In this Forbidden City guide, we’ll cover how to book Forbidden City tickets online, how to plan your visit, and practical tips for first-time visitors.
The Forbidden City is an iconic Chinese landmark and an absolute must-see attraction in Beijing. This spectacular example of Chinese imperial architecture is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re planning on visiting the Forbidden City, look no further than this post. I’ll go over how to visit the Forbidden City in detail.
I’ve been to the Forbidden City many times over the years on various family trips to Beijing. Beijing has changed a lot, but the Forbidden City really feels timeless, a steady constant in a sea of change. Each visit provides a fresh perspective – new unvisited areas, new treasures on display, new stories from the palaces. The beauty of the Forbidden City is that you can go as in-depth as you want – spend a whole day getting lost here, or just a few hours for the highlights if you’re in a rush. The palace complex is so huge that even at its most crowded in the height of summer, you’ll probably be able to find a moment of peace in a courtyard somewhere.
History of the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City was the former imperial palace during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties of China. It houses the largest collection of ancient wooden structures in the world. Yes, that’s right, a lot of the palace is made from wood!
The Forbidden City is built symmetrically on a north-south axis, with the most important buildings along the central line, and is said to contain 9,999 rooms. The name stems from the fact that entry to the palace was forbidden for ordinary citizens. With its thick, high walls and massive surrounding moat, you can tell they took palace security seriously.
The Forbidden City is split into two sections: the northern inner court and the southern outer court. The outer court was where the emperor conducted affairs of state and held public ceremonies and feasts. The inner court was the private residence of the imperial family. Over its 600-year history, 24 emperors have resided in the Forbidden City: 14 Ming and 10 Qing dynasty emperors.
The Forbidden City was built between 1406 and 1420 by Yongle Emperor, the third emperor of the Ming dynasty. He moved China’s capital city from Nanjing to Beijing, building a palace in his new seat of power. A few hundred years later, the Han-led Ming dynasty was overthrown by the Manchus (an ethnic minority group from northeastern China). The Qing dynasty was established, with the Forbidden City continuing as the seat of power until the end of imperial rule in China.
Imperial China was brought to an end in 1912 by the abdication of Xuantong Emperor, more commonly known as Puyi, the last emperor of China. Still a child at the time, Puyi was allowed to continue living in the palace. He was later evicted in 1924, and the Forbidden City was opened to the public as a museum in 1925.
Once closed off to ordinary people, the Forbidden City now receives millions of visitors from around the world every year.
For Context: Notable Historical Figures
- Kangxi Emperor (1654-1722, reign 1661-1722): highly-regarded Qing dynasty emperor, the longest reigning emperor in Chinese history at 61 years
- Qianlong Emperor (1796-1799, reign 1735-1796): grandson of Kangxi Emperor, also had a long and prosperous reign; he abdicated after 60 years out of respect to his grandfather; several popular historical palace dramas are set during his reign (Princess Returning Pearl, Yanxi Palace, Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace)
- Dowager Empress Cixi (1835-1908): once a lowly concubine, she rose through the ranks to eventually become the de facto ruler of China for almost 50 years (through her son and then her nephew’s regencies), a very divisive figure in history
- Xuantong Emperor/Puyi (1907-1967, reign 1908-1912): the last emperor of China, only ruled for 4 years as a very young child before abdicating
Forbidden City: Essential Information
The Forbidden City is officially called the Palace Museum. It’s called Gù Gōng (故宮) in Chinese, meaning the former palace. The Forbidden City covers an area of 720,000 square metres (178 acres). It’s the largest palace complex in the world, and is more than four times the size of Britain’s Buckingham Palace.
Forbidden City Opening Times
Apr-Oct: 08:30-17:00 (last entry 16:00)
Nov-Mar: 08:30-16:30 (last entry 15:30)
Open Tues-Sat
Important to note that the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays (except national holidays, but you should avoid those anyway). The Forbidden City also closes half an hour earlier during the low season (1st November – 31st March), but the opening time remains the same.
When booking your Forbidden City ticket, you’ll be asked to choose the morning or afternoon session. Entry for the morning session is 8:30 onwards, with last entry at 12:00 noon. Choosing the session only matters for your entry time, and you can stay inside the Forbidden City until closing time if you want to. For the afternoon session, you can enter from 11:00 onwards, and the last entry is 16:00 (or 15:30 in low season).
