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How to Buy Forbidden City Tickets (Step-by-Step Guide)

ByJordan & Emily (Australian Travel Couple)
A smiling couple poses closely together in the foreground, with traditional Chinese palace architecture and red walls of the Forbidden City in Beijing behind them. Tall pine trees cast shadows on the stone courtyard, and small groups of tourists stroll in the distance under a bright blue sky.

So, you want to get Forbidden City Tickets, but are confused about how to? I’ve got you covered! 

The Forbidden City is one of the most popular attractions in all of Beijing (second only to the Great Wall of China). So it will come as no surprise that tickets sell out lightning fast! 🔥

When we booked our flights to Beijing, the very next thing we did (even before booking a hotel), was securing our Forbidden City tickets. Because let’s be honest, I would happily stay at a “worse” hotel but missing the Forbidden City? Not an option!! 

Unfortunately, getting tickets can be kind of confusing.. 🧐

But don’t worry, by the end of this blog post you will know exactly how to buy Forbidden City Tickets! Let’s get into it! 👉

TL;DR – book Forbidden City Tickets Here!

Beijing China Mini Guide

How to travel Beijing, China in bite-sized form to help you plan less and travel more!
Want to watch not read? Check out the China Vlogs here.

Temple of Heaven Beijing China JORDAN AND EMILY TRAVEL COUPLE
Best time to visit:
  • Peak Tourist Season (April-October)
  • Best Time to Travel (Apr- May, Sept-Nov)
Where to stay:
TOP ATTRACTIONS:

*prices shown are accurate at the time of writing and, unless otherwise stated are in USD.

  • Beijing Itinerary Jordan and Emily Travel the Forbidden City Beijing China
    📍 The Forbidden City
  • The Forbidden City Beijing China (Beijing Itinerary)
    📍 The Forbidden City

Forbidden City Basics!

Before we get into how to buy tickets, you should know a few things. 

So, firstly we will cover:

  • Brief History/Fun Facts! ✅
  • Best Time to Visit ⏰
  • How to Get There 🚌
  • Where to Stay 🏨

The Forbidden City is one of seven (!!) UNESCO world heritage sites in Beijing. As if that wasn’t enough it is also the second most popular attraction in Beijing, so you should probably know a thing or two before heading there!

  • A man wearing a hoodie and backpack stands face-to-face with a large, golden guardian lion statue in the Forbidden City. The lion’s mouth is open in a fierce snarl, with ornate detailing on its mane and collar, while the vivid orange-red walls and traditional tiled rooftops of the palace glow in the background.
    📍 Forbidden City, Beijing

What is The Forbidden City?

Officially speaking, the Forbidden City is called the Palace Museum. This may be obvious to some, but I had no idea, and it led to a few stressful minutes when we were looking for signs saying entry signs but could only find “Palace Museum Entry”! 😳

Either way, this is the LARGEST imperial palace in the entire world – stretching over 178-acres (72-hectares)!! 🤯 

The Forbidden City served as home for 24 Chinese Emperors stretching through the Ming and Qing dynasties. So, these Emperors lived in a giant palace, surrounded by a massive defensive wall with nearly 1,000 buildings! Can you imagine?! 

There is so much more I could get into here, but let’s move on before I bore you to death!

  • A woman smiles at the camera while holding someone’s hand, leading them forward in a “follow me” pose. She stands in a large courtyard in the Forbidden City, with a red-and-gold hall and clusters of tourists behind her.
    📍 The Forbidden City
  • A peaceful canal runs alongside the Forbidden City's red walls, with leafy willow trees draping over the water and a traditional Chinese pavilion in the background.
    📍 The Palace Museum

Best Time to Visit

So, this is more general “best time to visit Beijing” info but given The Palace Museum is in the heart of the City – it works for both!

  • Spring (April-May): Pleasant weather with blooming flowers. 🌸
  • Autumn (September-October): Comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. 🍂

Note that, April to October is considered Peak Season, expect larger crowds and inflated prices.

We always recommend travelling during shoulder seasons, so March & November would be our recommendations! To clarify, we visited in November and had beautiful blue skies, crisp, cool temperatures and fewer crowds (hello, we had the Great Wall of China all to ourselves!! 🤯)

What time of day to visit: 

  • Mornings: Generally speaking there will be fewer people vs the middle of the day!
  • Weekdays: Less crowded compared to weekends and public holidays. ✨

We got the first available tickets, arrived at the Meridian Gate bright and early in a rather large crowd waiting for opening time!

