2-Hour Beijing Private Forbidden City Tour: History & Highlights

Beijing , China

2-Hour Beijing Private Forbidden City Tour: History & Highlights

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(26 reviews)

1h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Short on time in Beijing? Opt for this focused 2-hour private walking tour to experience the Forbidden City’s highlights efficiently, away from the crowds. Choose from multiple daily time slots to fit your schedule, and let a guide reveal the stories behind the palace’s iconic masterpieces—with direct entry to start your visit smoothly. Your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby, and we offer two flexible packages: Economy (you cover transportation, with guide support for transit planning) or Comfort (includes round-trip private car service). After the guided tour, you can stay to explore the Forbidden City further on your own, or get personalized recommendations from your guide for your next stop.

Available options

Tour and Private transfer

Tour guide meet you in the lobby of your hotel, tour including round trip private transfer for hotel in downtown<br/>Pickup included

Private Tour No Transportation

Tour guide will pick you up from your Beijing City Hotel's lobby, then you will either taxi or Subway at you own cost <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private tour

Professional guide

Private Transfer if choose the related option

Entrance fee

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

As Beijing’s most iconic landmark and a crown jewel of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Forbidden City stands as a testament to China’s imperial grandeur—its red walls and golden rooftops holding centuries of Ming and Qing dynasty history, art, and tradition. For every traveler to Beijing, a visit to this imperial palace is a must—but exploring it alone is tricky: not only are tickets hard to secure, its vast courtyards and similar-looking halls can feel overwhelming without context. That’s why this 2-hour private tour is perfect if you’re short on time yet eager to truly understand the Forbidden City’s significance: our guide will unlock the stories behind its architecture and artifacts, turning a simple visit into a vivid journey through China’s royal past. We offer two flexible options to suit your needs: the Economy (you cover transport, with our guide helping plan subway/taxi routes) and Comfort (round-trip private car for a seamless ride).

Your tour begins at your hotel: if you’ve chosen the Economy Option, your guide will meet you in the lobby and share tips for taking subway or taxi to the Forbidden City; if you’ve selected the Comfort Option, both your guide and driver will greet you, and you’ll head straight to the palace in a private car. Once at the Forbidden City, your guide will lead you through its most important sites, starting with the Hall of Supreme Harmony—the largest and most grand imperial hall, once used for coronations and major ceremonies, with its intricate dragon carvings symbolizing imperial power. Next is the Hall of Central Harmony, where emperors rested and prepared before official events, its smaller scale balancing the grandeur of the first hall. You’ll then visit the Hall of Preserving Harmony, a space that hosted imperial exams and state banquets, showcasing the palace’s role in both governance and culture. Moving to the Inner Court (the imperial family’s private quarters).

You’ll then explore the Palace of Heavenly Purity, once the emperor’s bedroom and a site for important private audiences, followed by the Hall of Union, which stored imperial seals and represented the unity of the state. Finally, you’ll step into the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, the empress’s former residence, with its delicate decorations reflecting the elegance of royal family life. The tour wraps up at the Imperial Garden, a serene oasis of pavilions, rockeries, and ancient trees— the perfect spot to reflect on the history you’ve just learned before the 2-hour guided experience ends.

Stop 4 Pass by

After the tour, your next steps are easy: if you chose the Economy Option, your guide will give you personalized recommendations for your next destination, including how to get there via local transit; if you opted for the Comfort Option, your driver will be ready to take you back to your hotel, ensuring your day remains stress-free. This tour isn’t just about seeing the Forbidden City—it’s about understanding it, making it ideal for time-limited travelers who want to soak up the palace’s magic without missing its most meaningful details.

Stop 5 Pass by

If you’re hoping to add Tian’anmen Square to your visit, it may be feasible during off-peak seasons, but most times, entry requires strict security checks that can take 1–3 hours—far too long if you only have 2 hours. That’s why we focus on the Forbidden City for this tour: to make the most of your limited time. If you choose our Comfort Option (with private car), however, your driver can take you on a drive around the Square, while your guide shares stories of its surrounding landmarks; we can also stop nearby for photos if you’d like.

What's not included

Gratuities

Transportation fee if you choose economy option: Tour on foot

Available languages

Guide guide

ZH-TW CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

17 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Important notes

• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

About Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is a city of immense historical significance and modern dynamism. It's home to iconic landmarks, ancient palaces, and a vibrant contemporary culture that blends tradition with modernity. The city offers a unique mix of ancient history, cultural treasures, and modern advancements.

