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How to Buy Tickets for the Beijing Forbidden City?

Tickets for the Forbidden City must be reserved online in advance; on-site ticket purchases are not available (they sell out very quickly, especially during public holidays). It's recommended to buy tickets through the official mini program, which has a Chinese interface and convenient payment options. The standard ticket price is RM29 (about 60 RMB). The museum is closed every Monday (except on national public holidays).

Recommended entry time: Between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. is ideal, as it helps you avoid the crowds, enjoy cooler weather, and capture the most beautiful views of the Forbidden City's golden roofs and red walls bathed in the morning light.

Reminder: Remember to bring your original ID card/passport, as real-name verification is required for entry.

If you prefer someone to guide you and tell you stories, you can also consider signing up for a half-day guided tour of the Forbidden City . A professional Chinese-speaking guide will take you on an in-depth tour of the Forbidden City's architecture, systems, and legends. The tour also includes audio guides, so you don't have to worry about falling behind.

Which gate is the most convenient to enter the Forbidden City in Beijing?

The Forbidden City adopts a one-way tour route; you must enter through the Meridian Gate (South Gate) and exit through the Gate of Divine Might (North Gate). It is recommended to take the subway to Tiananmen East Station or Tiananmen West Station, from where it's a 5-10 minute walk to the Meridian Gate entrance.

If you plan to combine "Tiananmen Square + Flag Raising Ceremony" , you might as well arrange to watch the flag raising at Tiananmen Square at 7 am, and then slowly walk to the Meridian Gate to enter the park, perfectly connecting your itinerary.

Suggested itinerary for visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing

The Palace Museum covers a total area of ​​720,000 square meters and houses over 1.8 million cultural relics. If time is limited, it is recommended to focus on the central axis and key areas on the east and west sides. The following is a classic half-day tour route:

1. Enter the park through the Meridian Gate (main gate) : Take photos and rent an audio guide.

2. The central axis of the Hall of Supreme Harmony : Visit the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony in sequence to understand the architectural layout of the symbols of imperial power.

3. From Qianqing Palace to the Imperial Garden : Explore the Emperor's living quarters and understand the layout of the inner palace.

4. Further Recommendation – Treasury & Clock Gallery (additional ticket required) : Admire precious palace collections and antique European clocks.

5. Leaving through Shenwu Gate : You can take photos of the palace walls and corner towers from an aerial view.

Must-see photo spots: The magnificent Hall of Supreme Harmony, the dragon-patterned staircase, the autumn leaves in the Imperial Garden, and the reflection of the corner tower of the Divine Might Gate.