The Forbidden City is a palace complex in the center of Beijing. It is the largest imperial palace in the world. A visit to the 'Palace Museum' can be a wondrous time, or frustrating and exhausting because of its large scale.
Follow our tips and advice to make your trip more relaxing and enjoyable.
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- What to See and Do
- 3 Recommended Palace Routes
- Best Times to Visit and Ways to Avoid Crowds
- Opening Hours and Tickets Booking
- How to Get to It
- Practical Travel Tips
- Expertly Guided or Self Guided?
What to See and Do in the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City consists of 980 buildings with more than 8,700 rooms, and holds extensive collections of relics. We recommend you include in your tour the main halls, the priceless collections, and some spots with interesting legends and anecdotes.
6 Popular Halls and Our 6 Recommendations
The six halls on the central line of the complex are the most popular and the most important. Most tour groups only go through these six halls plus a visit to the imperial garden at the end of the tour.
We understand you may hate the idea of only scratching the surface of the palace's mysteries and getting caught in the milling crowds.
We recommend these less-visited halls to the sides of the central axis, for a deeper understanding of the history and culture, and to avoid crowds.
- Palace of Compassion and Tranquility (Cining Gong) was where wives of the emperors lived.
- Palace of Eternal Longevity (Yongshou Gong) was used by concubines and also served as a temporary bridal chamber for imperial weddings.
- Palace of Gathered Elegance (Chuxiu Gong) was where Empress Dowager Cixi lived before rising to power.
- Imperial Garden (Yuhua Yuan) was the private garden of the royal family, used for leisure walks, seasonal rituals, and family gatherings.
- Corner Towers (Jiaolou) were lookout towers on four corners of the palace walls, known for their unique design and panoramic views.
- Palace of Longevity and Health (Shoukang Gong) was the residence of retired empresses and empress dowagers in their later years.
Palace of Longevity and Health (Shoukang Gong)Our 4-Day Emperor Tour offer you the opportunity to explore these hidden halls and the history and stories behind them.
5 Exhibitions - Explore the Extravagance of the Emperors
A palace treasure in the Forbidden CityThere are more than a million works of art in the Palace Museum collections, including ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, and bronzes.
A visit to some of these collection halls will allow you to have a glimpse of the luxurious life of the palace in centuries gone by.
The main exhibitions are:
- The Clocks Gallery in the Hall of Ancestral Offerings (Fengxian Dian)
- The Treasures Gallery in the Palace of Tranquil Longevity (Ningshou Gong)
- The Paintings and Calligraphy Gallery in the Hall of Military Eminence (Wuying Dian)
- The Porcelain and Ceramics Gallery in the Hall of Literary Glory (Wenhua Dian)
- Bronzeware Gallery in the Palace of Celestial Favor (Chengqian Dian)
Interesting Ways to Discover the Forbidden City
If you want to make your Forbidden City visit more memorable, try dressing in a Qing Dynasty costume and become an emperor or empress for a moment.
Pose against the backdrop of red walls and golden tiles. This immersive experience is perfect for both children and adults, offering a unique memory to take home.
Qing dynasty costume experienceIf you're ready for a short break, we recommend the "Wanchunjinfu(万春金福)" afternoon tea near the Palace of Earthly Tranquility (Kunning Palace).
You could sit in a courtyard setting and enjoy a royal-inspired tea set that includes delicate pastries, traditional desserts, and beautifully presented coffee.
It's more than just a snack; it's a moment of imperial-style indulgence that adds a refined touch to your visit.
Wanchunjinfu afternoon teaA Hilltop View - Marvel at the Magnitude of the Complex
Enjoy an elevated view of the Forbidden City from Jingshan ParkWe advise you to add a literal overview of the 'Crimson Palace' complex, an opportunity overlooked by most travelers or tour groups. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the palace from Jingshan Park, and marvel at its scale and integrated fengshui design.
