Forbidden City - ticket problems

Question

Dear all, I need some urgent help as it looks like it is inpossible to book up a single ticket for the Palace Museum / Forbidden City via the official website... It's now one week before my planned date (15th AUG), and as soon as it became available for bookings it automatically shows 'sold out'...how is it pssible to book then?????

Is there another website?

Or can I just show up at the day of my planned tour on the spot and then arrange the ticket?

Any suggestions please?

Answer

Booking tickets for the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) can be challenging, especially during peak tourist season in August. Tickets are released online on a daily basis through the official website, and they sell out extremely quickly—often within minutes.

Here’s what you need to know and your options:

Official website booking: The Palace Museum only allows online bookings, and you must register an account beforehand. Tickets are generally released at 8:00 AM each day for the following day or a few days ahead, depending on the system. High demand means they are often sold out immediately.
Third-party agencies: Some authorized travel agencies in China offer tickets, often bundled with guided tours. These can sometimes be easier to secure, but expect slightly higher prices. Be sure they are officially authorized to avoid scams.
On-site tickets: Generally, walk-up tickets at the Forbidden City are not available for the same day, especially in August. It is very unlikely to get a ticket at the entrance due to strict visitor limits.

Tips to improve your chances:

Create an account on the official Palace Museum ticketing website well in advance and keep your personal details ready for quick login.
Try booking as soon as the tickets are released each morning, ideally right at 8:00 AM local time.
If online booking fails repeatedly, consider using a reputable local travel agency that offers same-day or guided tour tickets. Some hotels in Beijing also provide assistance with booking.
Check for cancellations—sometimes tickets are returned, and you can secure them if you try repeatedly throughout the day.

In summary, for peak summer dates like August 15th, the best strategy is to book online as early as possible or use a trusted travel agency. Showing up on the day without a ticket is very unlikely to work, so plan accordingly.

Forbidden City - ticket problems

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