Discover the Forbidden City in Beijing: A Complete Travel Guide

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.

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Introduction to the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, is one of the largest and best-preserved wooden architectural complexes in the world. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it sits at the very center of Beijing and once served as the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Centered around the Three Great Halls, the complex covers 720,000 square meters with about 150,000 square meters of building space and more than seventy palatial structures.

A popular legend claims the palace contains 9,999.5 rooms, though a detailed survey conducted in 1973 confirmed the actual number to be 8,707.

For a first visit, I recommend deciding on tickets, time and entrance route before choosing individual halls. The Forbidden City is Beijing’s Palace Museum, inside the former imperial palace. Enter through the Meridian Gate on the south; leave through the Gate of Divine Prowess to the north or the East Glorious Gate. Allow about 1.5–2 hours for a shortened central-axis walk, 3–4 hours for the main palaces, or 6–8 hours if you want side courts, the Treasure Gallery or Clock Gallery. With children or older companions, I would limit side trips and leave time to rest. Reserve your named ticket seven days ahead when booking opens at 8:00 p.m. Beijing time; no same-day tickets are sold. Use the map and routes below to choose your day, including food stops and luggage pickup.

• Address: No. 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Opening Hours: Closed every Monday except on China’s public holidays
  • Peak Season (Apr–Oct): 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:00)
  • Off-Season (Nov–Mar): 8:30–16:30 (last entry 15:30)
• Suggested Duration: 4–6 hours
• Best Season to Visit: All year
• Admission: Main Palace Museum ticket: 60 CNY from April 1 to October 31; 40 CNY from November 1 to March 31. The Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery require separate tickets.
• Compare ticket prices and find the best deals: Click Here

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Is the Forbidden City worth visiting?

Yes, I highly recommend the Forbidden City for first-time visitors to Beijing, especially those interested in Chinese history, imperial architecture, and traditional culture. Walking through the grand halls and courtyards gives you a sense of the scale of China’s imperial past that photographs alone cannot capture. However, the palace complex is enormous and involves considerable walking, so I recommend making it the main attraction of a half-day itinerary rather than treating it as a quick sightseeing stop.

• Best for: First-time visitors to Beijing, history and architecture enthusiasts, and travelers interested in Chinese imperial culture.
• Why it’s worth visiting: The former imperial palace of 24 Ming and Qing emperors offers magnificent architecture, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, expansive ceremonial courtyards, and beautifully preserved palace buildings.
• Best combined with: Jingshan Park. After exiting the Forbidden City through the northern Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwumen), continue to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the palace rooftops.
• You may skip it if: You only have one or two hours for sightseeing in central Beijing and cannot dedicate enough time to exploring a large palace complex on foot.

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Ticket Purchase Guide

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

Should You Add the Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery?

General admission and these two galleries are separate ticket choices: the main ticket is 60 CNY in peak season or 40 CNY in low season, while the Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery each cost 10 CNY. I recommend choosing your route before buying the extras. On a 1.5–2-hour visit, I would focus on the Three Great Halls, Inner Court and Imperial Garden. With 3–4 hours, choose one gallery if its treasures or clocks particularly interest you and skip another side court. On a 6–8-hour visit, both galleries are a more practical option. Include gallery reservations in your named advance-booking plan; do not build the day around the presumed display of one specific artifact.

Purchase Methods

• Official reservation: Admission is by advance, name-based reservation; tickets are not sold for a same-day visit. Booking opens at 8:00 p.m. Beijing time seven days before the visit for admission, the Treasure Gallery, and the Clock Gallery. Reserve through the Palace Museum booking service.
• Passport and admission: Mainland Chinese visitors reserve with a national ID card; overseas visitors can reserve with a passport or another identity document accepted by the museum. Bring the original document used for booking and enter through the Meridian Gate. Eligible discounted or free visitors must also make a reservation; free admission for visitors under 18 applies to the museum’s specified nationality or residency groups, not every foreign child.
• Third-party online platforms: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals

I recommend booking your date and time slot first, then planning the route to the Meridian Gate. Trip.com and Klook below are separate third-party products, not the museum’s official reservation service.

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Palace Map

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

I recommend first locating the Meridian Gate to the south, the central palace axis, the northern Gate of Divine Prowess and the eastern East Glorious Gate on this map. Follow the main axis toward the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity and Imperial Garden; add an east-side branch only if you choose the Treasure Gallery or Clock Gallery. The map’s original colors describe its marked areas, not a complete schedule of which exhibitions are open today. Choose between the three routes below for your actual walking plan.

