Forbidden City-The Palace Museum
Forbidden City-The Palace Museum
4.5
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Consisting of more than 9,000 rooms and spread over 250 acres, this huge palace complex was built in the 15th century and later extensively renovated and restored during the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingAdmission tickets
from
C$14.22
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Forbidden City-The Palace Museum
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,620 within 5 kms
Attractions
671 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia13,705 contributionsPalace is well worth a visitThe Forbidden City is related to the Palace Museum in Beijing. The building of the Forbidden City in the Ming Dynasty. It was part of the rule of China's Emperor. These days, it has been renovated, the Palace Museum well worth a visit. It's in the center of Beijing. The main colors are red and gold.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten February 23, 2024
- KodoDrummerBuenos Aires, Argentina70,639 contributionsImperial grandeurAlthough the Forbidden City is massive, some entered to spend the majority of their remaining life inside the outer walls without being allowed to leave. I like looking at the underside of ceilings, beautiful craftsmanship, and the wonder of magnificent colorsThe Forbidden City is a vast structure, and some individuals were once forced to live within its outer walls for the rest of their lives without ever being allowed to leave. Personally, I enjoy admiring the intricate details on the underside of ceilings, which showcase beautiful craftsmanship and a magnificent array of colors..Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten March 4, 2024
- Ivanna1 contributionA must-see in China!!!Inside the Forbiddedn city is like entering a treasure chest of Chinese art. From sculptures to luxurious silks, to even a 47 foot long yuan dynasty fresco. The palaace is a must-see for anyone who is interested in hinese history, art, and architecture. It offers a glimpse into the heart of China's past.Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten March 5, 2024
- Maree RChristchurch, New Zealand1,321 contributionsA Must SeeMake sure to book tickets in advance. A truly stunning place to visit with so much history you really appreciate a knowledgeable guide. There is a lot of walking as it covers a huge area, so water and good foot ware essential. One entrance and one exit you keep moving forward through the complex. This has to be on your must do list in Beijing.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten March 19, 2024
- David B56 contributionsBusy, but an interesting place to see. Be aware of scammers though especially near the queue areas.An interesting place to visit if you can be patient when surrounded by thousands of people who are rushing and pushing about. The architecture is beautiful, and there are notice boards in Chinese and English explaining what certain palaces and areas were used for. My daughter got a audio tour which cut out after 20 minutes, so I wouldn't bother with this service. Also I agree with the comments on scam tour guides. DO NOT pay some random person money to get you in quickly, but DO find a reputable travel guide service and go with a group or private tour as you MUST buy tickets before hand. We bought our tickets at 5pm, 7 days before our visit and all the morning session tickets had gone and there was limited late session tickets left. This had to be done via WeChat too, so unless you read Chinese, use a guide service. I see a lot of reviews complaining about the local tourists, but this is China, this is what its like. We queued for over 1 and a half hours and went through 3 passport and bag search checkpoints before we even got into Tiananmen Square, and more queuing to get into The Forbidden City. Security in Beijing is crazy, its like going through an airport to get in everywhere, but you have to just be patient and when in the sites, if you need to bump through a crowd to see an exhibit or take a picture, just do it.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten March 30, 2024
- Alexey PKorolev, Russia151 contributionsGreat place for one and a half million people in ChinaWe pre-issued permission on the website of the imperial palace (from 1 to 7 days before the visit), received a code for paying in cash at the ticket office before the turnstiles. The cost before April 1 is 40Y, after - 60Y. Those aged 60 or over receive a 50% discount. A huge territory, many Chinese, many dressed in national costumes. You can take an audio guide in your native language - 20Y. Prepare for a long visit; you won’t be able to complete it in an hour; somewhere you need three hours. It is better to look at the information about gates and halls in advance. Great, in general, everything is solemn.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten April 2, 2024
