Forbidden City / 故宫博物院
The Forbidden City served as the imperial palace of 24 Ming and Qing emperors for nearly 500 years. It is the largest and best-preserved wooden imperial palace complex in the world.
Category
Historical, Museum
Why Visit
- Beijing's most iconic landmark
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987
- Home to one of the world's richest collections of Chinese imperial treasures
- Experience traditional Chinese palace architecture and imperial history
Suggested Duration
4–5 Hours
Best Visiting Time
08:30–10:00
Suitable For
- First-time visitors
- History lovers
- Architecture enthusiasts
Tips
- Avoid weekends, Chinese public holidays, and July–August afternoons
- Enter through Meridian Gate (午门) and exit via Gate of Divine Might (神武门)
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Download an audio guide for a richer experience
Admission Type
Paid Ticket
Reservation Required
Yes
Reservation Max.
H-7 (Tickets are released daily at 20:00 Beijing Time via the official Palace Museum booking systems)
Opening Hours
8:30–17:00 (Last entry: 16:00, The last entry to the Treasure Gallery & Clock Gallery ends at 16:10)
Address (English & Chinese)
No. 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
北京市东城区景山前街4号(午门)
Note
Ticket price: 60 元 for adults and 30 元 for elderly people over the age of 60. The latest check-in time for the morning session is 12:00 PM; meanwhile, the earliest time for the afternoon session is 11:00 PM.
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