Forbidden City: Facts, Highlights, and Travel Tips

The Forbidden City is the largest and most well-preserved wooden structure palace complex in the world. It is also known as the Palace Museum and Gugong, the Forbidden City in the Chinese language, which sits on the central axis of the capital city of ancient China, Beijing. As the imperial palace for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911 AD), it was built in 1406, the Ming Dynasty, once the private palace for Emperors and ancient Chinese concubines.

This Chinese Palace was available for visitors as the museum and opened to the public in 1925, exhibiting a variety of precious treasures mostly from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Palace Museum Beijing has over 1.8 million collections, containing 25 categories, including 8,000 first-class artifacts. It was not only the treasury with countless great legacies but also the witness going through a part of Chinese history.

Forbidden City Facts

Chinese Name: 故宫 (gù ɡōnɡ)     Location: No.4 Jingshan Qianjie, Dongcheng District, Beijing     Size: 725,000 square meters (about 72 hectares)     Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00 from April to October/ 8:30-16:30 from November to March/ Closed on Monday     Entrance Ticket: 60 RMB (about 8 USD) from April to October/ 40 RMB (about 6 USD) from November to March;     Time Needed: 2-4 hours, depending on travel route and pace     Best Time to Visit: All seasons, especially Autumn

Why Visit Forbidden City

There are 3 reasons here telling about why you should be getting to the Forbidden City, including historical meaning, cultural value, and architectural style.

1. Cultural Values
As the largest and most well-preserved ancient palace complex, the Forbidden City in Beijing almost covers all kinds of ancient architecture. Besides, having a great number of fabulous cultural legacies, the Forbidden City Beijing is not only considered as the gene bank of Chinese traditional culture but also the cultural treasure in the world. The Palace Museum was listed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 1987. Each of the 1,8000 artifacts carries rich historical and cultural values.

2. Historical Significance
The Forbidden City Empire was the private imperial palace for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, at the same time, it has witnessed more than 600 years of Chinese history. Its majesty attracts millions of tourists visiting the Forbidden City, which is a great path to learn about the history of the Chinese nation, whether for history lovers or ordinary travelers.

3 . Architectural Style
Beijing Forbidden City was uniquely designed by 23 Emperors from the two dynasties. The whole building was composed of mortise and tenon structures without nails, which can withstand the power of earthquakes. Yellow-glazed tiles are mostly used in buildings to symbolize the supreme authority of emperors. Red walls were used to represent auspiciousness.    Besides, there are multiple kinds of roofs and mysterious animal statues used in the Forbidden City. The number of the ridge states would vary with the importance of buildings. The ridge animals on the normal building would be odd numbers. You can see 10 animal statues in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Forbidden City History

Beijing Forbidden City was built during the reign of Emperor Yongle in the Ming Dynasty, from 1406 to 1420, and it is 619 years old [2025].

The Emperor Yongle, named Zhu Di, ordered to move of the capital from Nanjing to Beijing and the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing. When this imperial palace was finished, Beijing was officially recognized as the capital. Later, the palace caught fire several times owing to lightning, which had been rebuilt many times.

The Forbidden City Beijing went through restorations on a large scale during the Qing Dynasty, and many cultural elements of Manchu were designed on it. Most palaces that we can see nowadays were reconstructed at that time. During the Qing Dynasty, a lot of grand ceremonies were performed in the Forbidden City.

The outbreak of the Xinhai Revolution symbolized the end of the rule of the Qing Dynasty. Puyi was the last emperor living in the Forbidden City until expelled in 1924. Since then, the Forbidden City has been served for 24 Emperors in total from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In 1925, the Palace Museum Beijing was officially established and opened to the public.

What to See in Forbidden City

The complex in the Forbidden City symmetrically distributes following the central axis. According to the different needs of political and daily activities, it was divided into two parts, including the outer court and the inner court. Three Halls in the outer court center on the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserved Harmony. The inner court contains the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Celestial and Terrestrial Union, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.

Outer Court

1. Hall of Supreme Harmony
The Hall of Supreme Harmony is located on the central axis of Beijing City and is one of the Three Halls in the Outer Court. It is the largest wooden construction and the place where emperors hold ceremonies, such as accession to the throne, the wedding day, etc. The Hall ranks as the highest level of all buildings in the Forbidden City, China.

