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The Forbidden City: A Complete Visitor's Guide

The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum or Gu Gong, is China's largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings. Located in the heart of Beijing, this UNESCO World Heritage site served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1420-1912).

Overview

  • Location: Central Beijing, China
  • Area: 72 hectares (180 acres)
  • Buildings: 980 buildings with 8,707 rooms
  • Architecture Style: Classical Chinese imperial architecture
  • UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (1987)

Getting There

Public Transportation

  • Subway:
    • Line 1: Exit B at Tiananmen East Station
    • Line 8: Exit C at Jinyu Hutong Station
    • Walking time: 10-15 minutes to the Meridian Gate (main entrance)

Alternative Transport

  • Ride-hailing/Taxi: Request drop-off at Donghuamen
  • Bus: Multiple routes available (1, 2, 52, 82, 120)

Visiting Hours and Admission

Opening Hours

  • Peak Season (April-October):
    • 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Last entry: 4:00 PM
  • Off-Peak Season (November-March):
    • 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
    • Last entry: 3:30 PM
  • Closed: Mondays (except national holidays)

Admission Fees

  • Peak Season: ¥60 ($9 USD)
  • Off-Peak Season: ¥40 ($6 USD)
  • Additional Exhibitions:
    • Treasure Gallery: ¥10
    • Clock Gallery: ¥10
Aerial view of the Forbidden City in Beijing

Ticket Booking Options

  1. Official Website: Palace Museum Booking Portal
    • Reservations open 7 days in advance
    • Available in English and Chinese
  2. International Booking Platforms:

Recommended Routes (Maps)

Express Tour (3-4 hours)

Express tour route map of Forbidden City showing 2-hour itinerary through central axis and main attractions

Follow the central axis through these key locations:

  1. Meridian Gate (entrance)
  2. Gate of Supreme Harmony
  3. Three Great Halls
  4. Imperial Living Quarters
  5. Imperial Garden
  6. Gate of Divine Might (exit)
Detailed visitor map highlighting key landmarks and walking paths for express tour in Beijing's Forbidden City

Comprehensive Tour (6-8 hours)

Complete tour map of Forbidden Palace featuring full-day itinerary including Eastern Palaces, Western Palaces, and museum galleries

Experience the full grandeur with this extended route:

  1. Start at Meridian Gate
  2. Eastern Palaces
  3. Three Great Halls
  4. Western Palaces
  5. Inner Court
  6. Treasure Gallery
  7. Clock Gallery
  8. Imperial Garden
  9. Exit via Gate of Divine Might

Toilet and exit locations are indicated in the following image:

Visitor facilities map of the Forbidden City showing locations of restrooms, exits, and amenities throughout the palace complex

Essential Visitor Information

What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Water bottle
  • Camera (tripods under 1.3m allowed)
  • ID for ticket verification

Facilities

  • Audio guides available in multiple languages
  • Luggage storage at entrances
  • Rest areas throughout the complex
  • Gift shops and refreshment stands

Photography Guidelines

  • No professional equipment without permits
  • Tripods under 1.3m permitted
  • No flash photography in exhibition halls
  • Selfie sticks under 1.3m allowed
Panoramic view of the Three Great Halls in the Forbidden City

Nearby Attractions

  1. Jingshan Park

    • 5-minute walk north
    • Panoramic views of the Forbidden City
    • Admission: ¥2-10 (seasonal)

  2. Tiananmen Square

    • 10-minute walk south
    • World's largest public square
    • Free admission

Additional Resources