Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City with Entry Tickets
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Come and join this Beijing small group tour to Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City, let a professional tour guide who provides in-depth commentary and shows you the best photo ops make you learn and experience the most in the trip. With us, enjoy a pure sightseeing without any shopping stops. Benefit from our worry-free ticket booking and fast entry priority.
Available options
Great Wall & Forbidden City
Route: Pick-up & drop off at hotel. Visit the Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, a short stop at Hutong area.<br/>Duration: 10 hours<br/>Inclusions: English-speaking tour guide, air-conditioned minivan with driver, entrance tickets, pick-up & drop-off from your hotel lobby.<br/>Exclusions: Cable car at Mutianyu Great Wall<br/>About 12 People & No Shopping
Tiananmen Sq. & Forbidden City
Route: Pick up at the meeting point, visit Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City, entrance tickets included.<br/>Duration: 3 hours<br/>Inclusions: Professional English-speaking tour guide, entrance fee.<br/>Meeting Point : Pick up at the Gate of Grand Hotel Beijing. We do not provide pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. <br/>Notice: The meeting point might be changed. The exact information will be sent to you one day before the trip starts. <br/>Group Tour: About 20 pax
What's included
Unlimited bottles of drinking water
Pick up and drop off to hotels within the third ring road of the Beijing city (if option selected)
Entrance fee to the Forbidden City
This part is only for tour option of "Small Group to Tiananmen Sq. & Forbidden City with Tickets"
Air conditioned van with chauffeur (if option selected)
Headset to receive your guide's explanations
Entrance fees to Mutianyu Great Wall (if option selected)
Detailed itinerary
1
At around 08:00am, meet your tour guide at the Gate of Lao She Teahouse (Qianmen Branch), which is easy to locate on map.
2
Stop 2
Follow your guide to Tiananmen Square for a leisurely morning stroll and photos of the brilliant landmark buildings. Note: To enter Tiananmen Square quickly, especially during holidays, we suggest you leave your bag in the car and only carry the passport and bottled water with you to go through the no-bag passage rather than waiting in long queues for security check.
Note: A private tour will be offered if you have 9 people or more
3
Stop 3
Pass by
Appearance
4
Stop 4
Pass by
Appearance
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Appearance
6
Stop 6
Pass by
Appearance
7
Stop 7
Walk through the Gate of Heavenly Peace, and you will come to the 600-year-old Forbidden City, the largest and the most intact imperial palace complex, and home to 24 emperors from 1368 to 1911 AD. With your guide, visit the most essential palaces on the central axis and chambers on the two wings among its 9,999 rooms.
8
Stop 8
Visit
9
Visit the three main halls of the Outer Court where ancient emperors held state ceremonies.
10
Visit the three main halls of the Inner Court - the emperor’s sleeping quarters and the place for him to handle daily affairs.
11
Stop 11
Visit the entertainment venue for the emperor and the imperial harem.
12
The tour is over when reaching Shenwumen, and you can either take advantage of your ticket to linger inside longer to explore for more photos on your own or leave with your guide. Your guide will be glad to provide you suggestions to get back to your hotel and recommendations for your lunch near the peripheral zone.
What's not included
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Gratuities to the guide
Meals
Not suitable for: People over 85 years old and wheelchair
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.9
14 reviews
5★
8
4★
1
3★
2
2★
2
1★
1
Tripadvisor
5.0
244 reviews
5★
241
4★
3
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tickets to the Forbidden City require a real-name reservation 7 days in advance and are easily sold out, so you are advised to book the tour at least 8 days before. Otherwise, international travelers will need to line up at the entrance to buy tickets.
We guarantee 100% No Shopping Stops in our tours. Sharpen your vigilance to avoid those tours with tourist traps including jade factory or tea ceremony that waste your sightseeing time.
Please get ready at the meeting point at least 5 minutes in advance of the pick-up time confirmed with you a day before. No-show is non-refundable.
Please provide the correct passport information for booking the real-name tickets. And make sure to carry the same identification when travelling; otherwise, you will be refused entry by the scenic areas.
Group Size: About 20 people.
Departures are guaranteed with 3 persons.
Meeting point
Notice: The meeting point might be changed. The exact information will be sent to you one day before the trip starts.
Important notes
• There are different tour options on our product page, so please read carefully for the Tour Option Description on your ticket/voucher to confirm what you have booked.
• The pick-up time will be sent to you one day before your day trip starts. If you haven't received the pick-up message before 19:00, contact the supplier anytime via phone 17833138727 or 029-85236688.
• On the tour day, please make sure to bring the same identification (e.g. passport) that you offered us to issue the entrance tickets.
• The detailed sightseeing schedule is for your reference.
• Public Holidays: Please aware there will be large crowds and heavy traffic in Chinese public holidays like May Day from May 1st to 5th and National Day from Oct 1st to 7th. We will do the best to arrange the tour.
• About Tiananmen Square: If you tour happens to meet some national events, Tiananmen Square will not open to visitors, and there is no notification to us in advance. In this case, we will replace it with a visit to the Jingshan Park.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to border crossing. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler.
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
