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Home / Tickets & Shows Booking / Forbidden City - The Palace Museum
Forbidden City - The Palace Museum Tickets Booking
Meridian Gate of Forbidden City
From CNY20/US$3 per person
Highlights:
  • Book ticket in advance to guarantee your entry.
  • Enter simply by scanning your passport, no need to collect a paper ticket.
  • A must-visit landmark on travelers’ bucket list.
  • Appreciate exquisite historical collection and splendid palace complex.
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    Price Categories (Chinese Yuan):
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Recommended Day Tours
Important Notice
Price
1.Free of charge for children under 1.2 meters (3.9 feet), or younger than 6 years old.
2.Minors between 6-17 and seniors over 60 can enjoy preferential price.
Reservation
1.Tickets are released 7 days in advance. We will book tickets for you as soon as they are available. Please note that there is a possibility that tickets may not be available due to the high demand. In such cases, we will issue a full refund to you.
2.Your valid Passport information is required for booking, and one person can only book one ticket per day.
3.For Chinese visitors who possess Chinese ID card and passports, please kindly book your tickets via the official WeChat Mini Platform of the Forbidden City by yourself.
4.Currently, individuals need to line up at the designated passage marked 5-8, which is situated on the right-hand side as you face towards the entrance gate.
How to Book and Use
1.Please present your Passport/ID to verify the booking and enter from Meridian Gate (the south gate).
2.If you enter the Forbidden City through Tiananmen Square, please do make a pre-reservation to Tiananmen Square in advance.
Opening Hours
April - October: 08:30 - 17:00
November - March: 08:30 - 16:30
It is closed on Mondays, except the Chinese public holidays.
Change & Cancellation
1.Free Change & Cancellation before ticket is issued.
2.After the ticket is issued, the service fee is non-refundable.
Further Reading:
 
How to Shorten Your Queuing Time?
 
There is no skip-the-line entrance to Forbidden City. All visitors need to queue up in the line for a long time to pass the security check of Tiananmen Square, which leads you to Meridian Gate of Forbidden City. But there is a shortcuts if you do not visit Tiananmen Square, that is to walk through Beijing Working People's Culture Palace by spending CNY2 for the admission ticket, which you can buy on site.

Entrance: The East Gate of Beijing Working People's Culture Palace (北京劳动人民文化宫东门)

You will get the detailed walking guidance after your tickets are confirmed.
What to Expect

The Forbidden City, said to consist of over 9,000 rooms, is the largest and best-preserved royal palace throughout the world. Serving as the seat of power in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911), it was dwelled by 24 emperors in its history of over 600 years.

Meridian Gate of Forbidden City
Meridian Gate of Forbidden City
Our Guests at Hall of Supreme Harmony of Forbidden City
Hall of Supreme Harmony of Forbidden City

Wandering around the emperors’ home, you may wonder that you are in a maze of exquisite wood structures because it’s so large. Most walls and doors are painted yellow and red as they are considered as symbols of dignified imperial power and auspiciousness. Among all palaces, the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility are the most popular attractions.

Besides the antique buildings, your eyes will be dazzled by abundant curios, like porcelain, Chinese calligraphy, paintings, clocks, and watches. You will imagine how the royal families led a lavish lifestyle upon seeing these articles.

Exhibition at Hall of Mental Cultivation of Forbidden City
The Exhibition at Hall of Mental Cultivation
Corner Tower of the Forbidden City
Corner Tower of the Forbidden City

Additional Info
Address:
No. 4, Jingshan Qianjie, Dongcheng District, Beijing
How to get to Forbidden City Beijing
Tourists can only enter through the Meridian Gate, namely the south gate of the Forbidden City.
 By subway:
a. Take Subway Line 1, get off at Tiananmen East Station (Exit A) or Tiananmen West Station (Exit B), find the Tiananmen Tower, and then walk north to the Meridian Gate;
b. Take Subway Line 2, get off at Qianmen Station (Exit A), walk north through the Tiananmen Square, pass the Tiananmen Tower, and then find the Meridian Gate further north.

 By bus:
a. Take Bus 1, 2, 52, 82, 120, Sightseeing Bus Line 2, Tourist Bus Line 1, or Tourist Bus Line 2 and get off at Tiananmen East Station;
b. Take Bus 1, 5, 52, Sightseeing Bus Line 1, Sightseeing Bus Line 2, Tourist Bus Line 1, or Tourist Line 2, and get off at Tiananmen West Station.

Forbidden City Tickets Booking FAQs

How to buy tickets to the Forbidden City Beijing?

1. Top Recommendation: Utilize a Ticket Agency for Effortless Booking - Save time and avoid potential complications to assist with your reservation.
2. Alternative Method: Book Directly on the Official Platform - If you are proficient in reading Chinese, consider booking your tickets through the official Wechat Mini Program or their website. 
Cautionary Note: Avoid Last-Minute Purchases at the Venue - While it is possible to purchase tickets on the spot at the Forbidden City, please be advised that there is a risk of tickets being sold out. 

Do I need to book a ticket to Forbidden City in advance?

Absolutely, it is strongly advised to book your tickets to the Forbidden City in advance. This will ensure a smoother visit and avoid the possibility of disappointment due to unavailability of tickets on the day of your visit.

Can I buy a ticket on the spot upon arrival?

Yes, it is possible to purchase tickets on the spot. However, it's important to note that there may be a long queue due to the high demand and limited availability of tickets. Secondly, the ticketing policy is subject to change without prior notice, so it's always best to check the latest information before your visit.

What is the Forbidden City ticket price?

Standard Entrance Ticket: April - October: CNY 60; November - March: CNY 40
Treasure Gallery: CNY 10
Clock and Watch Gallery: CNY 10
* Children and seniors enjoy discounted price.
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