Top Attractions

The Great Wall of China

One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 kilometers. The most accessible sections near Beijing are Badaling and Mutianyu.

Historical Half day to full day ¥40-80 (depending on the section)

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts and offers a glimpse into China's imperial past.

Historical 2-3 hours ¥60 (March-October), ¥40 (November-February)

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for good harvests.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥15 (Temple area), ¥35 (Temple and park)

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a retreat for emperors to escape the summer heat and is known for its beautiful landscapes and architecture.

Historical 3-4 hours ¥30 (Park and palace area), ¥60 (Boat ride included)

Hutongs

Hutongs are traditional narrow alleys and residential neighborhoods that offer a glimpse into old Beijing's way of life. Exploring hutongs provides an authentic experience of local culture and history.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, but consider paying for guided tours or Rickshaw rides

798 Art Zone

The 798 Art Zone is a contemporary art district located in a former military factory. It's home to numerous art galleries, studios, and cultural events, making it a hub for Beijing's art scene.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, but some galleries may charge admission

Must-Try Local Dishes

Peking Duck

A iconic dish of Beijing, Peking Duck is roasted to perfection and served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. The crispy skin and tender meat make it a must-try for any visitor.

Main Course Contains meat (duck), gluten (pancakes and sauce)

Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles)

A popular Beijing street food, Zhajiangmian consists of hand-pulled noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from fermented soybean paste and minced pork. It's often served with cucumber and bean sprouts.

Main Course Contains meat (pork), gluten (noodles and sauce)

Jianbing (Savory Crepes)

A popular Beijing street food, Jianbing is a savory crepe made with a batter of wheat and mung bean flour, filled with egg, scallions, and hoisin sauce. It's crispy, delicious, and perfect for a quick breakfast on the go.

Breakfast Contains eggs, gluten (batter and sauce)

Baozi (Steamed Buns)

Baozi are steamed buns filled with various ingredients, such as pork, beef, or vegetables. They are a popular street food and can be found in many markets and food stalls throughout Beijing.

Snack Can be vegetarian or contain meat, depending on the filling; contains gluten (bun)

Popular Activities

Hiking the Great Wall Rock climbing in the Huairou District Mountain biking in the outskirts of Beijing Boat rides on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace Tea ceremonies at traditional teahouses Gardens and parks at the Temple of Heaven and Beihai Park Exploring the Forbidden City and other imperial palaces Visiting temples and religious sites

Best Time to Visit

September to October, April to May

These months offer the most pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing. The city is vibrant with cultural festivals and outdoor activities.

15-25°C (59-77°F) 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin Chinese
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and by younger generations)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8 (China Standard Time)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and tourist spots

Beijing is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night and in less touristy areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when using taxis, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting the journey
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and tourist spots
• Be wary of strangers offering services or attractions at inflated prices, and only use licensed and reputable tour guides and operators

Getting there

By air

Beijing Capital International Airport • 32 km (20 miles) northeast of city center
Beijing Daxing International Airport • 46 km (29 miles) south of city center

By train

Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station

By bus

Beijing Sihui Bus Station, Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Beijing Subway is efficient, affordable, and widely used. It's the best way to navigate the city, especially during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing, Tencent Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Dongcheng Xicheng Chaoyang Haidian Shijingshan

Day trips

The Great Wall at Mutianyu

70 km (43 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a less crowded and more scenic section of the Great Wall, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's a popular day trip from Beijing for those looking to experience the Great Wall without the large crowds.

The Great Wall at Jinshanling

130 km (81 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Jinshanling is a remote and less restored section of the Great Wall, offering a more authentic and adventurous experience. It's a popular day trip for those looking to explore the Great Wall's wild and rugged beauty.

The Great Wall at Simatai

120 km (75 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Simatai is a unique and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, known for its dramatic and picturesque landscape. It's a popular day trip for those looking to experience the Great Wall's beauty and history in a more intimate setting.

Festivals

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) • January or February (varies by lunar calendar) Lantern Festival • 15th day of the first lunar month (varies by year) Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) • April 4th or 5th (varies by solar calendar)

Pro tips

Use the official Beijing Subway app for route planning and real-time updates
Carry a VPN to access restricted apps and websites, such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the city's many attractions and neighborhoods
Try local snacks and street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience