Beijing Forbidden City Travel Guide: 2026 Latest Edition

Whether you’re visiting Beijing for the first time or revisiting the Forbidden City, this guide is for you. The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, served as the residence and administrative center for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

It stands as a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture and embodies China’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, the Palace Museum has reopened areas like the Hall of Mental Cultivation after restoration, making now the perfect time to visit.

Essential Information Before Your Visit

Knowing these details beforehand will save you a lot of hassle.

1. Opening and Closing Times

Opening: Ticket inspection begins daily at 8:30 AM.

  Closing:

• High Season (April 1 – October 31): Last entry at 4:00 PM, closes at 5:00 PM.
• Low Season (November 1 – March 31): Last entry at 3:30 PM, closes at 4:30 PM.
• Closed Mondays: Closed all day every Monday except on Chinese national holidays.

 Tip: The Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery close 10 minutes later than the main gates. Check the Palace Museum’s official website before visiting for any temporary closure notices.

2. Ticket Prices & Reservation Methods

• General Admission: 60 RMB during peak season, 40 RMB during off-peak season.
• Special Exhibition Tickets: The Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery each require a separate ticket of 10 RMB.
• How to Purchase Tickets: The only official channels are the “The Palace Museum” WeChat mini-program or the official website. Tickets must be booked at least 7 days in advance, with tickets released at 8:00 PM. Each account can purchase up to 5 adult tickets.
• Free or Discounted Admission: Seniors over 60, minors under 18, and others may qualify for discounted or free admission with a valid ID (still requires booking).

3. Important Rules and Helpful Services

• Visitor Flow: Entry is strictly via the southern Meridian Gate (Wumen). Exit must be through the northern Divine Might Gate (Shenwumen) or eastern East Flower Gate (Donghuamen). Backtracking is prohibited.
• Prohibited Items: Drones, selfie sticks exceeding 1.3 meters (4.3 feet), tripods, lighters, and similar items.
• Baggage Storage: Large luggage can be stored free of charge at the Meridian Gate Square storage facility. Retrieve items upon departure at the Divine Might Gate or East Flower Gate.
• Facilities: Restaurants, shops, multiple restrooms, and drinking fountains are available inside.

How to Reach the Forbidden City Most Conveniently?

Parking is extremely limited near the Forbidden City. Taking the subway is highly recommended.

Most Recommended: Subway

1. Fastest Route: Take Line 8 to【Jinyu Hutong】Station, Exit C. Walk right to Donghua Gate, then left along the moat to Meridian Gate. Approx. 25 min.

2. Crowd-avoidance route: Take Line 1 to Tian’anmen East Station (Exit B). Walk north along Nanchizi Street to Donghuamen Gate, then follow the moat to Meridian Gate. Approx. 30 min. This route bypasses the strict security checks and queues at Tiananmen Square.

Other Transportation Options

• Bus: Take bus routes 2, 82, etc., to Donghuamen Station. It’s a 5-minute walk to the Meridian Gate and is the closest bus stop.
• Taxi/Ride-Hailing: Set your destination to “Donghuamen.” After getting off, walk along the moat to the Meridian Gate. Do not set your destination directly to “Forbidden City ”or“Meridian Gate,” as drivers cannot reach these locations due to traffic restrictions.
• Bicycle: If staying nearby, ride a shared bike to the Donghuamen area. Park at a designated spot and walk to the gate.

Recommended Classic Tour Routes

The Forbidden City is vast, so you can choose different ways to explore based on your time.

Route 1: Quick Highlights Tour (approx. 1.5 hours)

If you’re short on time and only want to see the core highlights, follow this central axis route:

Meridian Gate → Hall of Supreme Harmony (where imperial ceremonies were held) → Hall of Central Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Hall of Union and Harmony → Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Imperial Garden → Gate of Divine Might

This northbound route avoids detours, allowing you to swiftly experience the Forbidden City’s majestic grandeur.

Route 2: Moderate Experience Tour (approx. 3 hours)

Building on the central axis, add some fascinating palaces:

Meridian Gate → Hall of Literary Glory (often hosts great exhibitions) → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Qianqing Palace → Hall of Mental Cultivation (popular spot; where emperors later primarily resided and worked) → Western Six Palaces (visit Palace of Preserved Beauty to learn about Empress Dowager Cixi’s life) → Imperial Garden → Shenwu Gate

  This route balances core architecture with palace life, offering richer historical narratives.

Route Three: In-Depth Exploration (approx. 6-8 hours)

Ideal for history enthusiasts and visitors seeking comprehensive coverage. This itinerary encompasses the central axis, East and West Six Palaces, and special exhibitions:

Meridian Gate → Hall of Military Valor (view porcelain) → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Divine Sacrifice (View the Clock Gallery) → Qianqing Palace → Yangxin Hall → West Six Palaces → Imperial Garden → East Six Palaces → Ningshou Palace Area (Visit the Treasure Gallery and Qianlong Garden) → Shenwu Gate

  Note: Completing this route requires approximately 20,000 steps—be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

Route 4: Themed Tours

You can also choose specialized themes based on your interests:

• Artifact Enthusiast Route: Focus on thematic exhibition halls showcasing porcelain, clocks, and treasures.
• Architecture Enthusiast Route: Examine structural designs, roof styles, and decorative details.
•  Imperial Story Enthusiast Route: Explore the living quarters of emperors and consorts, such as the Hall of Mental Cultivation and the Six Eastern and Western Palaces.

Must-See Highlights in the Forbidden City

1.  Hall of Supreme Harmony (Golden Throne Hall): The most important and highest-ranked building in the Forbidden City. Its roof features 10 glazed finials—the highest number in ancient Chinese architecture. The emperor’s enthronement, wedding, and other major ceremonies were held here.

2.  Hall of Mental Cultivation: During the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty, emperors resided and governed the nation from here. The famous “ruling from behind a curtain” occurred in this hall. Though small, the “Hall of Three Rarities” within served as Emperor Qianlong’s study.

3.  Ningshou Palace Area (Treasure Gallery): Highly recommended! This gallery showcases the Forbidden City’s most precious artifacts, including the Empress’s phoenix crown and massive jade carvings. You can also see the exquisite garden Emperor Qianlong built for his retirement—the Qianlong Garden.

4.  East and West Six Palaces: These were the residences of the imperial concubines. The Western Six Palaces’ Cuxiu Palace features lavish decorations reflecting late Qing court life (especially during Empress Dowager Cixi’s era).

Hope this guide helps you plan an enjoyable Forbidden City visit! The Forbidden City is a treasure trove—whether you explore it quickly or savor it slowly, its charm will captivate you.

If you’re particularly interested in a specific exhibition or area, let me know, and I can provide more detailed information.