gogo-china
‹ Everything in Beijing
Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
Pixelflake · CC BY-SA 3.0

SightDraftDongcheng

Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

故宫博物院

The 600-year-old imperial palace — 980 buildings, one strict entry gate, and tickets that sell out.

Should I go? Worth it

Locals say the central axis is a conveyor belt of tour groups. Peel off to the east side — the Treasure Gallery and the Palace of Tranquil Longevity — and the crowds thin out fast. Exit north and climb Jingshan Park opposite for the famous roof view.

🎟 Booking — do this before you go

  • Opens8:00pm Beijing time, 7 days ahead
  • WhereOfficial Palace Museum ticketing (website or the “故宫博物院” WeChat mini-program); Trip.com resells at a mark-up
  • PassportForeign passports OK — bring the one you booked with

Real-name tickets: the passport you book with is scanned at the gate. No ticket sales on site. Closed Mondays (except public holidays).

Cost & timing

  • Price¥60 ticket¥60 Apr–Oct, ¥40 Nov–Mar; Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery +¥10 each
  • Time needed3–4 hours
  • Best timeWeekday, at the 8:30am opening. Allow 30 min extra for the Tiananmen security check on the way in.
  • Hours8:30am–5pm (Apr–Oct), 8:30am–4:30pm (Nov–Mar); closed Mon

💡 Local tips

  • 🕘 Local tip · Forbidden City (Palace Museum) You can only enter from the south (Meridian Gate) and exit north or east — plan your route.
  • 🎟 Local tip · Forbidden City (Palace Museum) Bring your physical passport; photos are not accepted.
  • 🕘 Local tip · Forbidden City (Palace Museum) Rent the official audio guide at the entrance; there are few English signs inside the halls.
  • ⏱ Local tip · Forbidden City (Palace Museum) The Meridian Gate line is shortest in the first 30 minutes after opening — most tour groups roll in around 9:30.
  • 🍜 Local tip · Forbidden City (Palace Museum) Food inside is scarce and overpriced. Bring water and a snack: a full loop is 3–5 km of walking.

★ Stories here

Getting there

Metro: Tiananmen East (Line 1), Exit A

北京市东城区景山前街4号

Open in AmapApple Maps

FAQ

How far ahead can I book Forbidden City tickets?

Tickets open 7 days ahead at 8pm Beijing time. Weekend and holiday slots often sell out within minutes, so book the moment they release.

Can foreigners book Forbidden City tickets?

Yes — book on the official Palace Museum channel with your passport number, or via Trip.com. Enter with the same passport.

Nearby

Draft — verification pending

Something changed? Tell us.