Dear Travellers,
Plan your Beijing tours? Visiting the Forbidden City ( The Palace Museum ) is no doubt one of your travel highlights in Beijing. Then how to buy your Forbidden City entry ticket? When to visit? Which gate to enter? What’s the visiting line? How to beat the crowds?
We’d like to have the following quick guide to be always updated for the benefit of new visitors visiting the Forbidden City ( the Palace Museum) in Beijing.
If you have any questions or anybody having used the piece finds necessary updates, please leave a message or feedback. Thanks!
Here we have a quick guide for you to grab some basic travel tips for visiting Forbidden City.
Tip 01: Try to Avoid Weekends or Public Holidays
Forbidden City is a must see highlight for every first-time visitor to Beijing. Be ready for crowds of people visiting this complex. Try to avoid visiting Forbidden City on weekends or Chinese public holidays.
On these tourist peak days, the hoards of tourists are thick. Many tour groups ( most domestic ones) seem to aggregate and move about with banners, and colored caps.
Very often you have to elbow your way to see and take pictures. We recommend you come here either early in the morning or in the later afternoon ( not too late to be allowed to enter the museum ) to beat the crowds, enjoy the Forbidden City as it once is before the masses turn up and ruin your photo opportunities.
Tip 02: The Right Gate to Forbidden City In & Out
The Palace Museum officially sets the one way travel route from south to north ( no return). So there is just one main entrance to the Forbidden City, namely the southern gate, or Meridian Gate, also known as Wumen (午门）in Chinese. To the south of Forbidden City’s Southern Gate lie Tiananmen Tower and Tiananmen Square.
There is one main exit gate to the Forbidden City, namely the northern gate, or Gate of Divine Prowess , also known as Shenwu Men (神武门）in Chinese. So don’t try to enter the Forbidden City from its north gate.
Again Kinder Reminder:
Basically you enter the Forbidden City from its southern gate and exit from its northern gate, which is officially set as a one-way south to north travel route. You cannot exit from the Southern Gate again; you cannot enter the Northern Gate either.
Tip 03: How to get to Forbidden City?
When we ask how to get to the Forbidden City, we very often mean how we can get to the southern gate to the Forbidden City since basically we are supposed to enter the Forbidden City from its south main gate and exit from its north main gate, which is officially set as a one-way south to north travel route.
To the south of the Forbidden City’s southern gate lie the Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China, the Great Hall of the People ( Chinese parliament), The National Centre for the Performing Arts (the Giant Egg) and Qiamen Street.
So if you have half a day available for your trip to the Forbidden City which basically takes about 2 hours, you may add some of the sights nearby to enhance your Beijing experience.
| By Bus | Arriving at Tiananmen East Station, take bus number：1, 120, 2, 52, 82, Night 1, Sightseeing Double-Decker Bus 1, and Sightseeing Double-Decker Bus 2. |
| By Subway ( going to the south gate ) | Metro Line 1: drop off at Tiananmen West or Tiananmen East Station, walk north through the Tiananmen Tower (Gate of Heavenly Peace), and then you’ll find the Meridian Gate (south gate) to the Forbidden City |
| Parking for Private Car | The Palace Museum does not have a dedicated parking lot. The nearest public parking lots are just outside Donghua Gate and Jingshan Back Street. The nearby parking is quite limited. Visitors are advised to take public transportation to visit the Palace Museum. |
Tip 04: Entry Ticket Information
The Palace Museum is limiting the daily number of visitors to 20,000, so upfront ticket booking is highly recommended. The Palace Museum has cancelled on-site ticket sales. Instead you need to have online real-name ticket purchases.
Tickets are to be sold 10 days in advance until sold out. Tickets can be booked online at Forbidden City ticketing, or through the Forbidden City’s official booking page: Forbidden City Official Ticketing.
Only one ticket per certificate (ID/passport) per day of admission is allowed.
On the day of visit, you can be admitted Forbidden City directly with your ID card or the original household register at any ticket gate. There is no need to exchange paper tickets.
People who buy tickets together on the Internet must check in at the same time and must not check in separately.
| April 1st – October 31 ( 8:30 – 17:00 ) | Last Entry at 16:10 Tickets sold until 16:00 Entrance ticket: RMB 60 |
| November 1st – March 31 (8:30 – 16:30) | Last Entry at 15:40 Tickets sold until 15:30 Entrance Ticket: RMB 40 |
| Some exhibits within the complex | Treasure Gallery : RMB 10; Clock and Watch Gallery: RMB 10 There are some exhibits within the complex that require additional tickets to get access to the inside paid sights such as the Treasure Gallery and the Clock and Watch Gallery. |
Note:
1. Forbidden City is closed for the entire day every Monday, except the Chinese national public holidays.
2. Forbidden City Ticketing Purchase is based on real name policy;
3. You need to show your passport to buy your entrance tickets;
4. Free of charge for children under 1.2 meters, each required to be escorted by an adult；
5. Special 20 yuan tickets are available for China’s elementary, middle school, and university students
(including foreign students studying in Chinese universities) with valid student I.D. or certified letter from school administrator (including students from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, excluding graduate and adult education students);
6. Seniors over 60 years old are entitled to half price by showing a valid ID or passport.
7. Forbidden City Customers Service Hot Lines: 010-85007057 010-85007058 010-85007062 （working hours：08:30-22:00）; (Fax): 6523-7344
Tip 05: Suggested Forbidden City Travel Routes
The Forbidden City is huge, covering an area of 72 hectares. Normally you should cruise through in two or three hours.
Plan this together with Tiananmen Square, Jinshan Park or Beihai park. Please keep in mind that Tickets sold until 15:30 (November 1st – March 31); Tickets sold until 16:00 (April 01 – October).
Classic Two-hour Axis Travel Route
1. The Meridian Gate (Wu men – the south gate) 2. Gate of Supreme Harmony (Taihe men) 3. Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe dian) 4. Treasures from the Qing Palace 5. Memory of the Old Palace 6. Hall of Central Harmony (Zhonghe dian) 7. Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohe dian) 8. Gate of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing men) 9. Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing gong) 10. Hall of Union (Jiaotai dian) 11. Palace of Earthly Tranquility (Kunning gong) 12. Imperial Garden (Yu huayuan) 13. Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu men – the north gate)
Half a Day Travel Route
1. The Meridian Gate (Wu men – the south gate) 2. Hall of Martial Valor (Wuying dian) 3. Gate of Supreme Harmony (Taihe men) 4. Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe dian) 5. Hall of Central Harmony (Zhonghe dian) 6.Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohe dian) 7. Hall of Clocks 8. Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing gong) 9. Hall of Union (Jiaotai dian) 10. alace of Earthly Tranquility (Kunning gong) 11. Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin dian) 12. Imperial Garden (Yu huayuan) 13. Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu men the north gate)
Tip 06: View the Turrets and the Moat
When touring the Forbidden City, don’t miss visiting the magnificent turrets of Forbidden City and its surrounding moat. There are four beautiful turrets of the same structure on the four corners of Forbidden City.
Each turret tower has nine girders, eighteen columns and 72 ridges. The two turrets on the northeast and northwest corners offer the best photo opportunities. How to Take the Best Photos of Forbidden City Turret and Moat.
The turrets are inaccessible to visitors. People usually finish their visit to the Forbidden City and exit from its north gate. Then turn either right for the northeast turret tower or left for the northwest turret tower outside the Forbidden City.
Tip 07: A Panoramic View of Forbidden City
Jingshan Park is not to miss on your Beijing tour for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and the city of Beijing as a whole. . Jingshan just sits across the north gate to the Forbidden City.
After finishing your visit of the Forbidden City from south to north, you exit from the Forbidden City’s north gate.
Exiting from the northern gate, raising your head, you will find a pavilion has three-layered eaves perched on a hill. The hill is called Jingshan Hill ( Coal Hill or prospect Hill).
Jingshan Hill is an ideal place to have a panoramic view of Forbidden City and the Beijing city as whole. Click “Jingshan Park is not to be missed” for more information.
Tip 08: Public Transport after your visit to Forbidden City
It is a bit tricky to use the public transport back to your hotel or other attractions you continue to visit afterwards.
Public bus stations around the Forbidden City’s North Gate:
Public Bus Number: 101, 103, 109, 124 trolleybus and No. 58, Night 13, Sightseeing Bus 1, Sightseeing Bus 2.
