Tip 1: Make a Reservation Before Your Visit
The Forbidden City does not sell tickets on-site. All visitors (including those eligible for discounts and their companions) must make a reservation with their real names to visit, which can be done up to 7 days in advance. Each ID can only reserve one ticket per visit day.
Ticket Prices:
- Peak Season (April 1 to October 31): Main ticket — 60 RMB/person;
- Off-Peak Season (November 1 to March 31 of the following year): Main ticket — 40 RMB/person;
- Treasures Gallery ticket — 10 RMB/person;
- Clocks Gallery ticket — 10 RMB/person.
Requirements for Reservation Documents:
Chinese residents: Chinese ID card;
Overseas residents: choose one based on personal circumstances.
- Permanent residence card or passport for foreigners;
- Residence permit for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents;
- Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao residents;
- Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan residents;
Remember to bring the original valid ID used for reservation for entry at the Meridian Gate (south gate of the Forbidden City).
Reservation Channel: Chinese WeChat Mini Program.
Tip 2: Avoid Mondays, Plan Your Visit Wisely
Except for statutory holidays, the Palace Museum is closed every Monday throughout the year.
Peak Season (April 1 to October 31) Opening Hours: 8:30 AM — 5:00 PM
- Entry Opens: 8:30 AM
- Last Entry: 4:00 PM (Clocks Gallery, Treasures Gallery: Last Entry at 4:10 PM)
- Closing Time: 5:00 PM
Off-Peak Season (November 1 to March 31 of the following year) Opening Hours: 8:30 AM — 4:30 PM
- Entry Opens: 8:30 AM
- Last Entry: 3:30 PM (Clocks Gallery, Treasures Gallery: Last Entry at 3:40 PM)
- Closing Time: 4:30 PM
Tip 3: One-Way Visit from South to North
The Palace Museum implements a one-way visit from south to north. All visitors enter through the Meridian Gate and exit through the Shenwu Gate or the East Prosperity Gate. Please do not attempt to exit from the entrance gate.
Also, a friendly reminder: The Palace Museum is vast, covering an area of 720,000 square meters. It is advisable to wear appropriate and comfortable clothing, as well as sneakers, for your visit.
Recommended 2-Hour Route: Follow the central axis northwards.
Meridian Gate > Hall of Supreme Harmony > Palace of Heavenly Purity > Hall of Union > Palace of Earthly Tranquility > Imperial Garden > Shenwu Gate.
Half-Day Route Reference: Central axis + East Six Palaces.
Meridian Gate > Hall of Supreme Harmony > Palace of Heavenly Purity > Hall of Union > Palace of Earthly Tranquility > East Six Palaces area > Hall of Mental Cultivation > Shenwu Gate.
Full-Day Route Reference: Includes all open areas of the Palace Museum, but typically the half-day route is sufficient for most visitors.
Tip 4: Subway is the Preferred Transportation Option
Due to the large number of visitors and occasional traffic restrictions around the Forbidden City, it is recommended to save time by taking the subway.
- The Meridian Gate (south gate of the Palace Museum, serving as the visitor entrance since July 2, 2011)
- From Donghua Gate or Xihua Gate, travel along Dong and Xitongzihe Road.
- Route from Tiananmen to the Meridian Gate via Duanmen: Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; closed all day on Mondays. Actual opening times subject to on-site announcements.
2. Public transportation stops near the Meridian Gate: Tiananmen East
- Buses serving the area: 1, 120, 2, 52, 82, Night 1, Sightseeing Line 1, Sightseeing Line 2, and Subway Line 1
3. Public transportation stops near the Meridian Gate: Tiananmen West
- Buses serving the area: 1, 5, 52, Night 1, Sightseeing Line 1, Sightseeing Line 2, and Subway Line 1
Tip 5: Remember Key Guidelines
Remember these 6 “Do Not”s:
- Do not damage cultural relics and public property; respect cultural heritage and protect historical sites.
- Do not carry replica artworks such as calligraphy and paintings.
- Do not bring airborne equipment such as kites, hydrogen balloons, “low-slow-small” unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones for aerial photography.
- Do not use commercial photography or filming equipment such as reflectors and tripods.
- Do not bring pets.
- No smoking or littering.
Important Facilities:
The Palace Museum provides visitor services, medical services, mother and baby rooms, and bag storage services for those in need. It also offers audio guides to help visitors gain deeper insights into the Palace Museum.
In Case of Emergency:
- For lost persons: Visit the broadcasting room southwest of the Jingyun Gate.
- To report an incident: Call the police station at 010–65131882.
- For other inquiries: Call the hotline at 400–950–1925.
Finally, welcome to Beijing! I hope you have a fantastic time exploring the Forbidden City!
I’m Laura, based in Beijing, and I wish you a fantastic trip. I’m excited to share more fascinating history, cultural insights, and tips with you. Stay tuned for my updates!
