The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, is China’s most iconic historical site located in the heart of Beijing. For first-time travelers arriving in the city, navigating the best route to the Forbidden City is key to starting a great trip.

This guide will walk you through all major options — and practical tips — to help you arrive the Forbidden City with ease.

Routes from Major Transport Hubs

From Beijing West Railway Station to the forbidden city

Subway + Walk
Distance: ~10 km
Route: Line 9 → Transfer at Military Museum → Line 1 → Tian’anmen West → Walk ~1.2 km
Time: 50 mins; Cost: ¥5 ($0.70 USD)

Taxi
Time: 35 mins; Cost: ¥30–50 (~$4–7 USD)

Practical Tips for Foreign Travelers

Is the subway friendly to foreign tourists ?

Yes! Stations and trains have English signs. Ticket machines have an English interface. You can use metro cards, single-ride tokens, or scan QR codes.

Even if you’re traveling for the first time in China, the subway is considered safe, clean, and extremely efficient. Security checks are required before entering any station, so allow 5–10 extra minutes for that.

Can I use Apple Pay?

Yes, in many stores and subway stations. However, we recommend using the “Metro Beijing” app or Alipay International, which supports foreign cards.

Another good alternative is WeChat Pay for Tourists, which allows linking foreign Visa or Mastercard to a temporary WeChat wallet. It works well for metro, food, and attractions.

Avoid rush hours

Weekday peaks: 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM. Avoid these if you’re carrying luggage.

Trains can get very crowded during rush hours, especially on Line 1, which goes to Tian’anmen. If you’re traveling with family or children, it’s recommended to travel between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM for a more comfortable experience.

Where to store luggage?

The Forbidden City offers luggage storage service. Free storage at the Meridian Gate; retrieve bags at Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu men) or East Prosperity Gate (Donghua men).

Best Navigation Apps

Foreign visitors are recommended to download the official English version of China’s Beijing Map and search for ‘Palace Museum (Forbidden City)’ to get accurate real-time directions and transfer suggestions.

Local Etiquette & Smart Tips

Opening Hours : The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays (except for statutory holidays).

Tickets : The Forbidden City does not sell same-day tickets. All visitors must make a real-name reservation. Which can be made online at 20:00 , seven days before the visit, and foreign visitors are required to provide their passport number when booking online. If you have any question regarding ticketing, please send an email to : soomar@foxmail.com.

Tips : Wear comfortable walking shoes — the tour takes 3–4 hours on foot. Large water bottles, lighters, and aerosols are not allowed at security. Consider renting an audio guide or booking an English-speaking guide for a richer experience.

Want a smoother visit ?

We offer:
Private airport/train station pickup services
Professional English-speaking tour guides
Ticket booking and onsite support
Contact us on this page to reserve your personalized Forbidden City trip now !