- BoBoPumyLondon, United Kingdom222 contributionsBeautiful, spectacular and must visit if you are in BeijingSpectacular! The Forbidden city is massive, beautiful with lots of characters. There are many different area so it could easily taken up a day when visiting. It is extremely difficult to get the entrance ticket and even the locals need to queue for up to a month. We used trip.com and the dedicated agent has helped us to purchase the tickets successfully. The jewel exhibition is a must see though you need to pay extra for it. Tips Go a bit earlier for security check, it will take a long time as the Forbidden city is always full. Always bring your passport along as the security will check your tickets against your passport.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten April 21, 2024
- GoddessKuala Lumpur, Malaysia222 contributionsA Palace of SplendorA magnificent splendor. You will need more than one visit and it is near impossible to buy tickets without WeChat account. So, perhaps the government need to look into this. Be prepared to walk a lot and different season will give you a different feel and view of what life might have been in this grand palace. Take your time to enjoy every little corner as it all holds a fragment of history,Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten April 29, 2024
- CarmenNaples, Italy394 contributionsBeautiful place, difficult to find ticketsBooking the visit to the forbidden city was an excellent choice. We did this through Trip Advisor with Mubus and it was a fantastic choice! We saved time and effort in purchasing tickets, which immediately sold out on the official website. The sale usually starts at 2pm Italian time, 8 days before the desired date. I tried for various dates, with tickets sold out after just 2 minutes from the opening of the sale. I would therefore certainly recommend the guided tour: our guide Claire in fact told us the history and anecdotes of this place, stopping at interesting places and also advising us on the best spots for taking photos. The explanations were detailed but at the same time easy to follow. The drive lasted 4 hours and Claire stayed with us all the way to the Royal Treasury Museum (visited quickly, but with the option to return later on our own at the end of the guided tour). In conclusion, I recommend booking a visit, also to be sure of having tickets.Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten May 8, 2024
- minyan wuBeijing, China9 contributionspart-time local tour guidehello my fellows, Beijing is a city full of charm. June is warm and breezy, making people comfortable to have citywalk. The Forbidden City, Tian 'anmen Squre and the Great Wall are must-experiences. I was born and raised here, so if you need a short-term English guide to enrich your travel experience, please contact me.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten May 16, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
14,199 reviews
Excellent
8,101
Very good
4,318
Average
1,427
Poor
261
Terrible
94
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
CandB7487
Wakefield, UK125 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
We visited the Palace Museum in July, a family of eight including two elderly disabled and four children 15,12,6 and 1 year.
You MUST buy your tickets online (we recommend for UK visitors to book these with an online tour company - you don’t have to get a guided one we didn’t) otherwise it will be a big disappointment and you will struggle to get in.
Your passport is then your ticket - make sure you carry your passport everywhere in China!
Seemed abit crazy trying to get in as there were lines everywhere, abit hard with the language barrier so persevere!
This is when having the elderly disabled with us as we were directed to a shorter queue. But overall in Beijing we did find being disabled quite tricky.
Lots of the indoor places to see have been fenced up and you cannot get in to to see them which is a shame. But the rooms we did access were good.
It was very busy but everyone was orderly and flowed. Don’t get spiked by an umbrella!
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and despite staying around 4 hours we definitely didn’t allow enough time to see more within the grounds.
Must stop in any Beijing trip.
You MUST buy your tickets online (we recommend for UK visitors to book these with an online tour company - you don’t have to get a guided one we didn’t) otherwise it will be a big disappointment and you will struggle to get in.
Your passport is then your ticket - make sure you carry your passport everywhere in China!
Seemed abit crazy trying to get in as there were lines everywhere, abit hard with the language barrier so persevere!
This is when having the elderly disabled with us as we were directed to a shorter queue. But overall in Beijing we did find being disabled quite tricky.
Lots of the indoor places to see have been fenced up and you cannot get in to to see them which is a shame. But the rooms we did access were good.
It was very busy but everyone was orderly and flowed. Don’t get spiked by an umbrella!
