Forbidden City Travel Tips
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Best Time to Visit
Best Routes
Exhibitions List









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Restaurants and Shops

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Additional Services
Service Items | Note |
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Audio Guide Device | Available in several languages including Chinese, Cantonese, English, French, Japanese, German, Korean, Russian, Thai, Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic and Italian. It can be rented from the tour guide service at the Meridian Gate (Wumen) and the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwumen). The cost for renting any version of the device is CNY 40 (Chinese and Cantonese are both CNY 20), along with a deposit of CNY 100. |
Tour Guide Service | Chinese, English and Japanese-speaking tour guides are available. * For groups no more than 5 people: central axis: 1 hour, CNY 200; central axis and west route: 1.5 hours, CNY 300; central axis, west route, and treasure gallery: 2.5 hours, CNY 400 * For groups more than 5 people: an extra CNY 20 will be charged per person. |
Commodity Service | Tourist souvenirs, books, food and drink as well as a post office are all available. |
WiFi Service | It covers the core areas open to the public, including cultural relic exhibition halls, tourist resting areas, and dining areas. Visitors can search for the WiFi account “PalaceMuseum-WiFi” to access the WiFi service for free. |
Broadcast | It is to the southwest of Jingyun Gate. |
Bag Check Service | Bags can be deposited free of charge at the Meridian Gate and Gate of Divine Prowess from 8:30 to 18:00. If desired, bags can be carried free between the two gates after going through a security check. |
Wheelchairs & Strollers | Available from the tour guide service at the Meridian Gate and Gate of Divine Prowess, free of charge. |
Tourist Service Center | Located at the Gate of Supreme Harmony (Taihemen) and the Arrow Pavilion (Jianting). |
Lounges | Located at the Left Gate of Inner Court (Neizuomen), west of the Meridian Gate, and the Gate of Loyal Obedience (Zhenshunmen) |
Further Reading:
Forbidden City Opening Hours
Recommended Tours
- Last updated on Apr. 13, 2023 by Catherine He -
Questions & Answers on Forbidden City Travel Tips
Asked by Philippe from SWITZERLAND | Apr. 02, 2019 07:05
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On the website about Forbidden City , two different prices are mentioned : 60 and 80 yuans.
What does each price correspond to?
Answers (1)
Answered by Mackenzie from POLAND | Apr. 02, 2019 23:22
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The CNY60 is only refer to the entrance ticket.
However, the CNY80 includes the entrance ticket + Treasure Gallery + Clock and Watch Gallery.
However, the CNY80 includes the entrance ticket + Treasure Gallery + Clock and Watch Gallery.
Asked by T C from MALAYSIA | Jan. 12, 2018 23:53
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Forbidden City Ticket Purchase
I can understand Chinese language, so can I be able to book the entrance ticket by myself using Passport.
Can I be able to buy the ticket one day or 8th day in advance at the scenic area?
Can I be able to buy the ticket one day or 8th day in advance at the scenic area?
Answers (1)
Answered by Eglise from FRANCE | Jan. 14, 2018 23:56
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Well, you need to have a Chinese sim card. Or you may not be able to book the tickets online. I suggest you turn to ur Chinese friend for help. In addition, 10 days earlier is okay for booking. Have a nice trip!
Asked by raccoon from THAILAND | Jan. 09, 2018 08:08
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Now how's to buy Palace Museum ticket? Is webside already in english version?
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Answered by Julian from BELGIUM | Jan. 09, 2018 20:10
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No, it only provides Chinese version for ticket booking, and the tickets can only be reserved/bought online.
You are suggested to find help from some Chinese friends. Have a nice trip!
You are suggested to find help from some Chinese friends. Have a nice trip!
Asked by Liza from FINLAND | Dec. 19, 2017 14:29
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Tour guide serviece cost at Forbidden City
Dose this cost per person total? If we took audio will it guide us the route also or it will just track the location and tell us about it?
Thanks
Thanks
Answers (1)
Answered by Phill from ITALY | Dec. 19, 2017 19:59
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As I know, the guide charges CNY250 for 5 visitors or less; extra CNY10 is needed if one more visitor.
The audio charges CNY40 for each, and CNY100 is needed as a deposit. But it won’t give you the route.
The audio charges CNY40 for each, and CNY100 is needed as a deposit. But it won’t give you the route.
Asked by michelle from MALAYSIA | Oct. 01, 2017 05:27
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are we allow to bring food and camera into the forbidden city?
are we allow to bring our backpack or is it compulsory to store our bags outside? are cameras allow to bring in?
Answers (1)
Answered by Selina from CANADA | Oct. 08, 2017 22:40
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Don’t worry, as I know, you can bring both food and camera inside. As for backpack, generally speaking, you can take it if it’s not very big.