Forbidden City Ticket Costs
Entrance Ticket:
¥60 peak season (Apr – Oct)
¥40 low season (Nov – Mar)
Additional Galleries:
Treasure Gallery ¥10
Gallery of Clocks ¥10
(¥5 for senior citizens and students)
Discounts:
Students: ¥20 all year
Children (0-6): free
Senior Citizens: ¥30 peak season, ¥20 low season
The entrance ticket price varies by season. The peak season is 1st April – 31st October, and the low season is 1st November – 31st March.
There are two additional galleries inside the Forbidden City, which require separate tickets. These house special exhibitions of imperial artefacts. I highly recommend booking the Treasures Gallery if it’s available.
Students will be glad to know that the Forbidden City offers a student discount, which, unlike some countries, does apply to all international students. This includes school students (7-17 years old) and university students (undergraduate only). Student ID is needed as proof.
Children 6 and under are free, but still need a ticket booking. Senior citizens (60 and over) also get discounted entry.
How to Book Tickets for the Forbidden City
You can book tickets for the Forbidden City online through the official Palace Museum website. Thankfully it’s in English and straightforward to navigate. You can also book Forbidden City tickets on the official WeChat mini-app (故宫博物馆), but this is only in Chinese.
You can book Forbidden City tickets online up to 7 days in advance. Tickets often sell out during high season, so I definitely recommend planning ahead. You can’t make reservations on the day, but there is sometimes ticket availability the night before during low season.
For a worry-free solution, you can also use a ticket booking service to reserve your slot. Tickets are automatically booked for you when they are released, so there’s no need to set yourself a reminder or alarm. This is generally a reliable method of booking your Forbidden City tickets, but is not guaranteed during peak periods like national holidays. If your tickets can’t be booked, you’re automatically refunded.
What to Do if Forbidden City Tickets are Sold Out
If Forbidden City tickets are all sold out online, there is a workaround to visit the Forbidden City. There’s a new policy allowing foreign travellers to buy tickets from the Forbidden City ticket office on the day, even if they’re sold out online.
You won’t be let through the main entrance at the Meridian Gate (午门) without a reservation, so you need to enter from the side entrance on Donghuamen Street (东华门). You can then buy Forbidden City tickets in person at the ticket office. You’ll need to bring your passport.
You can also get to the Forbidden City ticket office if you enter from Tiananmen Square. This requires you to make a (free) online reservation for Tiananmen Square the day before.
Best Time to Visit the Forbidden City
The best time to visit the Forbidden City is a weekday (but not Monday!), as it will be less busy than the weekend. For fewer crowds, aim for opening time or mid/late afternoon. I prefer the morning, as it will be less hot, and you have the option of spending longer there.
Beijing has distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and long, cold winters. The Forbidden City is beautiful all year round. But as an open-air museum, you’ll get a different experience during each season.
The best times to visit the Forbidden City are in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). The crowds are moderately-sized and the temperatures are comfortable. You’ll get pleasantly warm weather in spring, and cooler (but not cold) weather in autumn in Beijing. You can also enjoy the golden foliage in autumn.
If you can brave the cold, the Forbidden City is much less crowded in the winter (November-March). It’s not too bad if you wrap up warm with a good winter coat (and gloves!). You’ll feel like you have the place almost to yourself. It usually also snows a few times during the winter in Beijing, and the Forbidden City looks spectacular dusted in snow.
Try to avoid visiting the Forbidden City in summer (June-August), as this is the peak tourist season. There’s very little shade for visitors inside the Forbidden City, so it will be both scorchingly hot and crowded. Other times to avoid are the national ‘golden week’ holiday periods: Chinese New Year, first week of May, and first week of October.
How to Get to the Forbidden City
The main entrance for the Forbidden City is the southern Meridian Gate (午门 wǔ mén). The main exit for the Forbidden City is the northern Gate of Divine Prowess (神武门). You can only exit and not enter through the northern gate.
It’s easy to get to the Forbidden City by metro. You can get off at either Tiananmen East (天安门西) or Tiananmen West (天安门东) station. Both metro stations are on Line 1, and a similar distance (a short walk) from the main entrance.
Getting to the Forbidden City by taxi is trickier, as the area right outside the Meridian Gate is pedestrianised. If you decide to take a taxi, you’d need to be dropped off a few blocks earlier.
What to See in the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City holds 600 years of history within its walls, so it’s easy to feel lost here, both literally and figuratively. The preserved splendour of its current state is how it would have looked at the height of the Qing dynasty. Many rooms within the Forbidden City have been recreated using original palace furniture and objects from that period.
