Beijing Tour

Number of days：3 days
Average cost: 4,000 yuan
With whom: and friends

Travel Guide

Address: No. 4 Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Opening Hours:

Peak season (April 1st - October 31st): 8:30-17:00 (last admission at 16:10)

Off-season (November 1st - March 31st of the following year): 8:30-16:30 (last admission at 15:40)

Closed on Mondays (except statutory holidays)

Tickets:

Peak season: 60 Yuan/person

Off-season: 40 Yuan/person

Tickets for the Treasure House and the Clock and Watch House must be purchased separately, 10 Yuan/person each

It is recommended to make an appointment in advance on the official website or official WeChat public account to avoid queuing on site.

2. Recommended Tour Routes

The Forbidden City covers a large area, so it's recommended to plan your route in advance to avoid backtracking. The following are classic tour routes:

Central Axis Classic Route (suitable for first-time visitors)

Wu Men (Entrance): The main entrance to the Forbidden City.

Taihe Men (Gate of Supreme Harmony): The first thing you see upon entering is Taihe Men (Gate of Supreme Harmony), with the Golden Water Bridge in front of it.

Hall of Supreme Harmony: The largest palace in the Forbidden City, where the Ming and Qing emperors held grand ceremonies.

Hall of Central Harmony: Where the emperors rested before grand ceremonies.

Hall of Preserving Harmony: Where the emperors held banquets and imperial examinations.

Palace of Qianqing: The sleeping quarters of the Ming and Qing emperors.

Hall of Union and Peace: Where the empress held ceremonies.

Palace of Earthly Tranquility: The sleeping quarters of the empress.

Imperial Garden: The Forbidden City's imperial garden, offering beautiful scenery and a perfect place for a rest.

Shenwu Gate (Exit): The Forbidden City's north gate, exit here after your tour.

East and West Six Palaces Route (Suitable for an In-Depth Tour)

Eastern Six Palaces: Consists of Jingren Palace, Chengqian Palace, and Zhongcui Palace, once home to imperial concubines.

Western Six Palaces: Consists of Yongshou Palace, Yikun Palace, and Chuxiu Palace, also residences for imperial concubines.

Treasure House (Tranquility and Longevity Palace Area): Displays imperial treasures, including jewelry, jade, gold and silver wares.

Clock and Watch House (Fengxian Hall): Displays exquisite ancient clocks and watches.

3. Tour Suggestions

Time: We recommend allocating at least 3-4 hours to explore the Forbidden City; an in-depth tour may take an entire day.

Dress comfortably: The Forbidden City is large and you'll need to walk a lot, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

What to Bring: Bring water and snacks. While there are dining areas within the Forbidden City, they are quite expensive.

Guide Services: You can rent an audio guide (20 yuan per visit), scan a QR code with your phone to listen to the guide, or ask a tour guide for a more detailed historical and cultural explanation.

4. Nearby Attractions

Jingshan Park: Opposite the north gate of the Forbidden City, climb Jingshan for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.

Tiananmen Square: Tiananmen Square is located just outside the south gate of the Forbidden City, where you can visit the Monument to the People's Heroes, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, and more.

Beihai Park: Located northwest of the Forbidden City, it is one of the oldest existing imperial gardens in China.

5. Transportation

Subway: Take Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station or Tiananmen West Station, and walk to the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City.

Public Transportation: Take bus No. 1, 2, 52, or 82 to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West Station.

Driving: Parking is difficult near the Forbidden City, so we recommend taking public transportation.

6. Important Notes

Advance Booking: The Forbidden City is implementing capacity restrictions. We recommend booking tickets in advance on the official website or through its official WeChat account.

Strict Security: Entrance to the Forbidden City requires security checks, and dangerous items such as lighters are prohibited.

Protecting Cultural Relics: Please do not touch cultural relics or ancient buildings, and littering is prohibited.

Weather: Beijing experiences hot summers and cold winters, so it is recommended that you wear sunscreen or keep warm according to the season.

7. Unique Experiences

Forbidden City Cultural and Creative Products: There are several cultural and creative shops within the Forbidden City where you can purchase souvenirs featuring the Forbidden City.

Turret Coffee: Located outside Shenwu Gate, you can enjoy Forbidden City-themed coffee and desserts.

Forbidden City Snow Scene: If you visit in winter and encounter a snowy day, the snowy scenery of the Forbidden City is very beautiful and perfect for taking photos.

I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to the Forbidden City. I wish you a pleasant trip!