2. Hall of Central Harmony
The Hall of Central Harmony sits behind the Hall of Supreme Harmony. It is the imperial place for the emperor to read the memorial to the throne taking a rest and preparing before the grand ceremony. Due to its limited scale, small ceremonies were frequently held here.

3. Hall of Preserved Harmony
The Hall of Preserved Harmony, located behind the Hall of Central Harmony, was originally used to hold imperial examinations. After Emperor Qian Long's reign in the Qing Dynasty, the ceremony was mainly held on New Year’s Eve.

Inner Court

1. Palace of Heavenly Purity
The Palace of Heavenly Purity sits at the southernmost point of the inner court, which was the emperor’s chamber in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and also the place for rulers to handle policy. After Emperor Kang Xi in the Qing Dynasty, it was the main place to hold ceremonies.

2. Hall of Celestial and Terrestrial Union
The Hall of Celestial and Terrestrial Union is located in the middle of the Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. It was the place for empresses to accept congratulations and tributes. During the reign of Emperor Qianlong, it was used for collecting treasures. For now, the Hall of Union Peace is for exhibiting in the Palace Museum.

3. Palace of Earthly Tranquility
In the Ming Dynasty, the Palace of Earthly Tranquility was used as the chamber for empresses. During the reign of Jiaqing in the Ming Dynasty, the palace was reconstructed into a place for worship. It was also used for the weddings of emperors in the Qing Dynasty.

Hall of Clocks and Watches and Treasure Gallery

This hall exhibits numerous clocks and watches from the Qing Dynasty when the traditional timers were replaced by clocks made in France, Switzerland, and other Western countries. Not only was the timer for counting these clocks, but also the exquisite gadgets for entertaining. The Treasury Gallery is full of treasures and tributes mainly from the Qing Dynasty. These arts and crafts represent the highest level of craftsmanship at that time.

Forbidden City Layout

The Forbidden City Beijing covers an area of 725,000 square meters and is situated on the central axis of Beijing City. It falls into two parts including the Inner Court and the Outer Court. The Outer Court was mainly for court sessions and grand ceremonies, and the Inner Court was used as a residential and entertainment area for emperors and ancient Chinese concubines. Besides, there are many gates, walls, and corner towers standing in the palace, such as the Meridian Gate (Wumen), the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwumen), the West Prosperity Gate (Xihuamen), and the East Prosperity Gate (Donghuamen). They were mainly built for defense.

Travel Routes of Forbidden City

Route 1: Meridian Gate → Gate of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Gate of Heavenly Purity → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Hall of Union → Palace of Earthly Tranquility → The Gallery of Clocks → The Treasure Gallery → Imperial Garden → Gate of Divine Prowess → Jingshan Park

Route 2: Meridian Gate → Gate of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony → Hall of Preserved Harmony → Gate of Heavenly Purity → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Hall of Celestial and Terrestrial Union → Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Imperial Garden → Gate of Divine Prowess

Forbidden City Opening Hours

    Peak Season (April - October) Off Season (November - March) Opening Hours 8:30 AM (Beijing Time) 8:30 AM (Beijing Time) Closed Hours 17:00 PM (Beijing Time) 16:30 PM (Beijing Time)

Tip: The Forbidden City in Beijing is closed on Monday, except for public holidays in China.

Forbidden City Ticket Price

Generally speaking, the Forbidden City ticket prices are different in various seasons and spots. The price list here can be your reference.

    Entrance Ticket Treasure Gallery Clocks and Watches Gallery Tickets Price April - October: 60 RMB November - March: 40 RMB 10 RMB 10 RMB

Best Time to Visit Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is open all year round with its special features in various seasons. March to May is considered the best time to visit the palace in spring and September to November in autumn. Spring’s coming brings the flower blossoms, which is a good time to take pictures. Autumn brings a moderate temperature and beautiful fall foliage.

If trying to avoid the peak crowds, you are advised to begin your trip in mid-October or the end of November. More crowds appear in popular sites at weekends or during public holidays, like National Day in early October or May Day in early May.