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and despite staying around 4 hours we definitely didn’t allow enough time to see more within the grounds.
Must stop in any Beijing trip.
Written October 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allan & Amy T
Edmonton, Canada389 contributions
May 2024 • Family
We have been to the Palace Museum three times,everytime there is a differerence
Now you have to buy your tickets on line(or ar prearranged your tickets with the tour company,otherwise it will be a big disappointment
there are couple of lines waiting prior to entrance,you have to ensure you are waiting in the correct line!!....some for local,for some foreigners with passport,some for buying tickets onsite....
Your admission is your passport for foreigners!!or your ID) which you need everywhere you go in china
The scene at the entrance gate is chaotic, go early otherwise you will have to wait under the hot sun!!
Most of the indoor stuff have been fenced up and you cannot get in to appreciate the setup but the history is still there.
Bring your ear plugs as the noise level with the loudspeakers from the tour guide is out of this world. This needs to be rectified if china wants to encourage tourism in the country.
It is still quite a walk from the southgate to the northgate under the hot sun. Bring your sunscreen and umbrellas!! There re certainly more toilet facilities and they are much cleaner,but most of the hand dryer dont work!!(Bring your own toilet paper(just in case)
Overall it is an eye opener for our children to appreciate chinese history, to experience its grandeur appearance, the archecture of its building, especially the noise level!!
Now you have to buy your tickets on line(or ar prearranged your tickets with the tour company,otherwise it will be a big disappointment
there are couple of lines waiting prior to entrance,you have to ensure you are waiting in the correct line!!....some for local,for some foreigners with passport,some for buying tickets onsite....
Your admission is your passport for foreigners!!or your ID) which you need everywhere you go in china
The scene at the entrance gate is chaotic, go early otherwise you will have to wait under the hot sun!!
Most of the indoor stuff have been fenced up and you cannot get in to appreciate the setup but the history is still there.
Bring your ear plugs as the noise level with the loudspeakers from the tour guide is out of this world. This needs to be rectified if china wants to encourage tourism in the country.
It is still quite a walk from the southgate to the northgate under the hot sun. Bring your sunscreen and umbrellas!! There re certainly more toilet facilities and they are much cleaner,but most of the hand dryer dont work!!(Bring your own toilet paper(just in case)
Overall it is an eye opener for our children to appreciate chinese history, to experience its grandeur appearance, the archecture of its building, especially the noise level!!
Written June 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg Stevens
Sydney, Australia2,882 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
UNESCO lists it as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures worldwide. From the entry gate's top, the views are breathtaking. Both the inner and outer courts offer much to explore. Upon exiting, Jingshan Park comes into view, capping off the impressive architectural experience. They have daily limited tickets available and it’s crowded, suggest an early start!
Written November 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MM0980
Leipzig, Germany662 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
I bought the tickets exactly 1 week (tickets are always activated 7 days in advance) directly on the Forbidden City's homepage (60 RMB per person).
We arrived by metro and immediately stood in a queue. Two security checks - we had to hand over lighters and deodorant spray. Crowds as far as the eye could see. Showing our tickets multiple times - after 1 hour we were finally in the Forbidden City - with luggage. We didn't see a baggage drop-off at the main entrance - but there was one at the east exit - by then it was too late. After all the hustle and bustle, we were no longer motivated to see the city. While my friend sat somewhere in the shade, I explored the city for about 2 hours. Some gates were closed. But I looked at a large part of the area around the Imperial Garden - at some point everything looked the same. For some areas you need an extra ticket, e.g. Treasury Hall.
In short: a lot of fuss - countless people - sobering visit. Catch. I don't have to see the city again. I'd rather visit the Altar of Heaven or the Summer Palace. On our trip to China we met a few people who saw it the same way.
After our less than enthusiastic visit we went out to eat - Peking duck, of course.
