The Forbidden City (故宫, Gùgōng) in Beijing is the world's largest and best-preserved palace complex, covering 720,000 square meters with 980 buildings. It served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors across the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties — nearly 500 years of continuous imperial rule. Today it houses the Palace Museum, one of the world's greatest collections of Chinese art and imperial artifacts.
Construction began in 1406 under the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty and was completed in 1420. Over one million workers and 100,000 artisans labored for 14 years to build it. The complex was designed according to traditional Chinese cosmological principles — the emperor, as the 'Son of Heaven,' lived at the center of the universe. The last emperor, Puyi, was expelled in 1924, and the palace was opened to the public in 1925.
The Forbidden City is the physical embodiment of imperial Chinese civilization — its architecture, art, and layout encode thousands of years of Chinese philosophy, cosmology, and statecraft. The number 9 (the most auspicious number in Chinese culture) appears throughout: 9,999 rooms, 9 dragons on the spirit wall, 9 rows of door studs. The color yellow (reserved for the emperor) dominates the rooftops. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Meridian Gate (Wumen)
the main entrance, where emperors reviewed troops and announced victories
Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian)
the largest wooden structure in China, used for major imperial ceremonies
Imperial Garden (Yuhuayuan)
a 500-year-old garden with ancient cypress trees and rockeries
Treasure Gallery
imperial jewelry, jade, and gold artifacts from the Ming and Qing dynasties
Clock and Watch Gallery
extraordinary collection of European and Chinese timepieces gifted to emperors
Book tickets online at dpm.org.cn at least 3 days in advance — they sell out, especially on weekends
Enter through the Meridian Gate (south) and exit through Shenwu Gate (north) — this is the traditional route
The side halls and western/eastern palaces are far less crowded than the central axis — explore them
The audio guide (¥40) narrated by Roger Moore is surprisingly good and covers details guides miss
Visit on a weekday morning in winter — the palace in snow is extraordinarily beautiful and nearly empty
Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station (exit A), then walk north through Tiananmen Gate. Or Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen West. Taxis and DiDi drop off at Tiananmen Square. Do not take taxis that offer to take you 'directly to the entrance' — it is a scam.
Tiananmen Square
Jingshan Park
Beihai Park
Entry Fee
¥60 (April–October) / ¥40 (November–March). Special exhibitions: ¥10–¥30 extra.
Opening Hours
Tuesday–Sunday: 8:30am–5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm). Closed Mondays (except public holidays).
Address
4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100009
Getting There
Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station (exit A), then walk north through Tiananmen Gate. Or Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen West. Taxis and DiDi drop off at Tiananmen Square. Do not take taxis that offer to take you 'directly to the entrance' — it is a scam.
Recommended Stay
1 Day
Best Season
Year Round
Apr · May · Sep · Oct
Best weather & conditions
1 Day
Suggested visit length
I have studied Chinese history for years and still was not prepared for the Forbidden City. The sheer scale — 980 buildings, 720,000 square meters — is incomprehensible until you are standing in the middle of it. The side halls are far less crowded and equally beautiful. Book online, arrive early.
Most people rush through the main axis and miss the extraordinary Clock and Watch Gallery — a collection of European and Chinese timepieces gifted to emperors. Absolutely extraordinary craftsmanship. The Imperial Garden at the north end is also beautiful and less crowded.
Visited on a cold February weekday and the palace was nearly empty. Snow on the yellow rooftops is extraordinary. The audio guide is genuinely excellent. My only complaint is that some halls are closed for renovation — check the website before you go.
Entry Fee
¥60 (April–October) / ¥40 (November–March). Special exhibitions: ¥10–¥30 extra.
Opening Hours
Tuesday–Sunday: 8:30am–5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm). Closed Mondays (except public holidays).
Address
4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100009
Best Time
Year-round. Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October) are ideal
Duration
4–6 hours for a thorough visit. Full day with all exhibitions
Location
Tiananmen Square, Dongcheng District, Beijing. Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen East
Entry Fee
¥60 (Apr–Oct) / ¥40 (Nov–Mar). Special exhibitions extra
Booking
MUST book online in advance at dpm.org.cn — daily visitor cap of 80,000
Fitness Level
Easy. Flat terrain throughout. Wheelchair accessible on main axis
15,600 reviews
Recommended stay
Best Time
Year-round. Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October) are ideal
Duration
4–6 hours for a thorough visit. Full day with all exhibitions
Location
Tiananmen Square, Dongcheng District, Beijing. Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen East
Entry Fee
¥60 (Apr–Oct) / ¥40 (Nov–Mar). Special exhibitions extra
Booking
MUST book online in advance at dpm.org.cn — daily visitor cap of 80,000
Fitness Level
Easy. Flat terrain throughout. Wheelchair accessible on main axis
Entry Fee
¥60 (April–October) / ¥40 (November–March). Special exhibitions: ¥10–¥30 extra.
Opening Hours
Tuesday–Sunday: 8:30am–5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm). Closed Mondays (except public holidays).
Address
4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100009
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