About The Palace Museum / Forbidden City

Forbidden City, known as the Palace Museum or the palace complex and located in the city center,  served as the palace for 24 Emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasty. According to Chinese astronomers, the complex is made up of 980 buildings in an area of 72 hectares and is a perfect example of traditional Chinese palatial architecture. It was forbidden to enter the palace without prior permission. Hence, the museum acquired the name Purple Forbidden Museum. The palace boasts of royal architectural wonders with lovely painted decorations. It was declared a World Heritage site in 1987 and also listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.

Standing in its astonishing beauty is the Palace Museum, a gem of the imperial Forbidden City, which records art collections from the most prominent Chinese dynasties. Built right in the heart of Beijing as the house of the Emperor,  the Palace was not to be trespassed by non-imperial families as they were considered unworthy of such place;despite the harsh rules and the eventual conversion of the Palace into a Museum, the elegance and posterity of the structure has remained intact and continues to amaze tourists and historians from all over the world. As one of the most significant and imposing symbols of China, the Palace Museum is a place drenched in ancient Chinese history, a place of rule-making and where the most important socio-political decisions were made, giving birth to the stunning country of China, as we know it today.

Must See

  • Tiananmen Square
  • Architectural Wonders
  • Deluxe Halls
  • Red lacquer box carved with chrysanthemum picking scene
  • European clocks and watches
  • Beautiful artworks
  • Stunning architecture

How to reach

It is 6.2 km away from the City Center.

By Subway:
Take Subway Line 1, get off at Tiananmen East Station (Exit A) or Tiananmen West Station (Exit B), find the Tiananmen Tower, and then walk north to the Meridian Gate;
Take Subway Line 2, get off at Qianmen Station (Exit A), walk north through the Tiananmen Square, pass the Tiananmen Tower, and then find the Meridian Gate further north.

  • Take Subway Line 1, get off at Tiananmen East Station (Exit A) or Tiananmen West Station (Exit B), find the Tiananmen Tower, and then walk north to the Meridian Gate;
  • Take Subway Line 2, get off at Qianmen Station (Exit A), walk north through the Tiananmen Square, pass the Tiananmen Tower, and then find the Meridian Gate further north.Subway Fare: 3 Yuan for every 6 km

By Bus:
Take Bus 1, 2, 52, 59, 82, 120, Sightseeing Bus Line 2 or Tourist Bus Line 2, and get off at Tiananmen East Station;
Take Bus 1, 5, 52, Sightseeing Bus Line 1, Sightseeing Bus Line 2 or Tourist Line 2, and get off at Tiananmen West Station.

  • Take bus 1, 2, 52, 59, 82, 120, Sightseeing Bus Line 2 or Tourist Bus Line 2, and get off at Tiananmen East Station;
  • Take bus 1, 5, 52, Sightseeing Bus Line 1, Sightseeing Bus Line 2 or Tourist Line 2, and get off at Tiananmen West Station.

Bus Fare: 2 Yuan for every 10 km

Tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes and adequate sun protection with the little opportunity to rest in between.
  • Choose a guided tour for detailed information of the museum.
  • If you do not want to choose the guided tour, then opt for the audio tours available in multiple languages.
  • If you're looking for souvenirs to take back home, then look out for shops as you enter the Meridian Gate.
  • You must show your passport at the entrance, for the security check. Original not required.
  • If you have a Student card, you obtain a 50% discount at the entrance. (Should be undergraduate but sometimes if your ID don’t have any mark about under or postgraduate you will not have problems).
  • You can go through the halls between the Tian'anmen (gate of heaven) and the palace without any fee.
  • To go inside the palace, the ticket office is on the right hand.
  • The entrance is from South Gate and the exit is at the north gate, so you will not get out at the same place. 
  • Take a guided tour and audio guide or at least read something about the forbidden city and China. If not, you will not understand why the roof is yellow, or how they get warm in winter, instead everything will look the same to you.
  • There are security checkpoints. Carry a valid ID.
  • Book tickets online as there are no offline ticket counters available.
  • Don't visit the Forbidden City during the Spring Festival or on the National day, because it will be so crowded.
  • Get a camera along with you.
  • It is better to take some snacks because the food is expensive there.
  • At the entrance gate, you will be offered an auto guide.

Visit Time

April to October:

Sunday:            8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Monday:           8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday:          8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday:     8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Thursday:         8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Friday:              8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday:         8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

November to March:

Sunday:          8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday:         8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Tuesday:        8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thursday:       8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday:            8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday:        8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

April to October: CNY 60
November to March: CNY 40

April 1st – October 31st - 60 Yuan

November 1st – March 31st- 40 Yuan

Free admission for children under 1.2 meters in height, disabled visitors.

50% discount on concessions for seniors 60 years old and older with a valid certificate or proof of age (passport, etc.)

Read more

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 to 3 Hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Overcast Clouds 13.82°C

 

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