12 Essential Tips for First Time Visitors to the Forbidden City
Hello everyone! Today we’ve compiled 12 essential tips to avoid common pitfalls for First Time Visitors to the Forbidden City in Beijing. If you’re planning a trip there, be sure to read this carefully!
Can I book tickets for the Forbidden City on-site?
No! You must book tickets at least 7 days in advance through the official website or WeChat mini-program of the Palace Museum (set your alarm to secure tickets promptly). Reservations are divided into morning and afternoon sessions. The latest entry time for the morning session is 12:00 PM, while the earliest entry time for the afternoon session is 11:00 AM. Missing your designated time slot will result in denied entry!
Which gate should visitors enter and exit the Forbidden City through?
The Meridian Gate (South Gate) is the sole entrance for visitors. The exit points are either the Gate of Divine Prowess (North Gate) or the East Prosperity Gate (Donghua men) .
Please note: The Forbidden City follows a one-way tour route, meaning you can only proceed forward and are not permitted to return the same way!
Is there a long line for ticket inspection at the Forbidden City? How can I avoid the crowds?
If you’re not planning to visit Tiananmen Square, it’s best not to enter through Tiananmen, there are too many people queuing up there. We recommend taking the route to the East Prosperity Gate (Donghua men) of the Forbidden City and walking along the palace walls for 10-15 minutes to reach the Meridian Gate, which will save you time from queuing.
If possible, avoid carrying backpacks. Just bring your phone, ID, power bank, and water—keep everything in your pockets and go through the bag-free security lane for faster entry! If you absolutely must bring a bag, have one person queue while others use the bag-free lane.
Can I bring luggage? Is there luggage storage?
Free luggage storage is available at the entrance of the Meridian Gate. When storing your luggage, you must register the exit where you wish to retrieve it. Staff will deliver your luggage to your selected exit. (Luggage must be retrieved before closing time at 5:00 PM.)
Is it closed on Mondays? What about holidays?
The Forbidden City is closed on every Monday (excluding statutory holidays). If Monday falls on a holiday, the museum will be closed on Tuesday instead. The final schedule is subject to the announcement of the scenic spot.
How do I get to Jingshan Park after visiting the Forbidden City?
If you plan to visit the National Museum, Wangfujing, Qianmen, or the Temple of Heaven next, exit through the East Prosperity Gate (Donghua men) . For Beihai Park, Jingshan Park, or Shichahai, exit through the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu men). Jingshan Park is directly across from the Gate of Divine Prowess (a 5-minute climb to the summit offers panoramic views of the Forbidden City).
Are there restaurants inside the Forbidden City where visitors can eat?
Yes, there are restaurants within the Forbidden City where you can dine. Alternatively, you may bring your own snacks, such as bread. Some restaurants provide complimentary boiled water.
☆ Restaurant (Jingyun Branch)
Also located in the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, primarily serving light meals such as chicken wings, cream of mushroom soup, borscht, hot dogs…
☆ Forbidden City Ice Cellar Restaurant (Beside the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility)
Formerly the palace’s ice storage facility, built during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. Features Queen Mother Beef Rice, Old Beijing Zhajiang Noodles, Queen Mother Braised Beef Noodles.
☆ Wanchun Jinfu Afternoon Tea (East Garden of Kunning Palace)
Located in the rear courtyard of the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, the tea sets and tableware evoke the ambiance of imperial afternoon tea. Try the black sesame walnut paste and lychee-bayberry drink.
☆ Forbidden City Corner Tower Café
Infused with imperial charm, this spot focuses on creative desserts and coffee, ideal for a quick break but not suited for full meals.
Where are the best spots for photos at the Forbidden City?
The most photogenic locations are the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Imperial Garden, and the Red Wall Corridor.
How should I tour the attractions inside the Forbidden City? Are there any recommended routes?
4 recommended classic routes!
☆ Elderly/Child-Friendly Version (2-3 hours):
Meridian Gate → Gate of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Imperial Garden → Gate of Divine Prowess
☆ Standard Essentials Version (3-4 hours):
Meridian Gate → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony → Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Union, Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Six Western Palaces → Imperial Garden → Gate of Divine Prowess
☆ Cultural Exploration Route (4-5 hours):
Meridian Gate → Broken Rainbow Bridge → Ice Cellar Restaurant → Qianqing Palace → Yanxi Palace → Well of the Imperial Concubine Zhen → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Gate of Divine Prowess
☆ In-Depth Full Tour (5-6 hours) Route:
Meridian Gate → Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony → Palace of Heavenly Purity , Hall of Union , Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Palace of Prolonging Happiness, Palace of Great Benvolence → Treasure Gallery → Palace of Tranquil Longevity → Six Western Palaces → Imperial Garden → Gate of Divine Prowess
Do I need tickets for the Treasure Gallery and the Gallery of Clocks?
Yes! These two smaller attractions within the Forbidden City require separate admission fees (10 RMB each). We recommend the Treasure Gallery, which displays imperial treasures like phoenix crowns, jade artifacts, and gold seals. But be sure to arrive early—ticket sales stop at 4 PM, and the Forbidden City closes at 5 PM. Don’t wait until the last minute!
Are there power banks available inside the Forbidden City?
Very few. We recommend bringing your own. Also, the selfie stick should not exceed 1.3 meters in length.
Should I hire a tour guide for the Forbidden City?
We recommend hiring a guide, otherwise you may just skim the surface without understanding the history and find it uninteresting! Here are three options:
· Official guided tour: For groups of 5 or fewer, a 2.5-hour tour costs 350 RMB. Book in person at the tour service counter near the Meridian Gate entrance.
· Self-guided audio tour rental: International languages available for 40 RMB per unit. Return units at designated counters at Shenwu Gate or Donghua Gate. No time limit on usage.
· Private Tour Guide: A local Beijing professional guide exclusively serving your family. The tour lasts 3-4 hours, with extended explanations available for historical topics of interest and personalized Q&A sessions.
