The Forbidden City is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Beijing, and in fact, the whole of China. For hundreds of years, only the royal entourage was allowed to enter through the formidable walls, which is why the complex earned the name “Forbidden City.” Since 1925, its opulent plazas have been open to the public, attracting millions of tourists each year.
Surrounded by a moat and a high wall with corner watchtowers, this vast complex of ancient wooden palaces and religious structures was once a residence for Chinese emperors. Now managed by the Palace Museum, the authentic buildings, antique collections and manicured gardens within the compound are carefully preserved.
Most visitors spend at least half a day in the vast Forbidden City. Enter through the Gate of Heavenly Peace and pick up a map or digital audio tour at the ticketing office. Browse the expansive site with nearly a 1,000 structures yourself, or hire a reputable guide.
See if you can spot the architectural influences of many different cultures and enter the old halls and pavilions to find precious artifacts. See rare bronze objects, old paintings and everyday household items, which give you insight into what life was like behind these imperial walls.
You can’t miss the extravagant five-arch Meridian Gate and the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest among the many grand and lavishly decorated ceremonial halls in the complex. To end your visit, stroll through the Imperial Garden and exit through the Gate of Divine Might.
Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is easy to reach on foot, or by bike or public transport. The subway Tian'anmen East and West stations are close to the South Gate. A city bus circles the complex on the outside, so you can get from one side to the other in a short time. Visit on a weekday if you want to avoid large crowds.
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Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing
Reviewed on Aug 12, 2024
Browse tours and tickets to explore Forbidden City
Tours & day trips
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MuBus: Mutianyu Great Wall Tours with Options from Beijing
Adventure & outdoor
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2-Day Mini Group to Great Wall, Forbidden City & Top Highlights
Food, drink & nightlife
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Marlin Del Rey Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo & Playas del Coco
Shows & concerts
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Red Theatre Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets
Classes & workshops
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Beijing Calligraphy Class
Reviews of Forbidden City
4/5 - Good
Get you ticket on line. It’s not easy to figure it out when you’re there.
4/5 - Good
Don't forget your passport when you visit!!!
3/5 - Okay
This is the most visited site by locals and visitors to Beijing any time of year. There is no time where I would imagine it is not bustling with thousands of people. There is only one way to see this site and it is moving with a throng of people at an even clip. There is no wandering about the grounds at a leisurely pace.
3/5 - Okay
Locals have no concept of personal space. Be prepared to be shoved or learn to shove back. This is the security line to Forbidden City earlier this week. Our wait time to clear security was about two hours.
5/5 - Excellent
The hotel breakfast is a great deal, with a large American and Chinese selection. Authentic HuTuong eateries just a couple blocks away (opposite direction from Wangfujing) that open at 6:00am for workers with really cheap and authentic menus.
3/5 - Okay
Half of the site was closed off for a visiting dignitary - our guide said this happens often and of course they do not tell anyone ahead of time for security.
Popular places to visit
The Palace Museum
You can browse the exhibits at The Palace Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Beijing. Experience the acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices in this culturally rich area.
Palace of Earthly Tranquillity
You can find out about the history of Beijing with a trip to Palace of Earthly Tranquillity. Visit the temples and shops in this culturally rich area.
Hall of Supreme Harmony
You can find out about the history of Beijing with a trip to Hall of Supreme Harmony. Experience the entertainment choices and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Palace of Heavenly Purity
Find out about the history of Beijing when you spend time at Palace of Heavenly Purity. Visit the temples and shops in this culturally rich area.
Ninghe Temple
You can find out about the history of Beijing with a visit to Ninghe Temple. Discover the entertainment choices and shops in this culturally rich area.
Hall of Mental Cultivation
Find out about the history of Beijing with a stop at Hall of Mental Cultivation. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed art scene in this culturally rich area.
Best Lodging Options Near Forbidden City
Check availability on hotels close to Forbidden City
Grand Hyatt Beijing
Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
Novotel Beijing Peace
Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel
The Peninsula Beijing
Hilton Beijing Wangfujing
Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
Guo Ji Yi Yuan Hotel
Regent Beijing
Best time to go to Forbidden City
The best time to visit Forbidden City is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain.
 Calendar Month |  Temperature |  Precipitation |  Cloudiness |  Occupancy |  Pricing |
| January | 26.1°F (-3.3°C) | No Rain | Sunny | Slightly Low | Slightly Low |
| February | 32.2°F (0.1°C) | No Rain | Sunny | Slightly Low | Slightly Low |
| March | 45.9°F (7.7°C) | No Rain | Sunny | Average | Average |
| April | 59.0°F (15.0°C) | No Rain | Sunny | Slightly High | Slightly High |
| May | 71.6°F (22.0°C) | No Rain | Sunny | Average | Average |
| June | 79.5°F (26.4°C) | Light Rain | Sunny | Average | Average |
| July | 81.7°F (27.6°C) | Moderate Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Slightly High |
| August | 78.4°F (25.8°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Average |
| September | 70.3°F (21.3°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly High | Average |
| October | 57.7°F (14.3°C) | No Rain | Sunny | Slightly High | Slightly High |
| November | 41.2°F (5.1°C) | No Rain | Sunny | Average | Average |
| December | 28.2°F (-2.1°C) | No Rain | Sunny | Slightly Low | Slightly Low |
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