Where I Would Take Photos and Avoid the Busiest Spots

If palace architecture and photographs are your priority, I would choose a morning visit to leave more time for the central halls. With a shorter afternoon slot, photograph the main axis first and treat side courtyards as optional; no time of day makes an empty courtyard a sensible assumption.

For grand palace architecture, I would photograph the open space before the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Three Great Halls as I follow the central axis from the Meridian Gate. Add red walls and quieter side courtyards only along side paths that rejoin your route, and leave the Imperial Garden for the second half. For a high view of the Forbidden City’s rooftops, continue to Jingshan Park after exiting through the Gate of Divine Prowess; that viewpoint is outside the museum. If the central courtyards are crowded, I would alternate wide plaza views with close wall details instead of waiting at one popular camera spot for an empty scene.

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Top Things to Do in the Forbidden City

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Yangxing Hall (Yangxing Dian)

Yangxing Hall (Yangxing Dian) stands inside Yangxing Gate behind the Ningshou Palace complex. Built in 1772 under the Qianlong Emperor, it was modeled on the Inner Court’s separate Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin Dian). It formed part of the planned retired emperor’s living quarters; Empress Dowager Cixi later took meals in its east warm chamber. These are two distinct buildings, and the wider Ningshou Palace complex is not one hall.

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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.

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Treasure Gallery

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.

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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

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My Three Recommended Forbidden City Routes

All three routes begin at the Meridian Gate and finish at the Gate of Divine Prowess or the East Glorious Gate. Follow the available walking passages between the main halls rather than assuming the Gate of Supreme Harmony itself is a required passage.

1.5–2 Hours: Short Central-Axis Route

If time is tight, I recommend the main axis: Meridian Gate → 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. Stay with the main halls instead of adding distant side palaces or both extra-ticket galleries.

3–4 Hours: Best First-Visit Route

For a first visit, I would follow the same outer and inner court axis, then select one appealing side palace or exhibition near a suitable junction, return to the main route and continue through the Imperial Garden to the northern exit. Do not try to fit the Hall of Martial Valor, Six Eastern Palaces and Treasure Gallery all into a three-hour walk. Budget time for photographs, drinking water and queues.

6–8 Hours: In-Depth Palace Route

For a longer day, explore the Three Great Halls first, then choose the western and eastern side courts, the Treasure Gallery or the Clock Gallery according to your interests. Reconnect each branch to the main axis or the northbound exit, rather than walking back and forth across the site. I recommend leaving time for a meal and seated breaks; the two galleries have tickets separate from general admission.

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Visiting the Forbidden City With Children, Seniors or Mobility Needs

With Children: A Three-Hour Central-Axis Visit

With children, I would choose roughly three hours on the central axis: enjoy the Three Great Halls, continue to the Inner Court and finish in the Imperial Garden. Add one engaging stop only if the child still wants to explore; avoid a nonstop full-day walk. Children eligible for free admission still need an advance reservation, and free admission under age 18 has specific eligibility criteria.

With Seniors or Low Stamina: Fewer Side Trips

With older visitors or anyone who tires easily, I recommend prioritizing the main axis, especially the Three Great Halls and Palace of Heavenly Purity. Leave time to sit and rest near the Imperial Garden. The distant side palaces, Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery are optional, not essential checkpoints.

With a Stroller or Wheelchair: Use Accessible Paths

For strollers and wheelchairs, I would plan around the museum’s accessible routes and available related services. Stone paving, raised platforms and steps in front of some halls require more effort; choose paths that connect the main areas without repeated stair climbs and build in water and rest stops.

I would start with the accessible route marked on the museum map and use the visitor service center for wheelchair or stroller assistance before choosing a side-palace detour.

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Security and Large-Luggage Storage at the Forbidden City

For the security check, I recommend traveling light: leave bulky luggage at the accepted storage point and carry only a small bag with your booking document, phone, money and essentials.

Where to leave luggage: If traveling with a suitcase, I recommend using the visitor service center on the west side of Duanmen Square before entering the Meridian Gate. The museum provides free storage and transfer for accepted larger luggage, including suitcases and parcels measuring 20 inches or more.

Keep these items with you: Cash, valuable jewelry, laptops and other electronics, and food are outside the storage acceptance categories. Keep your passport or booking ID, phone, money and travel essentials in a smaller personal bag before security screening.

