Visiting the Forbidden City with Kids: Family-Friendly Tour Routes

The Forbidden City, the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient palace complex, is a must-see attraction for everyone in Beijing. For children, the Forbidden City is a mysterious ‘labyrinth’, containing countless historical stories and cultural treasures. This parent-child play strategy will take you and your child together, open a time-travelling mystery tour of the Forbidden City!

Pre-trip Preparation
The best time to visit: spring and autumn (April-May, September-October) pleasant climate, beautiful scenery, is the best time to visit the Forbidden City. Avoid peak periods such as summer holidays and Golden Week to enjoy a more comfortable tour experience.
Ticket Information:
Peak Season (1 April – 31 October): 60 RMB per person
Low season (1 November – 31 March): 40 RMB/person
Separate tickets are required for the Jumbo Museum and the Clock Museum, RMB 10/person each.
Free admission for minors under 18 years old!
Opening Hours:
Peak season (1 April – 31 October): 8:30-17:00 (admission stops at 16:10)
Low season (1 November – 31 March): 8:30 – 16:30 (admission stops at 15:40)
Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)
Mode of transport:
Metro: Line 1, Tiananmen East Station or Tiananmen West Station
Bus: 1, 2, 52, 59, 82, 120, sightseeing line 1, sightseeing line 2 and other buses can be reached
Suggested playing time: half a day to a day.

Please click here for more information about Forbidden City Tickets Booking.

Recommended routes for parents and children
Classic route (about 4 hours):The Meridian Gate to enter the Forbidden City – Taihemen Square – Hall of Supreme Harmony – Hall of Central Harmony – Hall of Preserving Harmony – Palace of Qianqing – Hall of Intercourse – Kunning Palace – Imperial Garden – Shenwumen exit

• The Meridian Gate (Wumen): This is the main gate of the Forbidden City and the most frequently chosen entrance for tourists. You can observe the architectural features of the Wumen with your children and explain the historical story of ‘beheading at the Wumen’. 2. Taihemen Square: Here, you can see the main entrance of the Forbidden City.
• The Taihemen Square: This is the largest square in the Forbidden City, where children can feel the grandeur of the royal buildings.
• Hall of Supreme Harmony,Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preservation of Harmony: The three great halls of the Forbidden City, where the emperor held major ceremonies. You can count the little monsters on the roof of the Hall of Supreme Harmony with your child, explaining their symbolism.
• Qianqing Palace, Jiaotai Hall, Kunning Palace: The Emperor’s and Empress’s chambers, where you can learn about ancient court life with your children.
• Imperial Garden: the back garden of the Forbidden City, beautiful scenery, you can let the children relax and feel the exquisite royal garden.

Fun Route (about 4 hours):The Meridian Gate to enter the Forbidden City – Hall of Martial Valor – Hall of Literary Glory – Arrow Pavilion – Treasure Gallery – Clock Gallery – East Glorious Gate exit

• Meridian Gate (Wumen): same as above.
• Hall of Martial Valor ( Wuying dian ) : various exhibitions are often held here, so you can choose to visit according to your child’s interest.
• Hall of Literary Glory ( Wenhua dian ) : the library of the Forbidden City, you can take your child to feel the smell of books.
• Arrow Pavilion (Jian ting): it was a place where the Qing Emperor and his descendants practised horse riding and archery.
• Treasure Gallery (Zhenbao guan): shows the collection of precious relics of the Palace, can let the child eye-opening.
• Clock Gallery (Zzhongbiao guan): displaying exquisite ancient clocks and watches, which allows children to understand the ancient timekeeping tools.
• East Glorious Gate (Donghua men): exit from Donghuamen, you can avoid the crowds at the Noon Gate.

Parent-child interactive experience
Forbidden City Cultural Creations: The Forbidden City Museum has launched many beautiful cultural and creative products, you can choose your favourite souvenirs with your children.
Forbidden City Corner Coffee: Located outside the Forbidden City’s Shenwu Gate, you can taste the special coffee and desserts of the Forbidden City together with your children.
Forbidden City Ice Cellar Restaurant: Located next to the Forbidden City’s Ci Ning Palace, you can experience the unique feeling of dining in the Royal Ice Cellar with your children.
The Forbidden City AR exploration: download the ‘Palace Museum’ APP, you can experience AR technology with your children, so that the Palace relics ‘live’.

Play tips
The Forbidden City is a large area, it is recommended to plan a good tour route in advance to avoid taking the wrong way.
You can rent an interpreter or ask a guide to explain to help children better understand the history and culture of the Forbidden City.
Catering options in the Forbidden City is relatively small, it is recommended to bring some snacks and water.
Pay attention to sun protection in summer and keep warm in winter.
Do not touch the cultural relics, to protect the historical relics.

The surrounding attractions recommended
Jingshan Park: located in the north of the Forbidden City, overlooking the Forbidden City panoramic view.
Beihai Park: located in the northwest of the Forbidden City, is China’s oldest existing, one of the most complete Royal Garden.
National Museum: located on the east side of Tiananmen Square, is China’s largest comprehensive history museum.

The sense of history
The Forbidden City is not only a royal palace, but also a history of Chinese civilisation. Take your child to visit the Forbidden City, not only can you enjoy the exquisite architecture and cultural relics, but also feel the weight of history and cultural heritage.Harvest knowledge, joy and growth on a journey of discovery through the Forbidden City!