Most sweeping Forbidden City photos, which may have inspired you on social media, are taken from Jingshan Park.
Tips:
When you look down at the Forbidden City, you'll notice that Jingshan Park and the six main halls you visited earlier are all aligned along a straight line. This is Beijing's Central Axis, which dictates the layout of the entire old city.
If you want to learn about the other buildings along the Central Axis, consider taking a cycling tour.
3 Recommended Palace Tour Routes
We understand that, after a long journey to get to Beijing, you probably won't want to rush through the museum in only 2 hours. Allow half a day if you want to travel at an enjoyable pace, or learn more about the imperial palace.
1. The Standard Tour Route
- Route: Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Hall of Union → Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Imperial Garden
The emperor's throne in the Hall of Supreme HarmonyThe 2-hour route follows the central axis, showcasing the largest six halls, which are similar in design, and ends with a garden.
This briefest of tours could give you a quick snapshot of the Forbidden City. Expect to be overrun by herds of tourists, getting bogged down or driven aside by the fight-to-the-front, as you try to catch a glimpse of what the timeworn commentary and Chinese cacophony is about.
2. A Refreshing Half-Day Itinerary: Escape to the Tranquil Side Halls
- Route: Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Palace of Compassion and Tranquility → Palace of Longevity and Health → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Hall of Union → Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Palace of Eternal Longevity → Palace of Gathered Elegance → Imperial Garden → Corner Tower
This route allows you to avoid the crowds and explore the quieter corners of the Forbidden City.
It includes not only the must-see main palaces (visited during less busy hours) but also some beautifully preserved side halls with unique functions, styles, and hidden treasures.
If you're traveling with kids, consider adding these 3 places that often engage younger visitors:
- Wenyuan Pavilion: The royal library where imperial princes studied classic texts and calligraphy.
- Archery Pavilion: Displays ancient weapons and archery gear once used by palace guards.
- Clock Exhibition Hall: Showcases ornate European clocks that once amazed the emperors.
During the tour, our guide will bring these spaces to life with engaging stories, explain the meaning of imperial symbols like dragons and phoenixes, and invite children to create their own "lucky designs."
Eave ridge beastsRecommended Beijing Tours
- 4-Day Beijing Private Tour to Visit the Great Wall at Night
- 5-Day Beijing Family Tour
- 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
Feel free to contact us if you want to customize or adjust the itinerary.
3. A Whole Day Itinerary: Discover in Depth
If you want to see not only the central axis but also most of the east and west wing palaces, a half-day visit won't suffice. You'll need to spend a full day exploring.
When crowds are light, we recommend following the route in this order: central axis → west side → east side. If it's busy, switch to east side → central axis → west side to avoid peak traffic.
We only recommend this full-day route if you have a strong interest in Chinese imperial history and wish to explore in depth. Some halls may be repetitive or less impressive than others, so it's best suited for those who truly want to uncover every layer of the palace complex.
Is the Forbidden City Wheelchair-Friendly?
Yes, it is, at least in most areas. There are accessible paths along the central axis and near the Treasure Gallery, allowing you to explore key highlights with relative ease.
However, some sections still have high steps or raised thresholds, so assistance from a companion may be needed at times.
Wheelchairs are available on-site. If you're booking with us, we can arrange wheelchair rental in advance. Just let us know your needs.
The Best Times to Visit and Ways to Avoid Crowds
The peak travel season for the Forbidden City is from April to October; the low season is from November to March.
From our experience, the best time to visit the Forbidden City is from mid-October to the end of November. This short autumn season boasts comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds and stunning golden ginkgo trees.
Golden ginkgo in the Forbidden CityIn other seasons, the Forbidden City offers its own unique charm. From late March to early April, apricot and crabapple blossoms add a romantic touch. In winter, the unpredictable snow scenes from December to January enhance the palace's allure.