We arrived by metro and immediately stood in a queue. Two security checks - we had to hand over lighters and deodorant spray. Crowds as far as the eye could see. Showing our tickets multiple times - after 1 hour we were finally in the Forbidden City - with luggage. We didn't see a baggage drop-off at the main entrance - but there was one at the east exit - by then it was too late. After all the hustle and bustle, we were no longer motivated to see the city. While my friend sat somewhere in the shade, I explored the city for about 2 hours. Some gates were closed. But I looked at a large part of the area around the Imperial Garden - at some point everything looked the same. For some areas you need an extra ticket, e.g. Treasury Hall.
In short: a lot of fuss - countless people - sobering visit. Catch. I don't have to see the city again. I'd rather visit the Altar of Heaven or the Summer Palace. On our trip to China we met a few people who saw it the same way.
After our less than enthusiastic visit we went out to eat - Peking duck, of course.

Written June 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nobitotky
Shibuya, Japan2 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
The National Palace Museum tour was scheduled for September 2024 during the Beijing tour. I made a Reservation through Beltra, but when I tried to enter using my own passport, which was supposed to be linked to it, they said that no Reservation had been made. When I contacted Bertola, all he asked me to do was to get it back for another day, and on subsequent dates during the trip, tickets were sold out, so I ended up not being able to enter the NPM.
Even the biggest travel agencies can be quite sloppy in dealing with overseas branches. Even if you apply for a local tour, there is a high risk of mis-arrangement as in this case due to a handling fee in addition to the normal tour price, so I realized that you should try your best to get a direct ticket by translating the official website into Japanese as much as possible.
Even the biggest travel agencies can be quite sloppy in dealing with overseas branches. Even if you apply for a local tour, there is a high risk of mis-arrangement as in this case due to a handling fee in addition to the normal tour price, so I realized that you should try your best to get a direct ticket by translating the official website into Japanese as much as possible.
Automatically translated
Written October 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shannon
Melbourne, Australia1,154 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Recommend coming via Tiananmen Gate, which is the main entry, but you require reservations a day in advance of visiting through there. Otherwise, if you hadn't reserved via Tiananmen, then you'd either visit through the East or North Gate, like we did, as we weren't aware of the prerequired reservation. There's no direct entry from the east gate, and the entry only detours around the complex to the front ticket office, which is quite long and time-consuming.
We managed to purchase tickets on the site with passports required. We only walked through the main central path from the front to the back in just over an hour, but if you're planning to cover most of the separate alleyways and structures, it's going to take at least 3 or 4 hours. Buildings are in well-maintained condition, but most of the structures are empty. Recommended
We managed to purchase tickets on the site with passports required. We only walked through the main central path from the front to the back in just over an hour, but if you're planning to cover most of the separate alleyways and structures, it's going to take at least 3 or 4 hours. Buildings are in well-maintained condition, but most of the structures are empty. Recommended
Written October 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fabio footsteps
Padua, Italy994 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
I found out in hindsight that I was one of the 30,000 lucky people who manage to get a ticket to the forbidden city every day. Inquire well in advance about the ticket purchase that takes place online one week before the visit. Keep in mind that tickets are sold-out in about 5 minutes. The sale starts at 8:00 am (14:00 Italian). With a ticket and enormous patience you will have to pass 3 or 4 passport checks and bags so add about 2 hours to enter the city. However, what can I say if not that it is absolutely worth it thinks to admire the splendor of the houses, temples and jewels kept inside. It will take you at least 3 or 4 hours to visit it calmly. Absolutely not to be missed.
Automatically translated
Written October 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chiniverse
Bangkok, Thailand41 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
If you’re a fan of Chinese history, especially the Qing Dynasty, you simply must visit this place. The only catch is that you’ll need to buy a ticket online, which costs around 60 CNY. But don’t worry, it’s super convenient to get there. You can take a train, which makes the journey a breeze.