Where to collect it: If leaving through the Gate of Divine Prowess, collect the luggage on the east side of the square outside that gate. If leaving through the East Glorious Gate, collect it on the north side of the square outside that gate. Keep your storage claim ticket. From April 1 to October 31, drop-off is 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and pickup 9:30 a.m.–5:10 p.m.; from November 1 to March 31, drop-off is 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. and pickup 9:30 a.m.–4:40 p.m.

My route choice: Use the northern exit for Jingshan Park, or the eastern exit for the streets toward Wangfujing. Collect your suitcase at the corresponding exit rather than walking back to the Meridian Gate.

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Stamp Collection in the Forbidden City

I recommend making stamp collecting and souvenir shopping optional stops along your route, rather than retracing your steps to collect every stamp. On a 1.5–2-hour central-axis visit, choose only a stop near the Meridian Gate, Imperial Garden or exit; on a longer half-day route, add a bookstore or the Icehouse area you are already passing. Bring a small notebook, or use a postcard or journal from a souvenir shop. The existing 34-stamp location list below remains your reference.

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.

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Where to Eat and Rest Inside the Forbidden City

I recommend choosing meal stops around your visit length. On a 1.5–2-hour central-axis walk, you can see the main halls and eat a full meal after leaving. For a visit of four hours or longer, especially with children or seniors, plan a meal, water and a seated break inside. The Icehouse area near Cining Palace combines food, rest and stamp collecting; on a central-axis visit, choose a convenient nearby refreshment stop instead of crossing the grounds just for lunch.

Jingyunmen Restaurant

Near the area east of the Hall of Preserving Harmony and the Arrow Pavilion, this fast-food stop is suited to a quick meal such as rice bowls, noodles or snacks between sights.

Wanchun Jinfo Afternoon Tea (Forbidden City Store)

Near the eastern side of the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, Wanchun Jinfo is an option for tea, coffee and palace-inspired sweets when you want to sit down during the Inner Court portion of your visit.

Icehouse Restaurant

South of Cining Palace, the Icehouse area brings together a restaurant, cafe, bookstore and places to rest. I would combine a meal here with a brief souvenir or stamp stop instead of making a separate return trip.

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Beijing Hotels With Convenient Access to the Forbidden City

I selected these five hotels for easy sightseeing around Beijing as a whole as well as practical access to the Forbidden City, not simply because of their distance from the palace. They are useful bases around areas such as Qianmen for combining Tiananmen, the Forbidden City and other city attractions. I recommend choosing according to your full itinerary, subway connections and preferred hotel experience rather than walking distance to the museum alone.

CitiGO Hotel Beijing Qianmen Street

• Location: 2-minute walk to Zhushikou Subway Station
• Price per night: 430 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.6 / Agoda 9.6
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, robot room service, family rooms

The hotel sits in the core section of Qianmen Street, about a two-minute walk from Zhushikou Subway Station, which makes getting around very efficient. From here, walking or taking the subway to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City feels straightforward. Qianmen Street and Dashilan are right nearby, so you can stroll, shop, and try local snacks well into the evening. There are also convenience stores and coffee shops downstairs, which makes grabbing drinks or quick supplies easy.

Rooms are clean and well-organized, with new facilities and comfortable latex mattresses. Toiletries are good quality. Free laundry and drying are especially practical during a trip. Breakfast runs for long hours, with rotating options each day, and the freshly cooked wontons stand out. In the evening, there is also a simple late-night snack, which feels like a nice bonus when returning to the hotel.

THE YARD HOTEL BEIJING, Qianmen Avenue

• Location: 3-minute walk to Zhushikou Subway Station
• Price per night: 434 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.2 / Agoda 9.1
• Special Amenities: Laundry room

The hotel is located directly on Qianmen pedestrian street, just a short walk from Zhushikou Subway Station. Staying here saves a lot of walking time. Qianmen, Dashilan, and many time-honored local restaurants are either downstairs or within easy walking distance, so you can shop and eat late without rushing. Taking the subway to Tiananmen Square or the Forbidden City is also smooth, without the need for repeated transfers.

Rooms are tidy and clean, with a Republic-era design style that gives the space some character. The rooms are not large, but good natural light and acceptable soundproofing keep them comfortable. Bedding feels good, hot water comes quickly, and resting after a full day of sightseeing is easy. Service is friendly, check-in and extended stays run smoothly, and the laundry room is practical for stays of several days.

