FC07: One-Day In-Depth Visit to Forbidden City

One day is generally enough to visit most of the palaces and halls in the opening area of the Forbidden City. But you are still advised to make full use of the time and skip some of the less popular sites. If you visit every corner in details, even one day is not enough.

By subway: Take subway line 1 to Tian’anmen West or Tian’anmen East Station, get out from exit B and walk northward through the Tian’anmen Tower to get there.

By city bus: The closest bus stops to the Forbidden City are also Tian’anmen East or Tian’anmen West. City buses 1, 2, 5, 52, 59, 82, 120, and Sightseeing Bus Line 1/2 all have a stop there. 

The only entrance to the Forbidden City is the Southern Gate, Meridian Gate. After entering, this route will lead you to visit the royal palace from south to the north, mainly along the central axis, where the main halls and palaces are located, including Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony and Hall of Preserved Harmony, the three main halls in the Outer Court and Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Celestial and Terrestrial Union and Palace of Earthly Tranquility, the three main halls in the Inner Court. 

Meanwhile, some halls with permanent exhibitions, like Hall of Martial Valor for porcelains exhibition, Hall of Literary Glory for Chinese paintings and calligraphies exhibition, Hall for Ancestry Worship for clocks and watches exhibition and Palace of Tranquil Longevity displaying some other treasures will be visited. 

Hall of Mental Cultivation was the emperors’ bedroom in the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), while Six Western Palaces and Six Eastern Palaces on the west wing and east wing are the living places of their concubines. Imperial Garden was where the imperial families appreciate flowers and plants and have fun. Aren’t they worth a visit?

Behind the Imperial Garden to its north, is right the northern gate, Gate of Divine Prowess, also the exit of the Forbidden City.  After getting out from the northern gate, the guide will send you back to your hotel. 

1. Opening Hours of Forbidden City: 08:30 – 17:00 from April to October; 08:30 – 16:30 from November to March; closed on Mondays except holidays.

2. The entry ticket can only be bought online. No ticket is available on the spot. You may book the ticket with your passport on the official website. Book the ticket as early as possible, as it’s in great demand, especially in peak travel seasons and during holidays.
 Admission fee: April - October: CNY60; November - March: CNY40; Clocks and Watches Gallery: CNY10; Treasure Gallery: CNY10

3. To know the royal palace better, it is advised to rent an audio guide at the service center by the southern entry gate. It can be returned at the northern exit gate.  

4. Do not step into the unopen areas. They are either the office of the staff, under repairing or out of repairing. Your visit may destroy the precious cultural relics unintentionally or you may get lost in those crisscross lanes. 

5. The previous Imperial Icehouse has been transformed into a restaurant for visitors’ convenience. It is located to the west of the three main halls in the Outer Court, separated by a palace wall. But the price is a little bit high. There are also several other sites offering fast food.

6. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the Forbidden City. As the world’s largest wooden architectural complex, it had been on fire for many times in history.

After getting out from the northern gate of the imperial palace, it’s advised that you go to the Jingshan Park across the road. After, climb up to the top of Jingshan Hill inside. Standing there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.

Right outside the northern gate of the Forbidden City and the southern gate of the Jingshan Park, you can take city buses 58, 101, 103, 109, 124, 128, Wangfujing Tourism Line, Xidan Tourism Line, or Sightseeing Line 1/2/3 to your hotel directly or by connecting to other buses or subway.