Written December 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Qing R
Auckland, New Zealand23 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
This is my 3rd time visiting the Forbidden City, unfortunately it was not like before anymore. For starters, you will have to book exactly a week before to book entry, the museum website opening ticketing at 8pm Beijing time, you will have to fight with who knows how many others to get the tickets. I was lucky enough to get tickets for entry. Th whole entry process was exhausting, the queue was very long and security check very slow, the annoying thing is the tourist guides shouting with loudspeaker with many others pushing and trying to jump the queue. When we finally entered, we had to take half an hour to rest. All the rooms and courtyard were still as I remembered from last 2 times, but with a lot more restrictions to view. We still walked through the palace and looked at everything, but with the crowd and the queues, it was very exhausting. I later found out the time we went was actually low season, it would be hard to imagine what high season would be like!
Written May 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Du jie
Chengdu, China4 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
As for the Forbidden City, I suggest you add the Forbidden City ticket sales WeChat account in advance and buy tickets in advance, because they seem to be limited in number, and the price when buying via mobile phone is almost the same as buying on the website. If you can, bring dry food with you. Because they are big and well-ranked, but there is no restaurant inside, only a canteen, so you can bring them all in without being rushed.

Written September 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wei L
Atlanta, Georgia
Will the tickets we buy from here guaranteed ? I thought we are only allowed to purchase the tickets 7 days prior to the visit day
Written January 24, 2025
We had tickets as part of a package so no direct experience
When we went in there was a large ticket area with very few people at it. There didn't appear to be any issues getting tickets on the day.
Written January 25, 2025
Hi everyone.
As I know, We must buy forbidden city 's ticket before 8 days but I cannot book it at official website. It always show that ticket is sold old even I waited to 00:00 A.M for booking. Have any ways to book it easier even a little more expensive. Thank you so much for reading
Written April 15, 2024
The Forbidden City can usually be booked through a travel agent. It might be a bit more expensive but would allow convenient access.
Written April 15, 2024
Hieveryone.
As a foreigner, do I have to book before visiting the place?
And if I book on the official website, can I pay with a non-chinese credit card?
Thank you very much!
Written March 4, 2024
There is no need to book in advance, how long it takes to get in depends on the season.
Written March 5, 2024
Surapong T
Milan, Italy
Are there any restaurants in forbidden city? or can we re-enter after having lunch outside?
Written February 29, 2024
As I recall the only refreshments were in the Tea shop where you can sample the teas before buying, but beware, if you buy any tea. It’s incredibly expensive.
Written March 1, 2024
Due to the processing of my passport to renew my visa to continue my stay for international study has not been completed. Thus, is my student card can be valid?
Written October 2, 2023
Hi, just wondering if this is still close?
Written March 1, 2020
(2/28 1.40pm) Beijing Parks Begin Limiting Access: Though almost every park in Beijing remains open, some have started limiting the number of people entering each day. Chaoyang Park will limit tickets to 20,000 per day to control the park from getting too crowded, the Beijing Youth Daily reported. Meanwhile, tickets to the Summer Palace are no longer being sold on site and must be reserved one day in advance via their WeChat account (search "颐和园" in WeChat).
Written March 1, 2020
They said will be closed for public for nee year and I see reviews from 23-26th, how in world is that possible?
Can you please tell me when will be open again?
Written February 2, 2020
I was there the last day it was open. I would think that it will be announced when the quarentine is lifted.
Written February 24, 2020
It's all outdoors (there are a very small number of rooms you can go in). So we did not notice any restrictions (though it's just common courtesy to avoid using a flash).
Written January 21, 2020
David W
Sydney, Australia
We are after a tour guide for the Forbidden City. We have already bought tickets, just need someone that can explain the history of the place. Does anyone have any recommendations? P.S. We have Wechat so feel free to drop us their wechat or email ids
Written October 8, 2019
The history is available online as being world history. Great place to visit very well restored and maintained.
Written November 2, 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 96
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing