Overview

The Forbidden City, officially the Palace Museum, is the imperial palace complex of the Ming and Qing dynasties and one of Beijing's essential sights. UNESCO describes the Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and Shenyang as a major testimony to Chinese civilization and imperial palace design.

Key Visitor Facts

• Peak season April 1-October 31: opens 8:30, last admission 16:00, ticket CNY 60.
• Low season November 1-March 31: opens 8:30, last admission 15:30, ticket CNY 40.
• Treasure Gallery and Gallery of Clocks cost CNY 10 each.
• Closed on all Mondays except statutory national holidays. This includes summer (July-August).
• Advance booking is required; tickets go on sale 7 days ahead at 20:00 via the official "Palace Museum" mini-program. No same-day tickets.

Planning Tips

• Book the moment tickets release (7 days ahead, 20:00 Beijing time) — peak-season slots sell out in minutes.
• Bring the passport used for booking; name on ticket must match ID.
• Enter through the Meridian Gate and allow at least 3-4 hours.
• Combine with Jingshan Park afterward for a classic Forbidden City panorama.
• Avoid Chinese New Year, National Day week, and weekend midday if possible.

From Our Visit

On our most recent visit in spring 2026, we arrived at the Meridian Gate entrance at 8:15 AM (15 minutes before opening) and found a queue of roughly 200 people already waiting. By 9:30 AM, the central axis courtyard was noticeably busy, but the eastern galleries — including the Treasure Gallery and the ceramics collection — remained pleasantly quiet until mid-afternoon. Our tip: start with the side halls first, visit the central throne halls around 11:30 AM when the first tour groups begin filtering out, and save the Imperial Garden for last. The self-service water stations near the rest areas are a welcome free amenity that many first-time visitors overlook.

Nearby Attractions

• Jingshan Park
• National Museum of China
• Hutongs