Manxin Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Qianmen Street

• Location: 7-minute walk to Zhushikou Subway Station, 10-minute walk to Qianmen Subway Station
• Price per night: 591 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.8
• Special Amenities: Robot room service, laundry room, family rooms

The hotel sits in the middle section of Qianmen Street. Once you step outside, you are already in the Dashilan and Xianyukou area, where food options and traditional restaurants are densely packed. You can walk to Tiananmen Square, and both Zhushikou and Qianmen subway stations are within reasonable distance. Taking the subway to other parts of the city or planning longer day trips is convenient. Even though the hotel is in a popular tourist area, it feels quiet once inside, thanks to well-designed internal layout.

Rooms are clean and neatly maintained, with a practical layout and intuitive smart features that make the stay feel relaxed. Overall cleanliness is well controlled, with no unpleasant odors on entry. The bed and linens support good rest. Service is a strong point here, as the front desk responds quickly and stays friendly, including when handling requests from families with children. Daily housekeeping and request handling are both timely.

Crystal Orange Beijing Qianmen

• Location: 10-minute walk to Zhushikou Subway Station
• Price per night: 617 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.7 / Agoda 9.6
• Special Amenities: Robot room service, laundry room, family rooms

The hotel is located within the first ring road around Qianmen, yet the immediate surroundings feel relatively quiet. It takes about ten minutes to walk from Zhushikou Subway Station. This area is not the most crowded part of Qianmen, but it has a strong local feel. Turning into nearby lanes leads you to many old Beijing snack spots. Moving toward Qianmen, Dashilan, or Tiananmen Square is also smooth, whether you walk, cycle, or take the subway.

For a central location, the rooms feel fairly spacious, with good natural light and ventilation. Soundproofing adds to a sense of comfort, and the beds and linens support solid sleep. Food delivery can be sent upstairs by robot, which makes daily routines easier. Service leans toward detail-oriented, responses are quick, and housekeeping stays consistent during longer stays.

Beijing Wanda Moments Hotel

• Location: 3-minute walk to Zhushikou Subway Station
• Price per night: 677 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.4 / Agoda 8.6
• Special Amenities: Robot room service, laundry room, gym

The hotel sits in the core Qianmen area, with Zhushikou Subway Station right outside. Both Line 7 and Line 8 are directly accessible, which makes moving around very efficient. You can walk to Qianmen Street and Dashilan, and heading toward Tiananmen Square or the Forbidden City also feels manageable on foot. Taking the subway to Wangfujing, Xidan, the Temple of Heaven, or other attractions stays straightforward, without unnecessary detours.

Rooms feel relatively spacious for the Second Ring Road area, with good light and a comfortable sense of space. Beds and bedding feel supportive, making it easy to rest well. Cleanliness is well maintained, facilities are complete, and daily use feels smooth. Communication before and after check-in runs efficiently, and staff actively help when needed. Breakfast offers stable quality with good variety, while the laundry room and gym add practical value. Food delivery can also be sent upstairs by robot.

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Transportation from Downtown

I recommend navigating to the Meridian Gate (Wumen), not simply to “Forbidden City” or another palace gate. It is the museum’s sole visitor entrance. The visit proceeds generally south to north; the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwumen) exits toward Jingshan Park and the East Glorious Gate (Donghuamen) exits toward the eastern city streets and Wangfujing.

Via Tiananmen: Take Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West and follow the pedestrian approach and required security access toward the Meridian Gate. Tiananmen Square and the Palace Museum are separate visitor-entry and reservation tasks; do not assume the square is a required part of every museum route.

Via the east-side approach: If your goal is only the museum, I would instead approach from the Jinyu Hutong area and walk along the eastern Tongzi River roads toward the Meridian Gate, avoiding an unnecessary trip through Tiananmen Square. If you left a large suitcase at the Duanmen storage service, collect it outside your chosen northern or eastern exit before continuing.

• Transportation Card Purchase: Klook Deals, KKday Offers

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How to plan your Beijing trip

For a Forbidden City day, I would plan around entering through the Meridian Gate and leaving through the Gate of Divine Prowess. If you still have energy afterward, continue north to Jingshan Park for a view over the palace rooftops; it is a separate attraction outside the museum. If you are building a multi-day trip that also includes Qianmen, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, Summer Palace or Universal Beijing Resort, use our Beijing travel guide to connect the days. The private tour options below remain available.

Most first-timers spend 2–3 days in Beijing to cover the major highlights. If you’d like to add a theme park day, plan 5 days to include Universal Studios Beijing. Here are our most popular private tour options:

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FAQ