Forbidden City
Visitor Guide
How to reserve, enter, and explore Beijing’s imperial palace without losing time at the gate.
Last verified: September 2026
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Plan at a glance
The four details that matter most before you choose a date.
Reserve in advance
There are no same-day tickets. Tickets normally open seven days ahead at 20:00 Beijing time.
Allow 3–4 hours
A half day is comfortable for the central route plus one or two side galleries.
Bring your passport
Use your passport for the reservation and carry the same original document for entry.
Enter from the south
Use Meridian Gate (Wu Men). The visit then runs north toward Shenwu Gate or east to Donghua Gate.
Book before the release window fills
General admission and the Clock and Treasure galleries normally open seven days before the visit at 20:00 Beijing time. The museum does not sell tickets for the same day.
Current standard admission
April–October
08:30–17:00
CNY 60
November–March
08:30–16:30
CNY 40
Usually closed Monday except national holidays. Last entry is one hour before closing; check temporary notices before travel.
Before you arrive
Small planning choices prevent the most common first-visit problems.
Choose the morning slot if possible
It gives you more time inside and makes it easier to add a gallery without rushing.
Check Tiananmen Square separately
The square uses its own reservation channels and access arrangements can change. Recheck them if you plan to visit both places.
Do not plan a return to the south gate
The visitor flow is south to north. Arrange your next stop and transport around the exit, not the entrance.
Check temporary notices
Opening arrangements and individual exhibitions can change. Recheck the official site shortly before your visit.
Getting there and entering smoothly
The right approach avoids unnecessary crowds, security lines, and walking to the wrong gate.
Use the east-side approach
A practical option is Metro Line 8 to Jinyu Hutong, Exit C, then walk toward Donghuamen Street and follow East Tongzihe Road to Meridian Gate.
Skip the square route if needed
Tian'anmen East and West can be much busier with square visitors and access checks. Use the side approach if the square is not part of your plan.
Meridian Gate is the entrance
Visitors enter only through Meridian Gate in the south. Shenwu Gate and Donghua Gate are exits, so do not navigate directly to the north gate.
Store large luggage first
Before security, use the Visitor Service Center on the west side of Duanmen Square. Eligible large bags can be transferred free for collection outside Shenwu or Donghua Gate.
Access controls around Tian'anmen can change for events and busy dates. Check live navigation and follow on-site instructions on the day of your visit.
Choose your route
The Forbidden City is one-way from south to north. Pick a route that matches your time instead of trying to see every open courtyard.
Half-day highlights
Best for: A first visit, limited time, or visitors who prefer less walking
Meridian Gate → Gate of Supreme Harmony → Three Great Halls → Gate of Heavenly Purity → Three Rear Palaces → Imperial Garden → Shenwu Gate
Stay on the central axis for the clearest story and the least backtracking.
Deeper visit
Best for: Palace interiors, collections, photography, and quieter courtyards
Meridian Gate → Three Great Halls → choose the east galleries or west palaces → Three Rear Palaces → Imperial Garden → Shenwu Gate
East: Treasure and Clock galleries. West: Cining Palace area, western palaces, and the Hall of Mental Cultivation when open. Doing both sides needs extra time.
The Hall of Mental Cultivation reopened in December 2025, but individual halls and exhibitions may close temporarily. Confirm the day's open areas in the official map or mini program.
What not to miss
Prioritize the central axis, then add one focused extra rather than trying to enter every courtyard.
Hall of Supreme Harmony
The grandest ceremonial space on the central axis and the visual centerpiece of the palace complex.
Inner Court
Smaller residential courtyards reveal how the imperial household lived beyond the formal halls.
Treasure or Clock Gallery
Useful additions for visitors who want more objects and interiors; each requires a separate low-cost ticket.
Jingshan viewpoint
After exiting at Shenwu Gate, cross to Jingshan Park for the best complete view of the palace roofs.
Traditional dress photos
A personal, low-impact photo session in hanfu or other traditional-style clothing is generally possible. Get dressed and ready before arrival, then use a handheld phone or camera without blocking paths or other visitors.
Read the official visitor guidelinesKeep the shoot visitor-friendly
- Personal photos with a phone or handheld camera are the safest approach.
- Commercial shoots, large costume changes, makeup setups, and prolonged follow-along photography are not allowed without permission.
- Do not bring commercial gear, large props, reflectors, floor stands, or imitation weapons.
- Inside exhibition halls, follow no-photo signs and do not use flash, selfie sticks, or support equipment.