12 Useful Forbidden City Travel Tips

It is highly recommended booking your tickets as early as possible, as they are always in high demand. Even though reservations open 7 days in advance at 20:00 (Beijing Time), tickets often sell out within just 1 minute of release during holidays like summer and winter vacations. To secure your visit hassle-free, consider Travel China Guide's ticket booking service as an alternative option.

Tourists in Forbidden City During Summer Vacation

 

For quick entry to the Forbidden City, always remember to take your passport to scan at the ticket machine and enter through the Meridian Gate smoothly. 

If you forget your passport, go to the manual check lane and provide your passport number for verification. As a precaution, keeping a digital copy on your phone is also advised. But note that the manual lane may cost you at least 20 minutes for queuing.

 

From late April to early June, the Forbidden City enjoys mild spring weather with scarce rainfall, perfect for long outdoor visits. The autumn months from September to October offer equally pleasant visiting experiences with crisp climate. 

For the best daily visiting experience, arrive 15-20 minutes before the opening time at 8:30, which ensures shorter queue times and less crowded attractions once inside.

Prepare sun-protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and long pants, sunglasses, and sun hats, for about half of the Forbidden City is not shaded. Avoid the tank tops, shorts, and other skin-baring options, especially in summer. Due to long walking in the Forbidden City, wear comfortable sports shoes or hiking shoes, and high heels should be avoided.

Save money and time by packing your own snacks and drinks for your Forbidden City tour. Inside, prices can be steep, with meals starting at least CNY 40 per person. Plus, with only five restaurants and potential waits of about 30 minutes during peak hours, it's wise to bring along some portable treats like bread, sandwiches, fruits, and plenty of water.
 

A main reason for the long time to enter the Forbidden City is that most visitors enter it through Tian’anmen Square, which requires waiting first for Tian’anmen security, then at the Meridian Gate. If Tian'anmen Square isn't a must visit for you, consider these time-saving alternatives that lead straight to the Forbidden City's entrance:

Take Subway Line 1 to Tian'anmen East (Exit B), walk 200m to the red “Nanchizi” archway, then 10 minutes straight to East Prosperity Gate. Turn left and follow the moat 5 minutes to Meridian Gate security. Or take Line 8 to Jinyu Hutong (Exit C) and walk west for 15 minutes to the Meridian Gate.

To further shorten waiting time, use the "No Bag" security line, which allows small zipperless handheld bags (think about those capable of holding essentials like your phone, passport, food, and water into it, like a plastic bag) and typically takes half the time of regular queues.
 

The Central Axis, which spans from the Meridian Gate to the Gate of Divine Prowess, showcases the best of the Forbidden City, featuring the grandest ceremonial halls and the most exquisite living palaces. A visit down this axis will take about 2 to 3 hours.

If you couldn't get tickets for the Treasure Gallery or Gallery of Timepieces when booking online, try to scan the QR code displayed at the entrance of each gallery, or visit the manual ticket counters. Unless it's a peak holiday season when tickets sell out quickly, you can get the tickets this way most of the time.
 

Tourists can exit through either the Gate of Divine Prowess (North Gate) or the East Prosperity Gate (East Gate). The North Gate is more convenient for visitors continuing to Jingshan Park and Beihai Park, while the East Gate better serves those heading to Tian'anmen Square and nearby attractions, or seeking abundant dining options.

 

Take Forbidden City Panorama from the Park

Exit the Gate of Divine Prowess and cross the street to the south gate of Jingshan Park. Pay just CNY 2 for entrance, and you can follow the easy hiking route to reach the summit in about 10 minutes, where you’ll overlook the Forbidden City and take some amazing photos. The south railing of Ten Thousand Spring Pavilion, directly opposite to the Forbidden City's central axis, offers a perfect panorama.

The cultural and creative products of the Forbidden City transform its iconic architecture and treasures into practical and beautiful items. From mirrors and bracelets to refrigerator magnets, each piece is infused with Oriental charm. Lightweight, portable, and reasonably priced at CNY 20~100, they serve as a tangible reminder of your visit.

For an in-depth Forbidden City tour, consider joining a guided tour. The expert guides will bring the 600-year history, stunning architecture, and rich culture to life, making it easy for everyone to understand. Additionally, with so much to see and do, navigating the Forbidden City alone can be a challenge. A guided tour, however, ensures you experience all the highlights in no time, thus saving time and energy.