Beijing Forbidden City Ticket with Optional English Online guide
Active
2h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Nestled in downtown Beijing, the Forbidden City, former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, is now the Palace Museum.
Historical Development
Built in 1406–1420 (Yongle reign), it housed 24 emperors. Post Puyi’s abdication, an antiquities hall opened in 1914. He was expelled in 1924, and the Palace Museum officially opened on Oct 10, 1925. It became a national cultural relics unit in 1961 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Architectural Layout
Covering 961m×753m, it has a 10m wall, 52m moat, four gates and corner towers. Divided into Outer and Inner Courts: the former’s Three Great Halls held grand ceremonies; the latter’s Three Palaces were imperial residences, with the Imperial Garden and Eastern/Western Six Palaces (for concubines) nearby.
Cultural Value
One of the world’s five great palaces, it is China’s largest intact ancient complex ("9,999 and a half rooms", the "Sea of Palaces")—a peerless masterpiece and humanity’s priceless heritage.
Available options
Ticket+English group tour
English group tour（15 people）
Beijing Forbidden City Ticket （optional： English online guide ）
Forbidden City（included all）
other museum: The ticket for the Forbidden City (including the Clock museum and the Treasures museum)
What's included
Eastern and Western Six Palaces & ancillary areas: Open ones include Zhongcui, Yonghe, Yanxi Palaces (Eastern) and Yongshou, Yikun, Chuxiu Palaces & other open ones (Western).
The core complex covers the Forbidden City’s central areas, including the outer court and inner palace.
Basic supporting services: Pick up a guide map upon entry. Central axis main areas offer public WiFi; barrier-free facilities and other basic services are available in the park.
Regularly open exhibition halls and garden areas: including the Imperial Garden, Cining Palace, Shou Kang Palace and other open garden and palace areas;
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The outer court area includes: Meridian Gate, Gate of Supreme Harmony, Inner Golden Water Bridge, Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony, Pavilion of Benevolence, Pavilion of Promoting Righteousness, Gate of Harmony and Joy, Gate of Harmony and Concord, Gate of Illustrious Virtue, and Gate of Chastity and Virtue.
2
Stop 2
The rear palace area includes: Qianqing Gate, Qianqing Palace, Jiaotai Hall, Kunning Palace, Jingyun Gate, Longsong Gate, Rijing Gate, Yuehua Gate, and Kunning Gate.
3
Stop 3
The Eastern Six Palaces: Jingyang Palace, Zhongcui Palace, Yonghe Palace, Yanxi Palace, Chengqian Palace, Jingren Palace.
The Western Six Palaces: Yongshou Palace, Taiji Hall, Yikun Palace, Changchun Palace, Tihe Hall, Tiyuan Hall, Chuxiu Palace, Lijing Pavilion, Xianfu Palace, Tongdao Hall.
4
Stop 4
Other areas: Imperial Garden, Hall of Literary Glory, Pavilion of Literary Profundity, Hall of Military Prowess, Hall of Bathing Virtue, Hall of Mental Cultivation, Rear Sleeping Room of Hall of Mental Cultivation, Hall of Physical Harmony
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
ZH-CN
ES
Guide guide
EN
ZH-CN
ES
Written guide
EN
ZH-CN
ES
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
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