Forbidden City - reservation tickets

Question

Hello everyone,

I would like to visit the Forbidden City on the first Sunday of June. I read on various sites that access requires online booking 7 days in advance. Since I will be traveling during those days, I may not have access to the internet so I was wondering what the best option was to be sure of visiting the Forbidden City. At the moment I know that I can book 7 days in advance on the official website, what do you think about the reservation tickets (7/10$) that are found on various sites (Tripadvisor, GYG and similar) that allow you to book now a month in advance? Are they valid? In addition, how many hours do you think it will take to visit it? Thanks everyone.

Answer

The Forbidden City (also known as the Palace Museum) in Beijing is one of the most visited attractions in China, and access is strictly controlled through an online booking system. Tickets must be purchased in advance — they are not sold at the entrance. This requirement applies to both local and international visitors.

Booking Process and Timing:

Tickets can only be purchased through the official Palace Museum website or the official WeChat mini program “故宫博物院 (The Palace Museum).”
Bookings open exactly 7 days in advance at 8:00 AM Beijing time. For popular days such as weekends and holidays, tickets may sell out within hours.
Each visitor must provide their passport number during booking, as entry is by ID verification and not by paper ticket.

About Third-Party Sites:

Websites such as Tripadvisor, GetYourGuide (GYG), and other online platforms often sell “reservation tickets” or “advance guarantee tickets.” These are not official entry tickets but rather third-party booking services that purchase tickets on your behalf once the official window opens.
They typically charge an extra service fee (around USD $7–10) for handling the purchase and ensuring you get a ticket. While many travelers have successfully entered using these, reliability can vary between vendors.
If you choose this option, ensure the site clearly specifies that the ticket includes the official entry to the Palace Museum and not just a “reservation request.”

Alternative Options:

If you are unable to book online yourself due to travel constraints, you can ask your hotel concierge or tour guide in China to assist in booking your ticket once the window opens.
Another secure approach is to use a local travel agency or platform such as Trip.com (Ctrip), which partners with official ticketing systems and offers English-language support.

Visiting Duration and Tips:

Most visitors spend between 3 to 4 hours exploring the main route (from the Meridian Gate to the Gate of Divine Might).
If you plan to visit the additional exhibition halls such as the Treasure Gallery (珍宝馆) and the Clock Exhibition Hall (钟表馆), add another 1 to 2 hours.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are vast and mostly paved in stone.
Morning visits are often less crowded than the afternoon, especially on weekends.

Conclusion:

If you want guaranteed access and cannot book exactly 7 days ahead due to travel, using a reliable third-party platform that explicitly states it will buy official tickets for you is a reasonable option. Alternatively, arrange assistance from your hotel or a local travel service. Plan to allocate at least half a day to enjoy the Forbidden City fully, as it is extensive, historic, and best appreciated without rushing.

Forbidden City - reservation tickets

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