Public Bus stations around Jingshan Park East Gate
Public Bus Number: No. 111, Trolleybus 124 and No. 58, Night bus 2
After visiting the Forbidden City and exit from its north gate, most of the visitors want to continue their day trips to other attractions or destinations in Beijing like Park Park ( just opposite the north gate to Forbidden City), the nearby Beihai Park, Wangfujing Street, Beijing Zoo, Summer Palace, Fragrance Hill, Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall of China and the list is much longer.
Please read the following travel information to help plan your further day trip:
Jinshan Park ( Prospect Hill or Coal Hill ) ( How to Visit Jingshan Park )
Jinshan Park is just opposite the north gate to the Forbidden City, but you are not allowed to cross the street. To visit Jinshan Park ( Prospect Hill ), you are advised to use the underpass 20 meters in the west.
Beihai Park Beijing ( How to Visit Beihai Park )
This park is approx 800 meters west of the north gate to Forbidden City, just 10-minute walking.
Summer Palace ( How to Visit Summer Palace )
First take the underpass to cross the street and walk west to the Bus No.103 and get off at Beijing Zoo Station, then connect Bus 332 for Summer Palace.
Badaling Great Wall ( How to Visit Badaling Great Wall by train )
Walk westward and find the Bus No.5 and drop off at Deshengmen, then connect Bus 877 for Badaling Great Wall.
Temple of Heaven ( How to Visit Temple of Heaven )
Walk westward for 30 meters and take Bus 814 and get off at Dong Dan, Chongwenmen and Temple of Heaven.
Wangfujing Street or Beijing Railway Station ( Wangfujing Street ) ( Beijing Railway Station )
Walk west for 30 meters and take trolley bus No.103 and get off at Wangfujiang or Beijing Railway Station.
Beijing West Railway Station ( Beijing West Railway Station )
Take the underpass to cross the street and Take bus 109 and get off at Xuanwumen, connect bus No.9 or 703 for Beijing West Railway Station.
Beijing South Railway Station ( Beijing South Railway Station )
Walk west for 500 meters and take Bus No. 05 and get off at Qianmen, connect Bus 20 for Beijing West Railway Station.
Tiananmen Square or Subway Line 01 ( How to Visit Tiananmen Square ) ( Subway Line 1 )
Walk west for 500 meters and take Bus No. 05
How to take a Beijing Taxi ( Beijing Taxi )
Walk west for 50 meters and call a cab.
Taking a rickshaw at the north gate is a rip-off.
Don’t ever take a Rickshaw at the north gate of Forbidden City unless you feel like getting lost and extorted.
So if you visit Forbidden City by getting to a wrong gate (north gate), don’t use a local rickshaw to get back to the south gate, just walk to the right gate (south gate).
For the same reason, if you exit from the north gate after visiting Forbidden City, don’t use a rickshaw for your next place.
Tip 09: Hire a legitimate Tour Guide or Audio Guides
The Forbidden City is much worth visiting, but unless you know the history very well, you should use a Beijing tour guide. You are not advised to use the tourist guides around the entrance. Most of them are self-employed tour guides.
So, try to find a reliable travel agency for your tour guide services or the Recorded guide. The recorded audio guides: these are available for rent walking from south to north. There are many signs in English by each building. An actual book would probably better serve you if you want to understand what you are seeing.
Tip 10 : Dress for the Hot Weather
There are very few trees with little shade Forbidden City. It is super hot during the summer.
So if coming here in summer, be ready to bring an umbrella for sun protection, bottles of water, and comfy walking shoes. Check out: Beijing Climate for more information.
Tip 11: Wear Comfortable Shoes
There are lots of outdoor areas so you can’t do a lot of hiding from the sun or rain. Wear your most comfortable shoes.
It’s a long walk! strollers and wheelchairs are available for free at the tourist guide service at both southern gate and the northern gate.
Tip 12: Avoid Tour Vendors on the Street
There are some tour vendors at each entrance selling their excursions to the Great Wall. Just ignore all handouts that will be forced upon you. Especially bus tours.
They are all too good to be true, and you will be disappointed. See Top 10 Tourist Scams in Beijing for more information.
