Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

The basics

With so much to see at this Beijing landmark—everything from the living quarters of emperors to ceremonial rooms and galleries lined with an extensive collection of Imperial artifacts and ancient Chinese works of art—many visitors opt to visit with a guide. They can give you a good view of the Ming and Qing dynasties, or at least what life was like during those times, and point out the complex’s most interesting features. Don’t miss the Imperial Garden where the emperor would get his nature fix.

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 of China. Nearby, there are also a number of museums, pagodas, pavilions, and gardens.

Things to know before you go

• Choose between standard entrance Forbidden City (Palace Museum) tickets and city tours that include 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 tickets several days in advance or book Forbidden City (Palace Museum) tours that include 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 if you really want to explore the Forbidden City.

How to get there

Arriving by public transport or walking is preferred over taxis. 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. Tourists must enter the Forbidden City through the Meridian Gate found on the southern border of the city.

When to get there

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

Best view of the Forbidden City

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.

Ways to explore

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 and ancient Chinese works of art—many travelers opt to explore with a guide. Those short on time in the capital can opt for a 1- or 2-day tour that combines a visit to the Forbidden City with other landmarks, such as Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan), the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), and the Great Wall of China. Other options include week-long tours of Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai.

Accessibility

There are ramps in much of the Forbidden City, but wheelchair access can still be challenging.

Age limits

None

What to pack

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

What to wear

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

Not allowed

According to regulations, you must buy tickets at least one day in advance.

Amenities

Eateries, restrooms, shop

Address 

The Forbidden City stands at the center of Beijing, with the entrance at the Meridian Gate just north of Tiananmen Square.

Driving

You need a Chinese driving license and valid insurance to drive in China. Join a tour, take a taxi or a Didi, or use public transportation.

Public transportation

Take the subway line 1 to Tiananmen West (Tian’anmenxi) or Tiananmen East (Tian’anmendong).

Best times to visit

The site is open Tuesday–Sunday, and opening hours are 8:30am–5pm April through October, and 8:30pm–4:30pm November through March. Plan to visit as soon as it opens to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

Avoid weekends and Chinese national holidays, when the crowds can be overwhelming.

Best months to visit

September and May are good choices to visit Beijing, with warm temperatures but fewer crowds and less heat than the sweltering summer.