Ironically, in a way, the Forbidden City is still closed off to regular people, as you can’t go inside the palace rooms. You can only see the lavish interiors from the doorways and windows. There are some indoor spaces such as the exhibition galleries and shops, but the majority of your visit is outdoors. It’s essentially an open-air historical museum.
You’ll enter through the southern gate and exit via the northern gate. Your visit will take you through the outer court area first, and then through the inner court.
The Forbidden City is made up of many smaller palaces, each with its own unique story and history. The most important buildings are located along the central axis, namely the Three Great Halls in the outer court, and the emperor and empress’s palaces in the inner court. These are the most impressive and grand, but also where most visitors, especially tour groups, tend to congregate. You’ll find that the smaller side palaces are much less crowded.
Outer Court
The outer court is the public-facing half of the Forbidden City, with large, grand buildings and expansive squares.
Three Great Halls
The Three Great Halls are the centrepiece of the outer court, raised on a three-tiered marble terrace:
- Hall of Supreme Harmony (太和殿 tài hé diàn)
- Hall of Central Harmony (中和殿 zhōng hé diàn)
- Hall of Preserving Harmony (保和殿 bǎo hé diàn)
The Hall of Supreme Harmony contains the majestic Dragon Throne. This is where important imperial ceremonies such as enthronements and weddings were held. During the Ming dynasty, emperors also held court in this hall.
The Hall of Central Harmony is a smaller square building, where the emperor rested before ceremonies.
The Hall of Preserving Harmony is where important feasts and banquets were held. The imperial examination for admittance into the civil service was also held in this hall.
Archery Pavilion
The Manchu emperors of the Qing dynasty were an ethnic minority group ruling over the Han-majority population. Cultural assimilation into Han society meant many Manchu customs, including the skills of archery and horse riding, were being lost. The Archery Pavilion (箭亭 jiàn tíng) was built as a reminder for future generations to uphold Manchu traditions. Emperors and princes practised their archery skills in the courtyard here.
Inner Court
The inner court of the Forbidden City is a maze of smaller palaces, where the emperor and his family lived. You’ll pass through the boundary Gate of Heavenly Purity (乾清门 qián qīng mén) to reach the inner court.
As you would expect with the symmetry of the Forbidden City, the inner court has its own ‘three great halls’. There are two grand palaces: the Palace of Heavenly Purity and Palace of Earthly Tranquillity, which are the residence of the emperor and empress. Between them is the Hall of Union, where imperial seals and important ceremonial items are kept.
Either side of the central axis are smaller palaces, grouped into the Six Eastern Palaces and Six Western Palaces. These are where the imperial concubines would have lived.
Palace of Heavenly Purity
The Palace of Heavenly Purity (乾清宫 qián qīng gōng) is the largest of the palaces in the inner court. No surprises that this was where the emperor lived. Later Qing emperors actually resided in the nearby Hall of Mental Cultivation (养心殿 yǎng xīn diàn) as a show of respect to Kangxi Emperor, the longest reigning emperor in Chinese history.
Qing dynasty emperors also held their morning court meetings in the Palace of Heavenly Purity, rather than in the further away Hall of Supreme Harmony, to cut down on their morning commute. Yep, even Chinese emperors couldn’t escape the daily grind of early morning meetings.
Palace of Earthly Tranquillity
The Palace of Earthly Tranquillity (坤宁宫 kūn níng gōng) was the residence of the empress. The empress was the chief consort of the emperor and in charge of the inner court.
When later Qing emperors moved out of the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the empresses also followed suit and moved out of the Palace of Earthly Tranquillity. The palace was subsequently used as a bridal chamber for the emperor and empress’s wedding night. Inside, you can see the traditional red and gold double happiness signs decorating the rooms.
Palace of Tranquil Longevity (Treasures Gallery)
The Palace of Tranquil Longevity (宁寿宫 níng shòu gōng) was originally built by Qianlong emperor for him to live in during his retirement. The palace is located in a secluded corner in the northeastern part of the Forbidden City. There’s a spectacular glazed tile Nine Dragon Screen on the front wall of this palace (one of only three in the country).
Although Qianlong did officially retire after his 60-year reign, he continued to rule for a few more years, and never lived in his retirement palace. Today, the Palace of Tranquil Longevity houses the Treasures Gallery, a large collection of exquisite imperial jewels and precious objects. It’s well worth a visit (note that you need a separate ticket for the Treasures Gallery).
