to get coffee, but it was all gone...
FromDKK 743

Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong

9.6/10Excellent6505 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|2.63km from city center
The hotel boasts a great location, right by the East 2nd Ring Road, and just a six to seven-minute walk from Jianguomen subway station. While there aren't a ton of dining options around, within a three-minute walk across the street, you'll find a decent hot pot place, a Zigongyuan restaurant, a McDonald's, and a Starbucks. Basically, all the essentials are covered. The service is excellent. The rooms aren't brand new, but they are well-maintained. There's a small but charming garden filled with various fruits and vegetables that were bearing heavily during my stay. I also noticed many peonies and cherry blossom trees, so it must be beautiful in spring.
FromDKK 655

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Family friendly

Beijing Xinqiao Hotel

9.1/10Good10596 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.86km from city center
The front desk lady was very attentive. My second stay was still great. The location is excellent, right by the subway station. You can take bus 101 directly to the Temple of Heaven, and it's also within walking distance to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, not too far. The only downside is that the bathtub 🛁 is too small, and the water temperature fluctuates between cold and hot, and the water pressure is quite low. I even got cold water halfway through my shower, so I didn't dare to wash my hair. For hot pot nearby, I recommend Yayun Li Ji; it's good value for money and tastes decent.
FromDKK 523

Crystal Orange Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Wangfujing

9.4/10Outstanding11268 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.25km from city center
Visiting Beijing during the National Day holiday, I decisively chose the Orange Crystal Hotel Tiananmen Wangfujing branch, and my stay exceeded expectations! The hotel's location is truly exceptional; the subway entrance is right across the street, making transportation incredibly convenient. It's very close to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, so you don't have to spend a long time stuck in traffic or taking taxis. This saved a lot of hassle during the holiday travel, allowing more time to explore attractions instead of commuting. The hotel's overall environment is simple yet elegant, and the rooms are spotlessly clean with soft and comfortable bedding, ensuring a peaceful rest after a day of sightseeing. The front desk service was warm and polite, and check-in was efficient and smooth. The Wangfujing commercial district is nearby, making dining and buying souvenirs very convenient. For friends visiting Beijing during the National Day holiday who prioritize convenient transportation, I highly recommend this place!
FromDKK 653

Peace Hotel Beijing(Forbidden city)

8.7/101781 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!
FromDKK 691

Manxin Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Wangfujing

9.4/10Outstanding6929 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.28km from city center
It’s a very good hotel located in ideal location . It’s very near to forbidden city which is just few streets away. Many restaurants located nearby, like Si Ji Min Fu Peking Duck. You could get help from the hotel to get the queue number and waiting at the hotel room before your turn. It’s really save a lot of time. The daily breakfast was good , just that the serving plates or cups were found cracked or chipped , the hotel still use that for serving customers during breakfast .We were given free drink voucher and you gotta to get the voucher from the service counter daily. Free laundry and free robot delivery service . As there’s only one robot for food delivery to room, and during peak hour , you might need to go down to collect the food at the hotel counter yourself . And the room cleaning service is awesome and they helped us to clean the baggage and left us a message in sticky note when the job’s done. Kudos to the dedicated room cleaner. Many local Beijing snacks and cold drinks are served at the hotel lobby and they are free. When we’re checked out , we’re given a small free goodie bag to bring back home.
FromDKK 702

Livefortuna Hotel

9.6/10Excellent5894 Reviews
East Second Ring Workers' Stadium Area Beijing|2.95km from city center
This hotel exudes an international vibe and boasts a prime location. From the rooms and the rooftop infinity pool, you can fully admire the modern splendor of Beijing's CBD. The loft-style apartment rooms are cozy and well-equipped. We were very grateful for the east-facing room with its fantastic views. The infinity pool is absolutely stunning, offering an unforgettable scenic experience. The gym facilities also surpass 90% of hotels in Beijing at a similar price point, meeting the professional needs of fitness enthusiasts. Enjoying a custom cocktail at the bar on the first floor in the evening was a delightful experience. Overall, the stay offers great value for money and meets high-end hotel standards.
FromDKK 484

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Breakfast

Nuo Hotel Beijing

9.1/10Good2630 Reviews
Wangjing Area Beijing|10.16km from city center
1. The location is right by the 4th Ring Road, not far from Wangjing. 2. It has quasi-5-star amenities—everything you'd expect, including a bathtub, is provided. 3. Parking is fairly convenient with spaces right out front; it costs 80 RMB for a full 24 hours. 4. Food deliveries are brought directly to your room door by staff. I'd suggest using delivery robots instead—it's faster, more convenient, and saves on labor. 5. The surrounding area has supermarkets, restaurants, and pharmacies, so it covers all the basics.
FromDKK 857

Scitech Hotel

9.5/10Outstanding5103 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|2.93km from city center
I still remember how bustling the Beijing Scitech Plaza was ten years ago. Years later, when I returned, everything had changed. The once vibrant Scitech Plaza was no longer as grand, but the service at the Scitech Hotel was still as comforting and satisfying as ever. It felt very warm. From the young man greeting guests at the elevator to the cleaning staff, everyone made me feel a warmth that eased my tired journey. I was so busy catching an international flight in Beijing that I completely forgot it was Mid-Autumn Festival today. The young man by the elevator gave me a mooncake – a sudden and pleasant surprise that made me incredibly happy. Even a 4 AM international flight didn't seem so tiring at that moment. I hope you continue to improve and thrive. - Guest from Room 603
FromDKK 312

Yingxiangcheng Hotel (Beijing Canal CBD Luhe Hospital Branch)

9.4/10Outstanding1963 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.
FromDKK 191

Sunflower Hotel (Beijing Sanlitun Industrial Park)

8.4/1072 Reviews
East Second Ring Workers' Stadium Area Beijing|4.23km from city center
Booked the smallest room for 50€. Location was fine and the AC worked. Toilet flushed well, which is rare. I think the price was high because of the national holiday but still doesn’t explain why the room was full of dust. Also the room smelled like cigarette but turning the AC on it goes away. If the price was below 40€ it would be worth it.
FromDKK 176

Gu bei yu shang du jia bie shu(gubeikoushuizhenjingqudian)

8.3/101 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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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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