Forbidden city tickets
Hi, I am going next week to Beijing and would really love to visit the Forbidden City, but the website is not helping making a reservation. I filled in all the information and when it was time to pay the website just froze and wouldn’t let me go through with credit details. I refreshed it after ten minutes and saw my order is cancelled. And now the tickets are sold out for the 19th. Can anyone that gone through the same please help?!
Visiting the Forbidden City can be tricky if tickets are sold out online, but there are still some options to secure entry, especially if you are traveling next week. Here’s a detailed overview:
1. Understanding the ticket system:
- The Forbidden City limits the number of daily visitors to around 80,000, so tickets often sell out quickly online, particularly during peak times.
- Tickets must be booked in advance via the official website. Payment issues, website freezes, or cancellations are common due to high demand.
2. Alternative ways to get tickets:
- Official ticket counters: There are a few physical ticket counters near the Palace Museum where you can try to get same-day tickets. However, this can be risky as they may also be sold out.
- Tour agencies: Authorized tour operators in Beijing often include Forbidden City tickets in their day tour packages. Booking through a small tour company can secure your entry, although the cost might be slightly higher than direct purchase.
- Check cancellation windows: Sometimes tickets are released in small batches for same-day use, often in the morning or late at night for the following day. Checking early can give you a chance to grab a ticket.
3. Tips to avoid payment issues:
- Use a stable internet connection and a browser that works well with the official website.
- If paying with a foreign card, consider using a card with strong international support, or use Alipay/WeChat Pay if possible.
- Try different devices or clear your browser cache if the site freezes.
4. Planning alternatives:
- If you are unable to get a ticket for the 19th, consider shifting your visit to a nearby day if your itinerary allows.
- Combine the Forbidden City with Tiananmen Square for a full morning or afternoon, as these are right next to each other.
In short, if online tickets are sold out, your best bet is to try authorized tour agencies or monitor the official website for last-minute releases. Arriving very early at the counters is another option, but it’s less reliable. Planning flexibility and quick action are key.
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