Tip 13: Be vigilant on Tea House Scam and Ticket Touts
A kind reminder that Tea House Scams and ticket touts could possibly pester you around Forbidden City area. Below is a trip report by a victim from Sri Lanka named Akalan ( click Top 10 Tourist Scams in Beijing for more information) :
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I wish I read this page 1 week earlier! I was a victim to the “Tea House” scam. The scammer, a lady was very clever. I came to the Tiananmen area and was going to buy the ticket to enter the forbidden city. A lady who was walking besides me casually said “Hello” and started a chat while walking.
In fact this was my 4th trip to China, but first trip to Beijing. Many a times many people, usually young ladies chatted with me and they helped me a lot. Even on the same day morning I went to the Great Wall and a young girl with good English walked with me. All those I met earlier were genuine people who just wanted to help a visitor to their country. Most of the time they did not even allow me to pay a bill, ticket price or taxi fare.
With that sort of experience, I had no suspicion on this woman. Still my priority was to get into the Forbidden city ASAP, as it was passed 3pm and I knew that the ticket sales would stop at 4 pm. This lady said that she would show me the “East gate” where I can enter without a long queue. Yes, there was a queue of people at the main entrance.
Simply followed her advice and she walked with me to “show” the entrance. On the way she said she is from Xi’An (a city I visited 1 month ago) and we had quite a good conversation on history, culture and languages. She also explained some history of the area.
She said her friends from another province are there and they will meet them in 10 min. If I can wait 10 min, they also can join me to go inside the Forbidden city.
While waiting for them, she suggested me to sit somewhere and have a tea or fruit juice. In fact after walking and climbing whole morning in Great Wall area, I was thirsty and wanted to sit and stretch my legs. So I agreed.
I tried to sit on some chairs laid outside, but she suggested to go inside – less noisy, less dust and air-conditioned!
I picked a Chinese tea and the scam began! You know the rest. Yes, she split the bill, still I lost a few hundred! Worst thing was that she took me to a gate, assuring that I could enter from there, but obviously there were no ticket counters. I had to get to an electric car. The driver charged 20, instead of 2, as he sensed my urgency!
He actually did not take me to the ticket counters, instead, he stopped somewhere and a woman approached me. She was telling me that the ticket counters are closed and she would sell a ticket to me for 100 ! I did not want to let some one rip me off for 3rd time, within 15 min. Finally when I found the ticket counters, they were closed! So I missed the Forbidden City!
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Tip 14: Hail a Taxi on the Road
Please note that taxis are not allowed to stop either at the northern gate or south gate. Some people approaching you for taxi service after you finish your visit at the Forbidden City, may be black taxi drivers. Just avoid them and try to hail a taxi on the road.
Taxis are not allowed to stop at the northern gate (Shenwu men) according to the local traffic regulations. Visitors exiting from the northern gate need to walk further either east or west to hail a taxi or take a bus. Check out Beijing Taxi for more information.
Tip 15: Hassle-free Beijing Guided Tours
If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for Beijing guided tours:
Car Rental in Beijing
Beijing Day Tour
Beijing Tour Packages
Great Wall Tour
Beijing Winter Tour
Beijing Tour
China City Tours
China Tour
Chinese version of the travel guide
故宫旅游小贴士
Further Readings
Best Time to Visit Beijing
How to plan a trip to Beijing
Top 10 Attractions in Beijing
Top 10 Tourist Scams Beijing
How to Visit Forbidden City
How to Visit Temple of Heaven
How to Visit Summer Palace
How to Visit Ming Tombs
How to Visit the Great Wall of China
How to Visit Tiananmen Square
How to Visit Hutongs
How to Visit Olympic Sites
Top 10 Markets in Beijing
Top 10 Shopping Malls in Beijing
Beijing Shopping
Wangfujing Night Snack Street
Qianmen Commercial Street
Beijing Huguosi Street
We took a taxi to the Forbidden City. I was surprised that he dropped us at the Northern Gate – your post says specifically that they are not allowed to. However, I say a long line of taxis on either side of the road and reasoned this was okay. Wrong. You cannot enter by the North Gate – which your post says specifically you can. That means a greater than 1.5 km walk to the South Gate.