The Forbidden City Opening Times

🚨 The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays!! 🚨

April to October (Peak Season) | Open 8:30am-5pm | Last entry at 4pm

November to March (off-season) | Open 8:30am-4:30pm | Last entry at 3:30pm

  • A wide-angle view of the Meridian Gate, the main entrance to the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its towering red walls and golden rooftops glowing in the morning sun. Empty queue lines and a sign with museum hours in Chinese and English sit in the foreground, framed by a red metal fence.
    📍 Meridian Gate

 

How to Get There 

Firstly, if you’re staying in the Wangfujing area (you should be!) you can just walk to the entrance. Now, as you know, the Forbidden City is HUGE so make sure you head to the correct spot. 

There is only one entry point! Here is a map for reference:

China Google Maps Locations to your email! 👇

Get all the must-visit spots from this blog (plus extra hidden gems) as an offline-ready map sent straight to your email! 🚀

Not staying in Wangfujing? Here are your options:

By Subway:

This is the easiest and most affordable option.

  • Line 1 (Red Line):
    • Get off at Tiananmen East Station or Tiananmen West Station.
    • From either stop, it’s about a 5–10 minute walk to the Meridian Gate (Wu Men), which is the only entrance to the Forbidden City.

👀 Read More: The app you need for navigating the subway in Beijing!

By DiDi (China’s Uber):

  • Set your drop-off location as “Meridian Gate” (午门) or type in “Forbidden City Entrance.”
  • DiDis can drop you off near the entrance but might not get right up to it due to traffic control and one-way streets around Tiananmen Square.

Walking from Tiananmen Square:

  • If you’re already visiting Tiananmen Square, you can walk north across Chang’an Avenue to reach the entrance.
  • Important: There are underground walkways – don’t try to cross the massive road at street level.
  • A large crowd lines up in front of the entrance to the Forbidden City, bordered by red ropes. Behind them stands a massive, richly detailed palace building with golden roof tiles and deep red walls.
    📍 Meridian Gate Entry
  • A wide view of a grand building in the Forbidden City, featuring classic Chinese architecture with red walls, ornate detailing, and golden rooftops glowing under a clear blue sky.
    📍 The Palace Museum

Where to Stay

So, I’ve already said this but you should be staying in the Wangfujing area, especially if this is your first time visiting Beijing! It is central, close to attractions, subway stations and restaurants.

Wangujing Hotels: 

Backpacker Budget ($): Jinjiang Inn Beijing Wangfujing | A Simple, clean, and super central, no-frills hotel is ideal if you just need a place to crash near the Forbidden City without blowing the budget. Great value for the location.

Bougie Budget ($): Jingfang Building Smart Hotel | Trendy and tech-forward, this smart hotel offers a boutique feel without the boutique price tag. Think sleek design, keyless entry, and robot room service.

Mid-Range ($$): Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel | Spacious rooms, city views, and a killer breakfast buffet, blend of comfort and convenience just minutes from the Forbidden City.

Luxury ($$$): Waldorf Astoria | Old-world elegance meets modern luxury at this five-star icon. Expect plush rooms, impeccable service, and a quiet oasis right in the heart of Beijing. 

  • A cheerful couple smiles in front of a historic hall inside the Forbidden City, with red wooden doors, golden roof tiles, and bronze animal statues visible in the background. The man wears a hoodie that reads "CASUAL" and holds a phone, while the woman wears a black jacket and carries a camera strap.
    📍 The Forbidden City

Purchasing Forbidden City Tickets Online

It is no surprise why this has become one of China’s most iconic landmarks welcoming around 80,000 people per day!! 

However, this means it has become notoriously difficult to get tickets for, and they often sell out. 🔥

Therefore, purchasing tickets in advance is crucial when planning a visit to the Forbidden City. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, the site can get extremely crowded, especially during peak travel seasons.

Like so many other top attractions in Beijing, tickets are released 7 days in advance. One of the many benefits to buying Forbidden City Tickets Online is that you can order further in advance, making travel planning so much easier! 

To be clear, these tickets will not be confirmed until the official release 7 days in advance but the joy is that someone else deals with the stress of securing your tickets before they sell out!

