Forbidden City Opening Hours
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| Meridian Gate, Entrance to Forbidden City |
Peak Season (April 1–October 31)
Opens at 8:30 Last admission at 16:00 Closes at 17:00 for clearanceOff Season (November 1–March 31)
Opens at 8:30 Last admission at 15:30 Closes at 16:30 for clearanceThe Gallery of Timepieces and Treasure Gallery, which require separate tickets, share the same opening hours. However, their last admission is extended by 10 minutes as below:
April to October: Last entry at 16:10 November to March: Last entry at 15:40Additionally, during special events, the Forbidden City may extend its opening hours. For example, from September 30, 2025, to December 30, 2025, the Meridian Gate exhibition hall will host a significant exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Palace Museum, potentially extending opening hours until midnight, offering a rare opportunity for a night visit.
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| Treasury Gallery Entrance |
Luggage Deposit and Claim Hours
If you are carrying a heavy bag or suitcase, you can use the free luggage storage service provided by the Forbidden City. Present your ticket order and passport at the left counter facing the Meridian Gate to arrange pickup at either the Gate of East Prosperity or Gate of Divine Prowess. April to October: Storage from 8:30 - 16:00, retrieval from 9:30 - 17:10 November 1 to March 31: Storage from 8:30 - 15:30, retrieval from 9:30 - 16:40
Forbidden City's Restaurants Opening Hours
Most restaurants inside the Forbidden City are typically open from 9:00 to 16:00. To avoid long waits, try to take meals out of the peak lunch rush, approximately 12:00 - 13:30. See more: Where to Eat - Restaurants in the Forbidden City
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When is the Forbidden City closed?
As mentioned, the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, except when it coincides with public holidays. The Forbidden City may also close for major events. Such announcements are posted 1–2 weeks in advance on the Palace Museum website. What's more, it may close temporarily due to extreme weather conditions. For example, on July 29, 2025, it was closed for a day due to heavy rain. In such cases, visitors are notified a few hours in advance via SMS and email, with automatic refunds issued.
See more: Public Holidays in ChinaOther Questions You May Ask...
What is the best time in a day to visit the Forbidden City?
The best time to visit the Forbidden City is early in the morning, ideally around 8:30 when it opens. Try to arrive 15 minutes beforehand to get in line for tickets, and you’ll have a more peaceful experience with fewer people around. Another good time is between 13:00 and 15:00, as crowds tend to be lighter. Weekdays are generally better than weekends and holidays, which avoids larger groups of tourists.
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| Queuing at the Opening Time |
Can I visit the Forbidden City at night?
Unfortunately, you cannot visit the Forbidden City at night as it's only open from morning till late afternoon.
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| Forbidden City at Sunset |
When should I buy tickets?
Tickets must be booked online up to 7 days in advance, with no on-site or same-day purchases available. Due to high demand and limited availability, tickets sell out quickly. Therefore, book as early as possible, or use the ticketing service provided by Travel China Guide for a hassle-free experience.
How long should I stay inside?
Generally, visiting the most iconic central axis buildings takes about 2 hours. Adding the two highlight galleries, Treasure Gallery and Gallery of Timepieces, requires approximately 3 hours. An in-depth tour might need more than a day.
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| Tour with Travel China Guide |
Why does the Forbidden City close early?
Further Reading：
Are there Toilets in the Forbidden City?
Imperial Icehouse: Currently a restaurant in the Forbidden City
12 Useful Forbidden City Travel Tips