Other Highlights of the Forbidden City
- Nine Dragon Screen (九龙壁 jiǔ lóng bì) – this spectacular glazed tile wall is located outside the Palace of Tranquil Longevity, and is one of only three such screens in China; it measures 27 metres wide (89 ft)
- Imperial Garden (御花园 yù huā yuán) – beautifully landscaped traditional Chinese garden; look out for the ‘love tree’, which is a pair of two intertwined cypress trees
- Belvedere of Pleasant Sounds (畅音阁 chàng yīn gé) – three-level opera theatre, the three stages are connected, with trapdoors so actors can move up and down
- Palace of Gathered Elegance (储秀宫 chǔ xiù gōng) – one of the six western palaces; this is where Empress Dowager Cixi once lived as a low-ranking concubine, she gave birth to Prince Zaichun, the future Tongzhi Emperor here in 1956
- Look out for the many large metal cauldrons dotted around the palaces of the Forbidden City – these contained water and were used in event of a fire
Tours of the Forbidden City
You may be wondering whether you need a tour guide to visit the Forbidden City. The answer is: it depends. It depends on your prior knowledge of Chinese history and culture, as well as your level of interest in the history.
If you’re looking to just take in the vibe and snap a few nice photos while you’re at it, you absolutely can enjoy yourself in the Forbidden City without a guide. Most of the palaces have informational signs written in English with some interesting background and facts.
However, if you’re a first-time visitor to the Forbidden City, I highly recommend either getting an audio guide or hiring a tour guide. You’ll notice many more interesting things and appreciate the splendour of the place more with a bit of context.
Audio guides cost ¥40 and are available in over 30 languages. The Chinese audio guide (which includes Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hakka) is only ¥20. I enjoy using audio guides, as they allow you to understand the history in more depth, whilst being able to explore at your own pace.
If you’re looking to meet other travellers, check out this small-group guided tour of the Forbidden City. You can also book a private tour of the Forbidden City if you prefer.
Where to Get the Best Views of the Forbidden City
Jingshan Park
For the best views of the Forbidden City, head to Jingshan Park (景山公园). You get an amazing bird’s eye view of the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park.
Jingshan Park was a former imperial garden, and also has several traditional-style pavilions inside. The viewpoint is a short climb with stairs to the top of the hill. It’s a popular sunset spot, so it does get very crowded then.
Conveniently, the entrance to Jingshan Park is just across the road from the north gate, i.e. the exit, of the Forbidden City. Entry costs ¥10 and you can buy it from the ticket office on the day.
Corner Towers
You can walk around the outer perimeter of the Forbidden City and admire the four elaborate corner towers. These were originally built for defensive purposes, and are now popular photography spots. You’ll also be able to see the impressive moat, which measures 52m (171 ft) wide and 6m (20ft) deep.
The northwest and northeast corner towers are most popular, and can easily be reached after you exit the Forbidden City from the north gate (the main exit).
Tips for Visiting the Forbidden City
Here are my top practical tips for visiting the Forbidden City for first-time visitors:
- To avoid disappointment, make sure to book your Forbidden City tickets ahead of time, as they’re often sold out
- Make sure to bring your passport – your ticket is linked to your passport, so you will need it to enter
- The best way to get to the Forbidden City is by public transport using the metro (Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West on Line 1)
- To avoid crowds, visit on a weekday. Arrive half an hour before opening time to queue up at the Meridian Gate or visit mid-afternoon (after 2pm) to beat the crowds
- Sun protection is a must, as it’s all outdoors with almost no shade. Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen. You could also do as the locals do and bring a UV-protection umbrella
- If you’re visiting the Forbidden City in winter, make sure to wrap up warm, and definitely wear gloves so you can take all the photos without your fingers freezing.
- You’ll be on your feet all day, so definitely wear comfortable walking shoes
- There are places to eat in the Forbidden City if you get hungry during your visit, although the food is likely to be overpriced. Check out my guide on what to eat in Beijing instead! 😉
- Turn off the central areas and visit the smaller side palaces, where it will be less crowded
- Stop and notice the small details too: the roof figures, intricately-painted wooden beams, marble dragon carvings
If you’re still looking for more information about the Forbidden City, check out the Palace Museum’s official website, which features virtual tours of many of the palaces.
Planning your trip to China? Check out my other China travel guides:
How to Pay in China Like a Local
6 Essential Apps for Travelling China
Getting a SIM Card for China
Getting Around China
How to Book Hotels in China
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