A woman with wide eyes and a playful expression wears a yellow audio guide earpiece while holding an electronic map of the Palace Museum. She stands near the entrance of a large red gate inside the Forbidden City, with other visitors walking through in the background.
A close-up of a hand holding an electronic map and audio guide for the Palace Museum, showing a colorful layout of the Forbidden City with labeled sections and headphone jack plugged in. Blurry visitors walk past in the background.
A woman in a black puffer jacket stands at the Audio Guide Service window inside the Forbidden City, reading instructions printed in English and Chinese. The red-painted wall and faded signage reflect the historic building’s age and charm.

How much does it cost to see the Forbidden City?

These are approximate guideline prices of the entry ticket for The Forbidden City:

  • April to October: ¥60
  • November to March: ¥40
  • Treasure Gallery: Additional ¥10
  • Clocks & Watches Gallery: Additional ¥10
  • Audio Guide: Additional ¥40

Also, prices are subject to change, and there may be additional charges for special exhibitions.

A quick note on the Audio Guide, we both got one, and the tech in this blew my tiny mind. It comes with a map on the back and somehow tracks you and begins playing automatically as you reach the next talking point! 

Basically, learn from my mistakes and don’t press any buttons – just let it do its thing!

| Jordan Note: The audio guides were good, but you can get all the same information from the signs dotted throughout the complex. So, if you are a reader and want to save some money, head to those instead!
  • A grand staircase leads up to the Taihemen (Gate of Supreme Harmony) in the Forbidden City, with white marble balustrades and a central carved ramp. The richly decorated facade features red columns, colorful painted beams, and layered golden rooftops glowing against a vivid blue sky.
    📍 Gate of Supreme Harmony

Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing Tickets Online

Via Get Your Guide (what we used)

Best for: Convenience, English interface, and zero app drama.

  1. Head to Get Your Guide and search “Forbidden City”
    Or just click here for the best-rated Get Your Guide Tickets
  2. Choose your preferred date, time, and whether you want a guide included.
  3. Complete your booking using your passport details and email.
  4. You’ll receive a confirmation with instructions.
  5. Show your voucher (printed or on your phone) at the designated meeting point or entrance.

🔥 Get 10% Off: Download the app here and use code “jordanandemily9310”

Powered by GetYourGuide

Via Viator

Best for: Easy to use app

  1. Go to Viator and search “Forbidden City Tickets.”
    Or click here for the best-rated option!
  2. Choose your visit date and ticket type
  3. Enter your name and passport number during checkout.
  4. Complete payment
  5. Receive a QR code or booking reference by email to present on the day.

💡 Top Tip: Screenshot your QR code to ensure easy access for entry!

Via WeChat Mini Program

Best for: Local pricing and official access, but it’s trickier for non-Chinese speakers.

  1. Open WeChat and search for “故宫博物院” (Palace Museum).
  2. Access the official mini-program (it’s essentially the Forbidden City’s direct booking portal).
  3. Select your visit date, time slot, and ticket type.
  4. Enter your passport information (Chinese ID not required).
  5. Pay via WeChat Pay (note: not all foreign cards work).
  6. Save the confirmation QR code and bring your passport on the day.
  • Close-up of a golden rooftop on a Forbidden City pavilion, decorated with intricate carvings, mythical creatures, and a central finial, partially framed by leafy branches.
    📍 The Palace Museum
  • A woman in a black puffer jacket smiles while reaching her hand forward in a “follow me” pose, standing on a shaded stone path in front of a historic red-and-gold building in the Forbidden City.
    📍 Forbidden City
  • A richly painted red door with rows of golden studs sits beneath a brightly colored and ornately detailed eave in the Forbidden City. A red pillar and leafy branch partially frame the view.
    📍 The Palace Museum

Group Tours and Guided Visits

Another option is, of course, to join a guided tour! This route gives you way more context and historical background than you’d get wandering around solo. Plus, you can actually ask a real human your questions instead of frantically Googling “What’s the Hall of Supreme Harmony?” while standing in front of it.

A good guide can bring the stories of emperors to life – and many tours also include skip-the-line access or bundled entry to places like Jingshan Park or Tiananmen Square.

How to Book a Guided Visit

You can book directly through popular tour platforms like:

Tours range from small group experiences to private guides, and some even include hotel pickup, lunch, or photo packages.