After just starting the walk we decided to take two pedal rickshaws – big mistake. After a meandering route through some very unattractive Hutongs we were dropped at least 500m from the Southern Gate (with no clear directions even how to find the entrance) and were charged an exhorbitant fee.
After touring the City, guess what? We’re back at the Northern Gate. Guess what (as your site correctly suggests)? All of the taxis there are black and want an exorbitant rate to take us back to our hotel. Here we go again – a 1.5 km walk to the Subway station at the Southern Gate.
So although the Forbidden City is a wonderful place to visit, the experience was spoiled by deception and inconvenience.
I will be in Beijing next week and would like a more extensive tour of The Forbidden City, not just the usual 2-3 hour tour.
What would you suggest?
You may wander in Forbidden City within the business hours in a day.
Open daily all year.
April 1st – October 31 ( 8:30 – 17:00 )
Last Entry at 16:10
Tickets sold until 16:00
November 1st – March 31 (8:30 – 16:30)
Last Entry at 15:40
Tickets sold until 15:30
Fleck, sorry for our misleading information that has caused you so much trouble. Now the northern gate is only for exiting, no longer for entering, a one-way travel route from south gate to north gate which was offially set on July 2, 2011. This one way travel route is aimed at avoiding possible “collision ” between two huge crowds of travelers moving from south gate and north gate, specially during holiday season.
I would like an extensive and detailed visit to the Clock collection in the Forbidden City. Can that be arranged? Can one photograph the clocks in the collection or on display? Who needs to be contacted to do this sort of thing/ Thanks, Dave
The Clock Collection Hall is located within the Forbidden City. You first buy an entrance ticket for the Forbidden City. Then you walk to the Hall of Clock Collection, then you buy the entrance ticket for the Hall of Clock Collection on the spot. You can spend inside the hall as long as you can within the opening hours. You can take pictures inside the clock collection hall.
We shall be visiting in mid August. Is it possible to get a good guide at the Fobidden City to take us around? How much will he/she charge?
Yes, English speaking tour guide are available inside Fordden City. The price for hiring a tour guide: CNY 200 per hour. Please don’t use the tour guides from outside Forbidden City, who may be not registered tour guides.
Or you may use Audio Guides offered by the Forbidden City for a small money. Have a nice trip!
What will be the temperature like in November? Will it be too cold? Going to Beijing in November..
Hello Evitha,
It is ok to visit Beijing in November. Please check the daily temperature by looking into the Historical Weather Data for November by visiting the page below:
http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/beijing-weather/beijing-in-november/ . Have a nice trip to Beijing in November!
Can I rent a wheelchair at the south gate and then return it at the north gate to avoid backtracking as it looks like a very long walk ?
Hello Joe,
Basically, you can rent a wheelchair at the south gate and return them at the north gate. The use of a wheelchair is free, but you have to pay RMB 500 as a deposit at the south gate and you get the money back at the north gate.
One annoying thing about renting a wheelchair is that you cannot reserve your wheelchair at the south gate in advance. You have to go there by yourself. If you are lucky, you will have the chance to rent a wheelchair. Nobody knows how many wheelchairs are available and how many people are going to rent. Good Luck!
how far forbidden city from tiannamen square? and how to go there? i menas from subway line 1/ tiannamen square..pls advice me
Hello wm richard,
Tiananmen Square is adjacent to the south entrance to the Forbbiden City. You take subway line 1 and get off either at the station of East Tiananmen or West Tiananmen. Once you get to Tiananmen Square, you just follow the throng to walk to Forbbiden City.
Hello!
We will be going to Beijing on 2 to 5 November. Can you recommend hotel near to Forbidden City or Great Wall. In which place preferable to stay?
Thank you.
Hello Mel,
Please check the link below for more information on where to stay in Beijing:
http://www.tour-beijing.com/hotel/where_to_stay_in_beijing.php
Have a nice stay in Beijing!
My wife and I will be staying at the Jade Garden Hotel, Beijing. Is this within walking distance of Tianamen Square or would you recommend taking a taxi.
Hello Paul McAdam,
The Jade Garden Hotel has a good location, walking south for 800m and turn right, you will see Tiananmen Square and just about 400m just to Forbidden City, no need for taxi!
