Hello everyone, I’m Michael Zhang, a travel enthusiast with a deep passion for history and culture, especially world heritage sites. With extensive international travel experience, I aim to take you on a journey through places filled with stories and charm. Today, I invite you to explore one of the most magnificent ancient buildings in China—the Forbidden City in Beijing, and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture.

Summary

History of the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City (also known as the Palace Museum) is one of the largest and most well-preserved wooden architectural complexes in the world, and it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. Located in the heart of Beijing, China, it served as the royal palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and was known as the “Purple Forbidden City.” Centered around the three main halls, the Forbidden City covers an area of about 720,000 square meters, with a building area of 150,000 square meters. There are over seventy palace buildings in the Forbidden City, and it is said that there are 9,999.5 rooms. However, in 1973, experts found that there are actually 8,707 rooms.

The Forbidden City in Beijing was constructed during the fourth year of the Yongle Emperor’s reign (1406) and was modeled after the Nanjing Palace. It was completed in the eighteenth year of Yongle (1420) and became the royal palace for twenty-four emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. On October 10, 1925, the Palace Museum was officially established and opened to the public. The Forbidden City is 961 meters long from north to south and 753 meters wide from east to west, with ten-meter-high walls and a 52-meter-wide moat surrounding it. There are four gates: the Meridian Gate (south), Gate of Divine Prowess (north), East Glorious Gate (east), and West Glorious Gate (west). At each corner of the walls stands a beautiful watchtower, renowned for their complex structure involving “nine beams, eighteen columns, and seventy-two ridges.”

The architecture of the Forbidden City is divided into the Outer Court and the Inner Court. The center of the Outer Court includes the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, collectively known as the “Three Great Halls,” which were used for major state ceremonies. Flanking these halls are the Wenhua and Wuying Halls. The center of the Inner Court consists of the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Union, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, known collectively as the “Three Rear Palaces,” which served as the residences of the emperor and empress. Behind these was the Imperial Garden. The eastern and western sides of the Three Rear Palaces housed the Six Eastern and Western Palaces, which were the residential quarters for concubines. On the eastern side of the Six Eastern Palaces is the Hall of Celestial Favors, while on the western side of the Six Western Palaces is the Hall of Rectitude. Beyond the Outer Court and Inner Court, there are also the Eastern and Western Outer Routes.

Panoramic view of the Forbidden City in Beijing, showing the architectural scale and grandeur.

Palace Map

Map of the Forbidden City in Beijing, highlighting open and unopen areas.

The unopen areas are marked in blue, while the main attractions of the Forbidden City are marked in red.

Top 10 Must-See Attractions in the Forbidden City

1. Hall of Supreme Harmony

The Hall of Supreme Harmony, commonly known as the “Golden Throne Hall,” was constructed in the eighteenth year of the Yongle Emperor’s reign (1420). It was initially called the Hall of Heavenly Order, later renamed the Hall of Great Supremacy in the forty-first year of Emperor Jiajing’s reign (1562), and finally acquired its current name during Emperor Shunzhi’s reign (1645). It is the venue for important ceremonies such as the emperor’s ascension to the throne, royal weddings, and more. The current structure, which we see today, was rebuilt during the thirty-fourth year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign (1695) after a series of reconstructions due to multiple fires. The hall is the largest in the Forbidden City, covering 2,377 square meters, with an overall height of 35.05 meters (including the platform). Notably, ten mythical beasts are placed on the eaves of the hall, signifying its supreme status.

2. Palace of Heavenly Purity

The Palace of Heavenly Purity is one of the “Three Rear Palaces” of the Inner Court. It was initially built in the eighteenth year of the Yongle Emperor’s reign (1420) and later rebuilt during Emperor Jiaqing’s reign (1798). It was the residence of fourteen emperors during the Ming Dynasty. The palace features yellow glazed tile double-eave hipped roofs and sits on a single-layered white marble base, with a vast courtyard in front.

3. Hall of Martial Valor

The Hall of Martial Valor was built during the early Ming Dynasty and is located west of the Gate of Prosperous Harmony. It was initially used for imperial fasting and summoning ministers. During the early Qing Dynasty, it served as the office of Regent Dorgon. The hall’s unique architectural features and historical significance make it a key attraction.

4. Imperial Garden

The Imperial Garden is located on the central axis of the Forbidden City, behind the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. Built during the eighteenth year of the Yongle Emperor’s reign (1420), it has retained its original layout. Covering 12,000 square meters, the garden includes pavilions, rockeries, and ancient trees that create a peaceful and scenic environment.

5. Meridian Gate

The Meridian Gate, also known as the “Five Phoenix Tower,” is the main gate of the Forbidden City. It features a grand structure that includes a central tower and four surrounding watchtowers. Only the emperor was allowed to use the central passage, while other officials used the side passages. The gate played a critical role in imperial ceremonies and commands.

6. East Glorious Gate

The East Glorious Gate mirrors the structure of the West Glorious Gate and features three arches topped with a tower. It was used for official passages and features a bridge over the Golden Water River, adding to its picturesque beauty.

7. Gate of Divine Prowess

Originally named the “Gate of Dark Warrior,” the Gate of Divine Prowess is located at the northern end of the Forbidden City. It serves as the northern exit and is adorned with elaborate decorations. This gate is now the main entrance for visitors to the Palace Museum.

8. Palace of Tranquil Longevity

Located behind the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, the Palace of Tranquil Longevity was initially constructed as the emperor’s retirement residence. It later served as the residence of the Empress Dowager and hosted significant historical events during the late Qing Dynasty.

