Forbidden City Tours

Forbidden City
This formerly restricted imperial palace complex is now a public museum that shows the splendor of the old China. It is one of Beijing’s most impressive sites.

The Forbidden City is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Beijing, and in fact, the whole of China. For hundreds of years, only the royal entourage was allowed to enter through the formidable walls, which is why the complex earned the name “Forbidden City.” Since 1925, its opulent plazas have been open to the public, attracting millions of tourists each year.Surrounded by a moat and a high wall with corner watchtowers, this vast complex of ancient wooden palaces and religious structures was once a residence for Chinese emperors. Now managed by the Palace Museum, the authentic buildings, antique collections and manicured gardens within the compound are carefully preserved.Most visitors spend at least half a day in the vast Forbidden City. Enter through the Gate of Heavenly Peace and pick up a map or digital audio tour at the ticketing office. Browse the expansive site with nearly a 1,000 structures yourself, or hire a reputable guide.See if you can spot the architectural influences of many different cultures and enter the old halls and pavilions to find precious artifacts. See rare bronze objects, old paintings and everyday household items, which give you insight into what life was like behind these imperial walls.You can’t miss the extravagant five-arch Meridian Gate and the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest among the many grand and lavishly decorated ceremonial halls in the complex. To end your visit, stroll through the Imperial Garden and exit through the Gate of Divine Might.Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is easy to reach on foot, or by bike or public transport. The subway Tian'anmen East and West stations are close to the South Gate. A city bus circles the complex on the outside, so you can get from one side to the other in a short time. Visit on a weekday if you want to avoid large crowds.

Plan a trip to see Forbidden City

King Parkview Hotel
Beijing Guangyao Service Apartment Chaoyangmen
Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Forbidden City

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
302
" "5 - Excellent 61.885245901639344%
4 - Good
141
" "4 - Good 28.89344262295082%
3 - Okay
38
" "3 - Okay 7.786885245901639%
2 - Disappointing
6
" "2 - Disappointing 1.2295081967213115%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.20491803278688525%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 21, 2019

Get you ticket on line. It’s not easy to figure it out when you’re there.

4/5 - Good

Zach
Sep 18, 2019

Don't forget your passport when you visit!!!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Apr 14, 2019

This is the most visited site by locals and visitors to Beijing any time of year. There is no time where I would imagine it is not bustling with thousands of people. There is only one way to see this site and it is moving with a throng of people at an even clip. There is no wandering about the grounds at a leisurely pace.

3/5 - Okay

GraceQ
Mar 10, 2019

Locals have no concept of personal space. Be prepared to be shoved or learn to shove back. This is the security line to Forbidden City earlier this week. Our wait time to clear security was about two hours.

5/5 - Excellent

Clifford-
Dec 19, 2018

The hotel breakfast is a great deal, with a large American and Chinese selection. Authentic HuTuong eateries just a couple blocks away (opposite direction from Wangfujing) that open at 6:00am for workers with really cheap and authentic menus.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Nov 27, 2018

Half of the site was closed off for a visiting dignitary - our guide said this happens often and of course they do not tell anyone ahead of time for security.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.