Unfortunately didn’t we did not read the no-rickshaw recommendations and also got caught up in the “rickshaw” scam. The same situation, seller in front of gate was yelling 3 Yuan or even 2 Yuan. Alarm bells started ringing when the driver didn’t take the turn on the road to the entrance, first time and again when we turn into hutongs and became all alone. Then the drivers stopped in dead-end and said 300Y and also pulled out the 300 Yuan card. We told him to forget it and offered 3 Yuan. Try to call a police but 112 suggest you to call 120 or 122, but 120 and 122 hang up calls. After some pushing and yelling they disappear with 50Y per person. Drop point was few corners from east-bridge to Forbidden city and just one corner from police camera….surprisingly.
As already it was said here before they do not escalate conflict beyond a few physical pushes and don’t use any weapons. Probably punishment for robbery with violence is strict.
Hello Swarrior，
Thanks for your time writing your rickshaw experience at the north gate of Forbidden city. The right police call in Beijing and other cities in China is 110. So next time just call 110. Kind regards.
Hi,
I am planning to visit the forbidden city early Jan 2014. I haven’t on where to stay. I want to stay nearby so I can walk to the forbidden city. My budget is USD60 or below/ night. Any recommendation?
Hello Fauziah，
Please read my post below ( where to stay in Beijing ) and check the hotels under the title of “Hotels in Central Beijing (Imperial Center)”
http://www.tour-beijing.com/hotel/where_to_stay_in_beijing.php
Can you please advise if Emperor Qianlong’s Lodge of Retirement – Juanqinzhai is open to the general public? How much does it cost to visit? I am planning another visit in October 2013, and very much hope to see this wondrous building.
Many thanks…
Hello Esther，
As far as I know, at the time of my writing, it is not open to the general public, just have an outside look at the building.
We are staying at the china world shangri la hotel can you walk to tiananmin square and forbidden city . How far to walk
Hello Shelley Vey,
So you stay at China world shangri la hotel ( No.01 Jiangguomenwai Avenue, Beijing ), right? If yes, it is very convenient for you to go from your hotel to Tiananmen and its attached Forbidden City.
You just walk along Jiangguomenwai Avenue ( actually this avenue is part of Chang’an Avenue ) to the west direction. Tiananmen Square is about 6.3km to the west of your hotel, about 1 and 20 minutes’ walk.
Or you may take the subway line 1 from Guomao Station (国贸）just next to your hotel and take the subway to the west direction and get off at the 5th station of East Tiananmen Square （天安门东站) and exit from Exit A. The subway ride including walking involved takes you about 30 minutes.
By the way, after visiting Tiananmen Square, you can easily walk to the Forbidden City, just follow the crowds since many travelers follow the same itinerary walking from Tiananmen to Forbidden City.
Have a good time in Beijing!
Is badaling side of great wall opened now.? Since ive read an article that its close for renovation.pls ansr.tnx
Hello Myrna Mesana,
Badaling Great Wall is open and you can visit Badaling Great Wall. But the cable car system is closed for renovation. When the cable service will be back to normal is still unknown.
hi. would it be fine if we will not hire tour guide/s in beijing? plans include going to badaling great wall, zoo, forbidden city, tianamen square etc. perhaps taxis and subways are always available and are good enough to make our trips more exciting! 🙂
Hello Mimay,
Generally, Beijing is friendly to independent travelers. Most of the highlights can be easily reached by subway( easy to handle ) and public buses （ a bit challenging). I suggest you using subway （underground ) or taxis ( on the ground for more sightseeing ).
1. Badaling Great Wall + Beijing Zoo
You may take the S Train from Beijing North Railway Station to Badaling Great Wall. Back to Beijing North Railway Station and walk to the next door Beijing Zoo.
See: http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/how-to-visit-great-wall-by-train/
Have a good time in Beijing!
Visitng Beijing 28/12/2015 to 03/01/2016. Is this too long a stay or enough time to visit the top 10 attractions in Beijing. Can you suggest the time I should spend in Beijing. Many thanks
Hi Sam Appalsamy,
Normally, many tourists would stay in Beijing for 4 or 5 days. If you are going to spend 7 days, you’d better spend 1 or 2 days out of Beijing. Let’s say, you are recommended to visit Xian – Terra-cotta Warriors.
Have a good time in China!
