The Forbidden City is located right in the heart of Beijing and is a must-see when you visit the capital city of China. The ancient Imperial Palace of China, called Gùgōng (故宫) in Chinese, is a popular tourist location and covers a large area, so it’s best to do some planning before you go to make sure you get the most of your time there.
As an expat living in Beijing since 2018, I’ve been inside and around the Forbidden City many now and wanted share some tips for making your experience more worthwhile at one of Beijing’s most famous historical sites!
Before You Visit the Forbidden City
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours is recommended, but if needed you can walk through faster
- The Forbidden City is closed every Monday
- Make sure to review the ticketing and entry times before you go
| Months | Opening Hours | Ticketing Time | Entry Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| April to October | 8:30-17:00 (60 RMB) | 8:30-16:00 | 8:30-16:10 |
| November to March | 8:30-16:30 (40 RMB) | 8:30-15:30 | 8:30-15:40 |
Here’s a useful map showing the location of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, and other popular destinations to visit inside the center of Beijing and Metro Line 2.
Buying Tickets For the Forbidden City
Only 50,000 tickets are sold for Forbidden City everyday, so it’s smart to book your ticket ahead of time to ensure they’re not sold out on the day you go.
There are a few options for buying tickets:
- Use the official booking website (also in English). The bookings open at 8pm everyday, but you need to make sure you stand by for the booking because they sell out fast. You can only book earliest 1 week in advance here: Official website for booking Forbidden City Tickets.
- You can also book through other English sites like Klook and Ctrip. After you buy your ticket and get confirmation that it was approved, you’ll just show your passport when you arrive at the Forbidden City.
- Alternatively if your time is more flexible and you’re going on a less crowded day, you can go to the Forbidden City and buy a ticket when you arrive.
Here’s a guide for buying tickets directly at the Forbidden City as a foreigner: How To Get Tickets for the Forbidden City If They Are Sold Out Online 2025
Tips for Visiting The Forbidden City
1. Remember your Passport: You need your passport to get inside the Forbidden City/Tiananmen area, and also to collect your ticket.
2. Avoid Weekends and Holiday: During holidays, especially the National Week in October, the Forbidden City with be especially crowded! Avoid holidays if you can. If you can’t avoid this, go really early right when the Forbidden City opens or later in the afternoon when people are leaving.
3. Walk Around the Sides: People usually stick with tour groups in the central areas of the Forbidden City, but there’s actually so much to explore around the edges and sides – and you’ll get better photos without so many people in your shots!
4. The Forbidden City is huge: If it’s your first time visiting, it’s a little overwhelming how much there is to see! Many people go with tour groups or have a guide to teach them about the history and guide them through. You don’t need a guide, but one might approach you when you arrive.
5. The Best Time to Visit the Forbidden City: Usually late spring/early autumn is the best time to visit because the weather is not too hot or too cold, but any season is okay for a visit!
The Forbidden City in Summer
The Forbidden City in Winter
The Forbidden City in Spring
Areas Inside the Forbidden City
There are several parts to the Forbidden City: the defenses (moat and wall), the Outer Court and the Inner Court.
The Moat and Wall
There are four gates to the Forbidden City, one in each direction, as well as 4 watchtowers on the corners of the walls around the Forbidden City.
The Outer Court
Once you’re inside the Outer Court, there are three halls. The Hall of Supreme Harmony (the most important and largest structure in the Forbidden City), the Hall of Central Harmony( the place where Emperors would rehearse their speeches and presentations), and the Hall of Preserving Harmony (used for banquets and later for imperial examinations.)
The Inner Court
The Inner Court has three main parts: the Palace of Heavenly Purity (where the emperor slept), the Palace of Union and Peace (where the imperial seals were stored) and the Hall of Terrestrial Tranquility (the emperor’s wedding room).
Other Places To Take Photos of the Forbidden City
If you’re looking for other places to take shots of the Forbidden City, there are several other places that will give you a great view:
Jingshan Park
When you exit the Forbidden City from the North Gate, you’ll be right across the street from Jingshan Park, a beautiful little Chinese park where you can see elderly Chinese people dancing and practicing tai ji, and also get a stunning view of the Forbidden City from above.
These cute little ladies were laughing at me taking photos.
Tiananman Square
You can’t see the Forbidden City without also visiting Tiananmen Square. The public square is right across the street from the southern side of the Forbidden City and it’s free to walk around inside
Visit the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is a must see for Beijing visitors! No matter which season you choose to go during, this imperial palace will definitely amaze you.
Other Places To Visit in Beijing
Beijing is the ultimate China travel destination! You’ll find everything from ancient temples and palaces to lively shopping streets and modern art districts. Some other things you shouldn’t miss in Beijing:
- The Ultimate 7-Day Beijing Itinerary
- The 10 Best Instagram Sites in Beijing
- Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall
- The Summer Palace
