This 600-year-old imperial palace is massive — and without a plan, it’s easy to waste time or miss the highlights.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- The best visiting routes (no backtracking)
- How to book tickets
- Must-see highlights & hidden photo spots
- Practical tips to avoid crowds
Tickets, Opening Hours & How to Get There
Ticket Booking (Official Info)
- Book 1–7 days in advance
- Official channels:
- WeChat mini-program “Palace Museum”
- Official website (recommended for international visitors)
- Ticket prices:
- High season (Apr 1 – Oct 31): CNY 60
- Low season (Nov 1 – Mar 31): CNY 40
- Opening hours:
- Tuesday–Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Last entry: 3:30 PM
- Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)
- Extra tickets required:
- Treasure Gallery: CNY 10
- Clock and Watch Gallery: CNY 10
How to Avoid Long Security Lines (Important!)
Most visitors go through Tiananmen Square security, which can take 30–60 minutes.
Best shortcut (highly recommended):
- Take Metro Line 8 → Jinyu Hutong Station (Exit C)
- Walk directly to the Meridian Gate (Wumen)
Alternative shortcut:
- Set destination to Donghuamen
- Walk along the moat to the entrance (~10 mins)
- Only one security check instead of two
⚠️ Entry Rules You Must Know
- Entry: Meridian Gate (South Gate) ONLY
- Exit: Shenwumen (North Gate) ONLY
- ❗ No re-entry once you leave
Best Forbidden City Routes
Quick Visit Route (2–3 hours)
Perfect if you’re short on time.
Route: Meridian Gate → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Imperial Garden → Shenwumen
👉 Focus: Central axis highlights
Best Overall Route (4–5 hours) — Recommended
Covers all essentials without backtracking.
Route: Meridian Gate → Hall of Martial Valor → Three Great Halls → Palace of Heavenly Purity → West Six Palaces → Imperial Garden → Treasure Gallery → Nine-Dragon Wall → Shenwumen
👉 Includes:
- Museums
- Side palaces
- More cultural depth
In-Depth Cultural Route (6–8 hours)
Best for history lovers & photographers.
Route: Meridian Gate → Ceramic Gallery → Three Great Halls → Calligraphy & Painting Gallery → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Hall of Mental Cultivation → East Six Palaces → Imperial Garden → Treasure Gallery → Clock Gallery → Shenwumen
Top Things to See in the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is huge—don’t miss these:
- Hall of Supreme Harmony:
- The largest and most important hall—used for imperial ceremonies.
- Treasure Gallery
- Houses imperial jewelry like phoenix crowns and jade artifacts.
- Imperial Garden
- Classic Chinese royal garden—great place to rest.
- Palace of Heavenly Purity
- Emperor’s residence in the Qing dynasty.
- Meridian Gate
- Main entrance and iconic photo spot.
- Shenwumen (North Gate)
- Exit point—great views toward Jingshan Park
- Clock and Watch Gallery
- Mechanical clocks from Europe and China.
- Palace of Earthly Tranquility
- Empress residence + Qing royal wedding chamber.
- Hall of Preserving Harmony
- Final imperial examination venue.
- Hall of Central Harmony
- Used for preparation before ceremonies.
Best Photo Spots in the Forbidden City
📸 Must-Visit Photography Locations
- Golden Water Bridges – reflections + symmetry
- Side gates near the Three Great Halls – fewer crowds
- Duanhong Bridge lion statues – famous “cute lions”
- Cining Palace ceiling – intricate carvings
- Eastern corridor (“Yin-Yang alley”) – half light, half shadow
- Zhaigong ceiling – underrated but stunning
- Jingshan Park – best panoramic view
🌅 Photography Tips (Very Useful)
- Morning → East side (better lighting on red walls)
- Afternoon → West side (great shadows & mood)
- Noon → Yin-Yang corridor (best contrast lighting)
- Sunset → golden roofs glow (most beautiful moment)
Food & Facilities
- Restaurants available inside
- You can bring your own drinks/snacks
Important Tips Before You Go
- Tour groups arrive in the morning → visit later for fewer crowds
- Expect 20,000+ steps → wear comfortable shoes
- Not allowed:
- Tripods
- Reflectors
- Selfie sticks longer than 1.3m
