Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

With so much to see at this Beijing landmark—everything from the living quarters of emperors to ceremonial rooms and galleries lined with Imperial artifacts—many visitors opt to visit with a guide who can navigate the vast complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties and point out its most interesting features. Those short on time in the Chinese capital can opt for a day tour that combines a Forbidden City visit with time at other Beijing attractions, such as Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and the Great Wall. As well, number of gardens, museums, pagodas, and pavilions dot the area.

• Choose between a standard entrance ticket and a city tour that includes access to the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace.

• For a more personal experience of the Forbidden City and other Beijing highlights, choose a private tour.

• As many as 80,000 people visit the Forbidden City daily, so it’s best to book ahead or book a tour that includes skip-the-line access.

• The Forbidden City offers little shade, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water if visiting on a warm day.

• Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a fair amount of walking.

Arriving by public transport or walking is preferred over taxi, as taxis are not allowed to stop nearby. Take the subway Line 1 to Tiananmen West or Tiananmen East, or catch one of the many buses going to Gugong.

To avoid crowds at this popular Beijing attraction, it’s best to visit first thing in the morning when the ticket office opens. Avoid weekends and Chinese national holidays.

Before or after touring the Forbidden City, it’s nice to get a sense of its size by seeing it from above. Jingshan Park, located just across from the palace’s north gate, is home to the highest point in Beijing and affords the best panoramic, bird’s-eye view of the Forbidden City.

Tickets to the Forbidden City cost different amounts in peak and off-peak seasons. At peak (April–October) tickets cost CNY60, about US$8. At off-peak (November–March) tickets cost CNY40, about US$5.50. Kids under 6 are free, and those 7–18 pay CNY20 (roughly US$2.75).

Yes, the Forbidden City is open to tourists and is not, in fact, forbidden. However, not all areas are accessible at all times. Around 70 percent is accessible at one time, with other areas closed for restoration or maintenance. Further, the city is closed on Mondays, except on public holidays.

Tourists can visit ancient buildings, galleries, palaces, halls, throne rooms, gardens, and other public and once-private areas in the Forbidden City. Galleries display furniture, weapons, sculptures, clocks, porcelain, calligraphy, arts, treasure, and more. You also can climb parts of the 32-foot (10-meter) wall for views across the citadel and Beijing.

The best time to visit the Forbidden City is spring (April–May) and fall (September–November), when the weather generally is good for exploring the complex. April to October is the busy peak season, so visit in the early morning or later afternoon during these months to avoid the thickest crowds.

There is no specific dress code for visiting the Forbidden City, and tourists in China generally can wear whatever they like. Wear comfortable shoes for walking—this palace complex is the largest in the world—and dress appropriately for the season’s weather, as there are both indoor and outdoor areas.

Many visitors make a 2–3 hour trip to the Forbidden City to see the highlights, but this is the minimum amount of time. You could spend a full day or more at the Forbidden City learning about Chinese history, culture, art, and architecture among the 900+ buildings in the complex.