9. Palace of Earthly Tranquility

The Palace of Earthly Tranquility was originally the sleeping quarters of the empress. Later, it was converted into a sacred shamanic space for the Manchu rulers. It was the location for important events, including the royal weddings of several emperors.

The Treasure Gallery is one of the most important exhibition halls in the Palace Museum. It holds various priceless artifacts, including jewelry, goldware, jade carvings, and other treasures, offering visitors a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the imperial family.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring

Peonies blooming in the Imperial Garden during spring at the Forbidden City, Beijing.

In spring, the Forbidden City blooms with flowers, especially in the Imperial Garden, where peonies are in full bloom. This is one of the most beautiful seasons to visit.

Summer

Summer view of the Forbidden City under the sun in Beijing.

During summer, the Forbidden City shines brightly under the sunlight. Despite the heat, visitors flock to witness the grandeur of its architecture.

Autumn

Golden leaves at the Forbidden City during autumn in Beijing.

In fall, the Forbidden City is surrounded by golden leaves, creating an incredible contrast with the yellow tiles and red walls—a paradise for photographers.

Winter

Snow-covered turret of the Forbidden City in winter in Beijing.

In winter, the Forbidden City is covered in snow, creating a serene and solemn atmosphere—a perfect time to experience its ancient tranquility.

Tourist Guide to the Forbidden City

Ticket Purchase Guide

Opening Hours:

  • Peak Season (April 1–October 31): 8:30–17:00 (Last admission at 16:00)
  • Off-Season (November 1–March 31): 8:30–16:30 (Last admission at 15:30)

Tip: Closed on Mondays (except national holidays).

Ticket Prices:

  • Peak Season (April 1–October 31): Entrance ticket 60 RMB/person, Treasure Gallery 10 RMB/person, Clock Gallery 10 RMB/person
  • Off-Season (November 1–March 31): Entrance ticket 40 RMB/person, combined Treasure and Clock Gallery 20 RMB/person
  • Discount Tickets: 20 RMB/person for students aged 18+ (university level and below); 30 RMB/person for seniors aged 60+ during peak season, 20 RMB/person during off-season

Purchase Methods:

  • Online: Via official WeChat accounts or other booking platforms
  • On-Site: Purchase tickets at the entrance with a passport.
    • Tip: Tickets sell out quickly due to the Forbidden City’s popularity. Be sure to book in advance.

Guide Services

Guided tours can be booked at the Guest Service area at the entrance. If guides are not available upon arrival, you may need to wait until one returns from a completed tour.

  • Languages available: English and Chinese
  • Group size: 1-5 people; an additional fee of 30 RMB for each extra person
  • Prices: English – 2 hours for 500 RMB; Chinese – 2 hours for 280 RMB; additional 150 RMB per extra half-hour
Guide Services price

Transportation from Downtown

Take Subway Line 1 and get off at Tian’anmen East Station or Tian’anmen West Station, Exit B.

1. 1.5-2 Hour Quick Central Axis Tour

Meridian Gate → Gate of Supreme Harmony → 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 → Gate of Divine Prowess. This route covers the core area of the Forbidden City and is suitable for those on a tight schedule.

2. 3-4 Hour Regular Tour

Meridian Gate → Hall of Martial Valor → Gate of Supreme Harmony → 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 → Six Eastern Palaces → Palace of Abstinence → Treasure Gallery → Palace of Tranquil Longevity → Gate of Divine Prowess. You can add or remove attractions based on the time available. For example, if you have more time, you can add the Clock Gallery; if short on time, you can skip the Palace of Abstinence.

3. 6-8 Hour Full Day In-Depth Tour

Meridian Gate → Hall of Martial Valor → Wenhua Hall → Gate of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Hall of Union → Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Palace of Tranquil Longevity → Six Western Palaces → Imperial Garden → Six Eastern Palaces → Clock Gallery → Treasure Gallery → Gate of Divine Prowess. This route is ideal for those who want to explore every part of the Forbidden City, covering almost all open sections.

Stamp Collection in the Forbidden City

There are a total of 34 stamps available for collection within the Forbidden City: 1 at the Meridian Gate souvenir store, 3 at the Wenhua Hall, 3 at the Hall of Martial Valor, 3 at the Icehouse Bookstore, 4 at the Chinese Characters Gallery, 5 at the Kunning Palace souvenir store, 3 at the Chongxiu Palace Telephone Bureau, 3 at the Imperial Garden Bookstore, 5 at the Treasure Gallery, and 4 outside the Gate of Divine Prowess (including souvenir shops and Corner Tower Cafe).

Visitors can bring their own notebooks or purchase postcards or journals at the souvenir stores for stamp collection.

Stamp Collection in the Forbidden City

Restaurant Guide Inside the Forbidden City

Forbidden City Fast Food•Duanmen Store

Located east of the Hall of Preserving Harmony, near the Arrow Pavilion. Offers a variety of Chinese-style rice bowls, noodles, appetizers, dim sum, and Western desserts—a convenient option for visitors.

Forbidden City Fast Food•Duanmen Store

Wanchun Jinfo Afternoon Tea (Forbidden City Store)

Located east of the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. Signature dishes include “Everything Goes Well” cake, Wanfujinchun latte, Five Blessings dessert, lotus red bean porridge, and the Fragrant Mei Feizi drink.

Wanchun Jinfo Afternoon Tea (Forbidden City Store)

Icehouse Restaurant

Located south of Cining Palace. Includes a bookstore, cafe, restaurant, and outdoor shaded seating area. Serves palace-themed meals and creative afternoon tea. It also has a free stamp collection point.

Icehouse Restaurant

Essential Beijing Travel Resources