The Forbidden City: A Glimpse into Imperial China

Overview

The Forbidden City, known as Gu Gong in Chinese, served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors spanning the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1420 to 1912. Today, it is recognized as the Palace Museum and stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing remarkable ancient wooden architecture. Nestled at the heart of Beijing, adjacent to Tiananmen Square, the expansive complex covers 74 hectares and features approximately 8,700 rooms across 980 buildings, including 90 palaces and courtyards. Visitors can explore both the Outer Court, where emperors conducted ceremonial duties, and the Inner Court, where they lived. With its stunning yellow glazed roofs and fascinating history, the Forbidden City is the most visited museum worldwide, attracting millions who come to admire its treasures and rich cultural significance. Visitors must enter at the Meridian Gate and plan their visit wisely, as tickets are limited and may require a passport for purchase.

Photo of Forbidden City
Photo of Forbidden City
Opening hours
  • Sunday 08:30 - 16:30
  • Monday 08:30 - 16:30
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 16:30
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 16:30
  • Thursday 08:30 - 16:30
  • Friday 08:30 - 16:30

Open 24/7

Contact Info
  • Address4 Jing Shan Qian Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100009
  • Phone+86 400 950 1925

Reviews

Aamir Khan
Bangladesh
5
The Palace Museum Visit: The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, offers an unforgettable experience that immerses you in Chinese history and culture. Here, you can gain insight into the empires' lifestyles, their art, literature, and the majestic structures of the palace. Why you should visit: * Step Back in Time: It served as the home for China's rulers for over 500 years. * Massive Scale: Encompassing 980 buildings over 72 hectares of land. * Art and Culture: Witness numerous Chinese artworks, statues, ceramics, and more. * UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized as one of the globe's most important locations. Visitor Tips: * Time: It may be challenging to see everything in one visit. * Dress Comfortably: Make sure to wear comfy shoes. * Food Availability: There are food options inside the museum. * Photography: Many locations prohibit photography. * Tickets: Buying tickets online can save valuable time. Highlights: * The three great ones are the pivotal elements of the palace. * The Marriage of Guangxu Emperor: Reflecting a liberation war. * Sacred Animals: The palace houses numerous statues of sacred animals. * Entrance to Great Similarity: The palace's primary gateway. * The highest similarity stands as the largest hall in the palace.
Liang Zhao
Singapore
5
Experience a guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Palace Museum—an unforgettable exploration into Beijing's rich history and culture. The Palace Museum, previously known as the Forbidden City, astounds visitors with its remarkable preservation of imperial artifacts, such as ancient calligraphy, ceramics, jade, and other treasures. As you walk through its grand halls, courtyards, and temples, you'll gain a true appreciation for the architectural beauty and historical importance of this iconic location. Ensure you allocate enough time for your visit—it's captivating and will leave a lasting impression. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. If you are a foreign visitor, your passport will double as your entry ticket. This site is a must-see while in Beijing, and I offer my highest recommendation.
Mei Chen
China
5
This place is amazing for tourists to explore and admire the beauty of China’s historical architecture. I highly recommend hiring a tour guide to fully grasp the significance of this site. Plan to spend at least 4 to 5 hours here to see everything—it's massive!
Yuki Takahashi
Japan
5
How can one criticize a place like this? It’s an enormous, magnificent complex with a wealth of buildings, features, and stunning views available. The Forbidden City, or Palace Museum, is an essential visit; you don’t need my persuasion to believe that. However, here are some tips: Guided tours last about 4 hours, but you need to be deeply interested to endure the whole duration. You can also explore at your own pace by reading the informational plaques. Avoid strictly following the main paths frequented by many Chinese tourists. Purchasing tickets in advance is a must. If you missed doing so, enter through the east gate and veer slightly left to find a box office with several lines for purchasing tickets either for today or the following day. Opt for a line with fewer foreign tourists as the “Chinese” queues progress faster. Don’t forget to have your passport handy!
Soo Min
South Korea
4
It can be challenging to procure tickets online, but it is feasible. Trying to book a day before your visit is advisable if you cannot secure them any earlier. You could easily spend several hours here, as there are plenty of benches for resting and ample restrooms. Our visit took place a couple of weeks following their Golden Week, yet it was still crowded. We managed to get our tickets two days in advance, using two phones to assist in the purchase.