If you’re wanting to buy tickets for the Forbidden City but the tickets are sold out online, here’s what you can do.
Recently in 2023 and 2024 it has been increasingly difficult to book tickets online for the Forbidden City, due to the high demand. However, there’s a new policy for foreigners which will help you get tickets.
Booking Tickets online for the Forbidden City
Usually when wanting to buy tickets for the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), you can 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.
However, if tickets are sold out online for the Forbidden City here’s what you can do:
Foreigners Can Buy Tickets Directly at the Ticket Office
Foreigners can now buy tickets using their passport at the Forbidden City ticket office on the day of their visit. This is applicable to foreign tourists and not applicable to domestic visitors (Chinese nationals).
I have many tour guide contacts in Beijing who informed me of this new policy. I recently tried this out for myself and it works, and I’ve recommended many friends to buy tickets this way and they’ve had no problem getting tickets directly there. Make sure you follow the instructions for entering the Forbidden City Ticket Office area, though.
IMPORTANT: The only issue is you need a reservation number to go through the main entrance of the Forbidden City (this reservation number is automatically given when you buy a ticket online). If you try to go through this way without booking a ticket in advance, the security won’t let you in.
Here’s what to do:
Option 1: Make a reservation for Tian’anmen Square
Make a reservation for Tian’anmen Square (it’s free, but you need to make a reservation 1 day in advance). You can then use this reservation number to get into the Forbidden City area, as its connected to the Tian’anmen Square area.. This is handy if you are planning to visit Tian’anmen and the Forbidden City together in one day.
You can make a reservation through the official website: https://yuyue.tamgw.beijing.gov.cn/
Or just search “天安门广场” in WeChat, and it will show you the mini program link.
Option 2: Go to the Donghuamen Gate
If you don’t plan to see Tian’anmen or don’t have time to make a reservation for Tian’anmen one day in advance, you can go through the Donghuamen (East gate) to get to the Forbidden City ticket office.
Exit out of the Tian’anmen East metro station, and head north up Nanchizi Avenue, then turn left towards the Donghuamen 东华门 (East Flower Gate). From there you will be able to go to the Forbidden City Ticket office area.
If you know you won’t be going to see Tian’anmen Square, I don’t recommend starting from Tian’anmen East Metro Station. It’s about a 1000 meter walk to get to the ticket gate near Donghuamen, mostly walking against ALL the crowds.
Instead just have your taxi drop you off directly at the Donghuamen 东华门, or take the subway line 8 to Jinyu Hutong Exit C 金鱼胡同地铁站-C西南口.
Once you’re inside the large square, you can turn left to find the ticket lines.
Fill Out a Form
Once you are at the ticket office, show your passport to buy a ticket, and they will give you a form to fill out.
Important: make sure you tick the box that says you aren’t visiting with a tour group! (If you say yes, they won’t let you buy a ticket).
Imortant Tips for Visiting the Forbidden City:
- Bring your passport
- The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays.
- 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.
Read my full guide on the Forbidden City to learn more about where to take photos and what season is best to visit: A Guide To Visiting the Forbidden City 2025.
Hire A Driver For Your Beijing Trip
Having a driver is great for visiting the Great Wall or planning a day at the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and other sites, especially when you want to make a trip by yourself or with friends/family without having a tour guide. It’s also convenient for airport pick ups and drop offs.
If you’re looking to hire a driver for a Beijing day trip feel free to reach out and add my WeChat! I can connect you with a local driver service.
I can also connect you with local Beijing tour guides if you would prefer a tour guide to go with you to the locations.