How to Get to Forbidden City

By Subway

To the South Gate, the Meridian Gate (entrance for visitors):

1. Take Line 1 and get off at Tiananmen East Station. Then take Exit B and walk for 500 meters to Tiananmen Tower, and walk north to reach Tiananmen Square.
2. Take Line 2 and get off at Qianmen Station, then take Exit A and walk north until finding the Tiananmen Tower, and then go north to reach the Meridian Gate.

By Bus

To Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West Station:

1. Take Bus 1, 120, 2, 52, 82, or Sightseeing Bus Line 1 or 2, and get off at Tiananmen East Station.
2 . Take Bus 1, 5, 52, 52, or Sightseeing Bus Line 1 or 2, and get off at Tiananmen West Station.

Forbidden City Travel Tips

1. Recommended Time for Visit: It is recommended to visit the Temple of Heaven for 2 to 4 hours, and try to avoid the public holidays in China, the peak travel rush.

2. Visit Early or Late: Take a visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid tourists.

3. Choose the Right Gate: Tourists usually start the trip from the South Gate, the Meridian Gate. The exit sits in the North Gate, the Gate of Divine Prowess, and the East Gate, Donghua Gate.

4. Check for the Route: There are 4 main entrances to the Temple of Heaven, including South Gate, North Gate, East Gate, and West Gate. The South Gate, also known as the Meridian Gate, is the main entrance for visitors. The North Gate, called the Gate of Divine Might, is the main exit for tourists. The East Gate of the Imperial Palace is also the exit for visitors. The West Gate of the Imperial Palace is available for staff.

5. Things to Take: Since Forbidden City restaurants exist inside, visitors do not need to take too much food. Besides, hats and sunglasses are indispensable belongings in summer. Wearing comfortable shoes can help you enjoy the trip. Lastly, if a shutterbug, you take equipment to capture the beautiful scenery.

6. Take a Nice View: Jingshan Park next to the Forbidden City could be your alternative destination, especially for shutterbugs, where you could enjoy the panoramic view of the Imperial Palace.

Forbidden City FAQs

1. What is the Forbidden City in China?
The Forbidden City was the imperial palace originally for emperors. It serves as a museum open to the public.

2. When was the Forbidden City built?
The Forbidden City was constructed from 1406 to 1420.

3. Why is it called the Forbidden City?
The Forbidden City was the imperial palace for previous emperors, where normal folks were forbidden to approach.

4. Why was the Forbidden City built?
Emperor Zhu Di determined to relocate the capital of the Ming Dynasty.

5. Why does the Forbidden City have 9999 rooms?
It is said that there are 10,000 rooms in Heaven where the Emperor of Heaven lives. Number 9 is the highest single digit, therefore, as the Son of Heaven, the number of rooms in the Palace ranks second behind the Emperor of Heaven.

6. How big is the Forbidden City?
The Forbidden City covers an area of 725,000 square meters.

7. Who lives in the Forbidden City now?
Staff working inside the Palace will live there.

8. What is the Forbidden City used for today?
The Forbidden City is now open to the public as the Palace Museum.

9. Can anyone visit the Forbidden City?
Yes. It was open to the public. Therefore, anyone who complies with the rules can visit the Palace.

Attractions Nearby

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is located in the center of Beijing City on the south of the Forbidden City. Tiananmen was originally built in the Ming Dynasty, in 1417, and was opened to the public when the National Museum of China in Beijing was established in 1925. In 1949, the founding ceremony of the People’s Republic of China was held here. Since then, it has witnessed a lot of big moments and has become one of the symbols of Chinese culture. Tiananmen Square is also a must-see for local and international tourists when coming to Beijing.

Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park stands across the street from the Gate of Divine Prowess of the Forbidden City. It covers an area of 230,000 square meters. The park is viewed as a must-go spot after visiting the palace. Not just because it lies in the central axis of Beijing. The Jingshan Mountain in the park has a higher viewpoint, where you can get a panoramic sight of the massive scale of the palace complex in the Forbidden City. Another famous scenic spot in the park is the Jingshan Hill, a pavilion with 3 layered eaves.

Beihai Park

Beihai Park is just 5 minutes away from the Jingshan Park. Beihai Park is the earliest and most well-preserved classical royal garden in Chinese history. In the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the capital city was constructed, centered around the Qionghua Island, that was expanded and renamed as Wanshou Hill. The Beihai Park was available to the public in 1925 and was listed as the first National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the State Council.

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