May I know that if there is any discount for the foreigner tourists who are over 60 years old to enter the forbidden city? Thanks.
Hi Ris,
Yes, over 60 and half price, which should also apply to the major sights in Beijing and other parts of China according to the rules and regulations concerned.
tea scam!!!
happened to me, but got saved as i had read from this blog. each and every word repeated with me.
I denied at last moment to goto east gate with them rather chose to take ticket there only
Feeling good..
hello, i am going to stay next few days in RJ brown hotel and i want to visit the forbidden city as well as the badaling great wall ^_^. can you help me please and tell me how te get it by subway
Hi Farah,
1. How to get to Forbidden City fro your hotel.
Actually both your hotel and Forbidden City are on the central axis of the old Beijing. So just walk to the north-south Tianqiao South Avenue 天桥南大街 ( Sky Bridge South Road), walk in the north direction, you will get to Forbidden City. Check out more information on the axis of Beijing:
http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/beijing-attractions-tips/beijing-central-axis
2. How to get to Great Wall
By Bus:
http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/travel-review/badaling-great-wall-bus
http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/how-to-get-to-mutianyu-great-wall-by-bus
By train:
http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/how-to-visit-great-wall-by-train
Have a good time in Beijing!
Hi,
Are there English-speaking tour guides you can hire at Forbidden City? If so, how much do they charge on top of the entrance fees? Thanks.
Hi Sim,
As far as I know, there are few English speaking tour guides to meet the huge demand by the visitors. Alternatively, you may hire an Audio Guide. The recorded audio guides are available at the south gate for rent walking from south to north. There are numerous signs in English by each building. An actual book would probably better serve you if you want to understand what you are seeing.
Hi,
I intend to visit Forbidden City on 11 Dec 2016 which is a sunday. Will there be a lot of people? Will i experience long queue when purchasing the ticket at Meridian Gate if i reach there about 10 am ?
Hi Karen,
As far as I know, December is a low tourist season in Beijing, plus there are quite a few ticketing windows for selling tickets, so the queues should move fast. No worry about that. But Forbidden City is always busy with tourists allyear round. Your visiting time is not bad. Enjoy your trip!
Hi,
How much is the English audio-guide? Is it possible to buy the entrance tickets at hotels, tourist centre or airport?
Thanks.
Hi Wong,
1. You are required to buy the ticket at Forbidden City and don’t forget to bring your ID ( passport ).
2. The English audio-guide：40 yuan
Hi Wong
We are visiting Beijing at the end of next month and can’t avoid visiting the Forbidden City on the weekend (as you have suggested). We will also spend one day visiting the Ming tombs and the Great Wall at M…
Do you have a view about which it’s best to do on Saturday and which it’s best to do on Sunday?
Regards
Tess
Hi Tess,
It seems to me that it makes no big difference if you do on Saturday or do on Sunday.
Hello, is it possible to visit forbidden city, Tiananmen Square, temple of heaven and the summer palace in one day? Which of these will take the most? If not, can we see any of this the day we visit the Great Wall? We will only be two complete days and 3 nights in Beijing! Thanks!
Hi Alex,
Basically you can have a cursory day tour of all the highlights you’ve mentioned above.
By the way, it’s better that you arrange your own transport – renting a car with driver, saving your travel time instead of using the time-consuming tramsport.
I don’t want to say bad things about China, but usually I don’t trust people here. In my experience, people are quite cold to me, so I know when they’re not, it’s usually a scam. Anyways, I missed the entrance last year, so we went to Zhongshan Park. It was actually much better than I imagined for only 2 yuan! If you aren’t in a hurry, I suggest stopping on by.
I will be staying at Sunworld Dynasty hotel. May i ask if i can walk to Tiananmen Square /Forbidden City.This will be sometime around late November but i have not fix my date yet. Thanks
Dear Barnabas,
Yes, you can.
1) Your hotel – the south gate to Forbidden City: 1.1km ( 15 minute’s walk)
2) Your hotel – Tiananmen Square: 2.2km ( half an hour by walk)
By the way, be aware of the possible tourist scams in Beijing. Check out the link below for more information:
http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/china-travel/tourist-traps-in-china/top-10-tourist-scams-beijing
Have a good time in Beijing!