Book Sites through Official Website or via third party

Question

Hi, When booking tickets for the Forbidden City/Tiananmen Square and Terracotta Warriors Is it recommended to wait till tickets become available through website as opposed to other Sites/apps like http://Trip.com/Klook or Allipay/WeChat? how reliable are these sites at getting tickets?

I would be going to them 3rd week of April thanks

Answer

When visiting major attractions in China such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Terracotta Warriors, there are several approaches to booking tickets, each with its own advantages and considerations.

Booking through the official websites:

Booking directly on the official websites of these sites is generally the most reliable and cost-effective method. You are guaranteed authentic tickets at the official price and can avoid extra fees charged by third-party platforms.
The official websites usually open ticket sales a few weeks in advance. For April visits, tickets are often available by late March or early April, so planning ahead is essential.
Some sites, like the Forbidden City, have strict time slots, so booking early ensures you get your preferred visiting time.

Booking through third-party platforms (Trip.com, Klook, Alipay/WeChat, etc.):

These platforms are convenient, especially for international travelers, because they often provide English interfaces and customer support.
They are generally reliable in terms of delivering tickets, but prices may include a small service fee.
Third-party apps can also help secure tickets for sold-out time slots or allow more flexible payment options (credit card, PayPal, etc.) if you don’t have a Chinese bank account or payment app.

Recommendation:

If you are comfortable navigating official Chinese websites and can plan ahead, booking directly is the most secure and cheapest option.
If you prefer convenience, language support, and alternative payment methods, third-party platforms are reliable and widely used by travelers.
For high-demand periods, such as weekends or holidays, it may be prudent to use third-party platforms as a backup in case official tickets sell out quickly.

In conclusion, both options are valid. Official websites offer authenticity and lower cost, while third-party sites provide convenience and flexibility. Combining both—checking the official site first and using third-party platforms as needed—is often the best strategy, especially for visits in the busy third week of April.

Book Sites through Official Website or via third party

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