Snowy scenery of the Forbidden CityThe Forbidden City is always more crowded during weekends and Chinese public holidays such as National Day Holiday (October 1–7) and Labor Day Holiday (May 1–3).
To avoid crowds, we suggest that you:
- Try to arrive either at the 8.30am opening time or in the afternoon, after 2pm.
- Visit during the winter low season, if the dry and cold weather and greatest smog levels wouldn't detract too much from your experience.
- Try to avoid the central axis, which is often crammed with large Chinese tour groups.
Forbidden City Opening Hours and Ticket Booking
The Forbidden City is closed every Monday except national public holidays in China.
Its daily visitor number limit is no more than 80,000. Tickets are usually sold out every day in the high season. The Forbidden City doesn't have tickets on sale on site. Tickets must be bought in advance online.
Enjoy a private tour with tickets included, so you won't need to navigate unfamiliar WeChat mini-programs to book them yourself.
| Date | April 1st to October 31st | November 1st to March 31st |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 08:30-17:00 | 08:30-16:30 |
| Ticket Checking Times | Morning: 08:30-12:00 Afternoon: 11:00-16:00 |
Morning: 08:30-12:00 Afternoon: 11:00-15:30 |
How to Get to the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is located in the center of Beijing city, north of Tian'anmen Square.
- Location: 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
Meridian Gate is the mainly enterance for visitors. There are three ways to get to the Forbidden City:
- By subway: Take Subway Line 1 and get off at Tiananmen West (Exit B) or Tiananmen East Station (Exit B).
- By bus: Take bus 1, 2, 52, 82, or 120 and get off at Tiananmen East Stop.
- By taxi: Show '请带我去故宫' (Please take me to the Forbidden City)
Beijing Airports to the Forbidden City
From Beijing Capital International Airport: Airport Express - Subway Line 10 - Subway Line 1 or Airport Express - Subway Line 2 - Subway Line 1
From Beijing Daxing International Airport: Daxing Airport Express - Subway Line 10 - Subway Line 1
See more on How to Get from Beijing Airports to Beijing City Center.
Practical Travel Tips
- 1. Wear comfortable walking shoes! You will be walking or standing for at least 2 hours. Think warmth in winter; breathable in summer. Heel-less sandals are seen as disrespectful.
- 2. Remember to take your passport for ticket booking and the security check.
- 3. For the best experience do some background reading first, and maybe watch a movies like the The Last Emperor.
- 4. If visiting in summer, bring a cap, sunglasses and sun screen for sun protection as the outdoor parts of the museum offer little shade.
- 5. Food and drink: Restaurants, cafes, and kiosks in the museum are limited in variety, and prices are high. It is probably better and cheaper to bring your own snacks and water. Or select a nearby restaurant for your meal when you finish your trip.
- 6. A free luggage storage service is available at both the entrance and exit.
Expertly Guided or Self Guided? - Make the Expert Choice
Without a guide, you'll only see a group of buildings, missing out on the fascinating history that is right in front of you, which is truly a pity.
A knowledgeable and well-spoken guide is essential. A good guide will help you discover the stories and culture behind the imperial halls, making your trip more fun and inspiring.
This review from TripAdvisor sums it up quite well:
"Without her (the guide), I think I would have been walking around aimless. So much to see and take in, it is gargantuan and gets a bit samey." - Aisling B, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Our guide explained the Forbidden City to the guestsThree options are available: rent an audio guide, hire a guide at the museum, or have a private guide included in your private tour (as we do).
A private guide is recommended for the best quality experience. He/she can answer your questions, navigate the crowds, and lead you to the best spots for photos.
Discover More Hidden Secrets of the Forbidden City with Us
If you are seeking a real journey of discovery, a private tour with a knowledgeable guide is the best option.
Having explored the Forbidden City at least 50 times each, our local guides are familiar with every corner of the Palace Museum. They are skilled at making your trip informative and enjoyable.
Tell us your requirements and one of our specialists will be in touch to plan a unique trip for you