The Forbidden City is the single most important sight in Beijing, and the place to start any visit. For nearly five centuries this walled compound of red walls and golden roofs was the home of China’s emperors, closed to ordinary people, and today, as the Palace Museum, it is one of the most visited museums on earth. You enter from the south through the Meridian Gate and walk north through a sequence of immense courtyards and ceremonial halls, led by the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where emperors were enthroned, before reaching the more intimate inner court of palaces, gardens and residential quarters. The scale is overwhelming, and without some background the halls can blur together, which is why a good guide makes such a difference. This page links to a guided group tour on Viator that includes the hard-to-get entry ticket, rated 4.9 from more than 2,000 reviews, with several departures a day.
How to visit: tickets are sold only in advance and only on a real-name basis. Booking opens up to seven days ahead, with new tickets released at 20:00 Beijing time, through the Palace Museum’s official website and WeChat channels or authorised platforms. Foreign visitors enter their passport details when booking and must show the same passport at the gate. Popular days sell out fast, especially weekends and holidays, which is the main reason to book a tour that secures the ticket for you. The museum is closed on Mondays, except on public holidays, and closes earlier in the low season from November to March. The Treasure Gallery and the Gallery of Clocks need small extra tickets.
What to expect: security checks are thorough, and the walk from the Meridian Gate in the south to the Gate of Divine Prowess in the north covers a long distance on stone paving. Large parts of the complex are closed at any one time for restoration, so you will not see everything, but the main axis is always open. There is little shade, and November mornings can be cold, so dress for the weather.
Making the most of it: go at opening time on a weekday, walk the central axis first, then turn into the side palaces to the east, which are quieter. Finish by climbing Jingshan Park, across the road from the north gate, for the classic view over the golden roofs.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walk from the Meridian Gate in the south along the central axis of halls and courtyards to the inner palaces and the imperial garden in the north.
Best time
Opening time on a Tuesday to Friday, outside Chinese public holidays; never on a Monday, when it is closed.
How long
Two to three hours with a guide, and half a day if you add the galleries and Jingshan Park.
Tips
Book as soon as your dates are firm, use the exact passport you booked with, carry little, and wear comfortable shoes for the long walk on stone.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Every first-time visitor to Beijing, and anyone interested in imperial China, architecture or palace life.
- Families
- Children enjoy the sheer size and the stories of emperors and concubines, but the distances are long, so plan breaks.
- Couples
- Slip into the quieter eastern palaces and end with sunset over the roofs from Jingshan Park.
- Pair with
- Tiananmen Square before you enter, and Jingshan Park straight after you leave by the north gate.
- Time needed
- Half a day, ideally a morning.
Good questions
How far ahead do I need to book the Forbidden City?+
Tickets go on sale up to seven days ahead, released at 20:00 Beijing time, and popular days sell out quickly. Book as soon as you know your dates, or join a tour that includes the ticket.
Do foreigners need a passport for the Forbidden City?+
Yes, tickets are real-name, so you enter your passport details when booking and show the same passport at the entrance. A photo or copy is not accepted in place of the original.
Is the Forbidden City open on Mondays?+
No, the Palace Museum is closed on Mondays, except on public holidays. Plan the Great Wall or the Summer Palace park for a Monday instead.
Can I buy Forbidden City tickets at the gate?+
No, tickets are sold in advance only, through the official channels or authorised partners. That is why booking ahead, or booking a guided tour with entry, matters so much.
How long does a Forbidden City visit take?+
Allow two to three hours for the main axis with a guide, and longer if you add the Treasure Gallery or the Gallery of Clocks. Most visitors spend a full morning.
