Forbidden City

The Forbidden City: China's Imperial Heart

The Forbidden City (Palace Museum) in central Beijing was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly 500 years, from 1420 until the abdication of the last emperor in 1912. Home to 24 emperors, it is the largest and best-preserved collection of ancient wooden architecture in the world, with roughly 980 surviving buildings spread across a walled rectangle of about 72 hectares. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, it remains the single most visited attraction in Beijing and one of the most recognisable symbols of China. For international travellers, walking its central axis is the closest you can get to standing inside imperial Chinese history.

What to See

The palace is laid out along a north-south central axis that you walk in sequence. Enter through the Meridian Gate (Wumen) in the south and cross the great courtyard to the Outer Court, dominated by the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian) — the largest timber hall in China, where coronations and major ceremonies took place. Behind it lie the Hall of Central Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. Continue north into the Inner Court, the private residential quarters of the emperor and his family, centred on the Palace of Heavenly Purity. Don't miss the delicate Imperial Garden near the north exit, the dramatic Nine-Dragon Screen, and the optional ticketed galleries: the Treasure Gallery (jade, gold and jewellery) and the Gallery of Clocks and Watches.

Opening Hours

The Forbidden City is closed every Monday except on national public holidays. In peak season (1 April – 31 October) it opens 8:30–17:00, with last entry at 16:00. In off-season (1 November – 31 March) it opens 8:30–16:30, with last entry at 15:30. Plan at least three to four hours for a satisfying visit; serious enthusiasts can easily spend a full day.

Tickets

General admission is 60 RMB in peak season and 40 RMB in off-season. Minors aged 7–18 pay 20 RMB, while children under 6 or shorter than 1.2 metres enter free. The Treasure Gallery and the Gallery of Clocks each cost an extra 10 RMB. Crucially, there are no on-site tickets — you must reserve online in advance, with daily slots opening seven days ahead (around 20:00 Beijing time). Bring your passport, as your booking is tied to your ID and checked at the gate.

Getting There

The most convenient way to arrive is by subway. Take Line 1 to Tian'anmen East or Tian'anmen West, then walk north through Tian'anmen Square and the Tian'anmen Gate to reach the Meridian Gate entrance. Note that entry is from the south (Meridian Gate) and exit is from the north (Gate of Divine Prowess, Shenwumen), so you generally cannot backtrack — exiting at the north puts you conveniently at the foot of Jingshan Park.

Best Season to Visit

Autumn (September–October) offers crisp blue skies and comfortable temperatures, making it the most photogenic time. Spring (April–May) is also pleasant. Summer is hot, humid and extremely crowded, while winter is cold but rewards visitors with smaller crowds and the occasional magical snowfall over the golden roofs.

Practical Tips

Arrive early in the morning to beat both the heat and the crowds, and follow the central axis first before exploring the quieter side courtyards. Wear comfortable shoes — the route is long and the stone paving is uneven. After exiting at the north gate, climb the hill in Jingshan Park for the classic panoramic photo looking back over the entire palace complex.