💡 Top Tip: If you’re visiting during peak season or on a tight schedule, a guided tour is one of the easiest ways to navigate the crowds and make the most of your time.

  • A stone bridge with ornate white railings curves over a tranquil moat inside the Forbidden City, leading to a traditional red and gold gate. The still water reflects the surrounding architecture, and soft sunlight bathes the historic scene in a warm glow.
    📍 Golden Water Bridge

Important Information to Know Before Visiting 

Remember, the main entrance is at the Meridian Gate (Wu Men) on the south side of the complex, facing Tiananmen Square. This is the only official entry point.

The exit is at Shenwu Gate on the north side. So your route will take you straight through the city from south to north.

Rules and Tips for Visiting

Let’s be real, traveling in China can be exciting, but it also has its quirks. Here’s what to know before you go:

  • Bring your passport: You’ll need it for entry and ID verification.
  • Arrive early: Security checks and large crowds can delay your entry.
  • No re-entry: Once you leave the Forbidden City, you can’t go back in.
  • Dress comfortably: You’ll walk a lot so wear good shoes.
  • No big luggage: Bags may be scanned, and large ones may not be allowed.
  • Tripods are technically banned, but small travel ones often pass through if you’re discreet.
  • Food and drink: Technically not allowed, there is cafes and restaurants inside

A note on tripods, we didn’t use our brains and tried to bring ours in. The security guards had us place it in a locker near the main entrance, it was then magically moved to another exit where we collected it after our visit! 

  • A bilingual information sign at the Forbidden City explains the history of the Meridian Gate (Wu men) in both Chinese and English. The sign also provides directional arrows to nearby attractions such as the Hall of Martial Valour, Ceramics Gallery, and toilets, with a red fire extinguisher box positioned against the red wall beside it.
    📍 Meridian Gate Info Sign

FAQs

Do You Need Tickets for the Forbidden City?

Yes, you also need to book it in advance! Book Tickets Here!

Is Palace Museum the same as Forbidden City?

Yes, The Forbidden City is officially called the Palace Museum!

How long do I need for the Forbidden City?

At least 2-3 hours, but history buffs could easily spend 4-5, we could have spent all day here wandering around and getting lunch at one of the cafes/restaurants!

Is the Forbidden City worth it?

100%. It’s one of the most immersive and impressive sites in China.

Can I buy tickets on the day?

Tickets must be purchased in advance and often sell out. Book Now!

Is there an audio guide or tour option?

Yes! Also, you can rent one at the entrance or book a guided tour online in advance.

How long does it take to walk through the Forbidden City?

We focused on only the main areas and were still there for around 3 hours!!

What is the dress code for the Forbidden City?

It is recommended to dress respectfully, and comfy shoes are a MUST!

Can you go to the Forbidden City without a tour?

Yes, although a Forbidden City tour will provide you with more information and can be great option for those pressed for time!

  • A woman wearing a black jacket and yellow audio guide earpiece smiles brightly while standing in front of an ornate hall inside the Forbidden City. The traditional Chinese architecture, with red columns and a golden tiled roof, stretches across the background under a cloudy sky.
    📍 Forbidden City
Powered by GetYourGuide

Final Thoughts

The Forbidden City in Beijing, China is a sprawling imperial palace complex that served as the home of emperors and their households for nearly 500 years. Featuring intricate architecture, stunning gardens, and rich history! 

Being one of the most impressive and popular top attractions in Beijing, we had an amazing few hours exploring the impressive grounds!

But, make sure to plan ahead – tickets often sell out, so booking early is crucial.

Book your tickets here → before they sell out!

Remember:
🚨 The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays
📅 Tickets become available 7 days in advance
🛂 Tickets will be tied to your passport, don’t forget to bring it!!
⏰ Open 8:30am – 5pm (last entry 4pm!)

Read More China Travel Blogs 👇

Travel Content Creators

Jordan & Emily are an Australian travel couple on a mission to visit 100 countries. With over 70,000 followers, they share detailed travel guides, itineraries, and listicles to help readers plan their trips faster and more smoothly. Known for breaking down costs and providing practical travel tips, they inspire their audience to explore the world with confidence. Follow their journey on YouTube (Jordan and Emily) and Instagram (@jordanandemilytravel) to travel with them to 100 countries!

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