Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is the palace complex that housed 24 Ming and Qing emperors and now forms the Palace Museum. Completed in 1420, it covers more than one million square metres and contains around 9,000 architectural bays. The Outer Court’s three central halls staged state ritual, while the Inner Court contained imperial residences and administrative spaces. The museum also holds more than 1.86 million objects across 25 collection categories. No. The Palace Museum sells no same-day tickets; every visitor, including free-admission visitors and companions, must reserve in advance. Forbidden City provides first-aid station.

The mandatory south-to-north route begins at Meridian Gate, crosses the Hall of Supreme Harmony complex, continues through the Inner Court and ends at the Imperial Garden and Divine Prowess Gate. Side axes contain the Six Eastern and Western Palaces, temporary displays and original interiors. The separately ticketed Treasure Gallery presents decorative and ceremonial objects, while the Gallery of Clocks displays imperial timepieces. Open rooms vary as conservation and exhibition work rotates. Admission is CNY 60 from April through October and CNY 40 from November through March.

Allow at least three hours for the central axis from Meridian Gate to Divine Prowess Gate. Four to six hours gives time for eastern and western palace compounds, original interiors, temporary exhibitions and one or both paid galleries. Entry is one-way through the south gate, so a rushed northbound walk cannot be reversed after exit. Security and identity checks precede the ticket gate and should be included in the morning schedule. It is normally closed on Monday, except when a statutory holiday changes the operating calendar.

Peak season, April-October: 08:30-17:00 with last admission at 16:10. Off season, November-March: 08:30-16:30 with last admission at 15:30. Closed Mondays except statutory holidays. Allow at least three hours for the south-to-north central axis; side palaces, the Treasure Gallery and Gallery of Clocks can extend the visit to most of a day. Statutory holidays, severe weather, major meetings and special night programmes can replace the ordinary schedule through a dated notice from the responsible body. All visitors enter through Meridian Gate on the south side and leave through Divine Prowess Gate or East Prosperity Gate.

General admission is CNY 60 in peak season and CNY 40 off season. Treasure Gallery and Gallery of Clocks each cost CNY 10 extra. No same-day tickets are sold; every visitor must reserve in advance. Tickets and free reservations use real-name identity details, and the original passport or other registered document is required at entry. Cable cars, internal shuttles, inner scenic sites, temporary exhibitions and premium galleries remain separate unless the product description explicitly includes them. Access is partial. Barrier-free routes cross the principal courtyards, while raised halls, thresholds and some side palaces retain steps.

Enter only through Meridian Gate, the south gate, after the Tiananmen security zone. Use Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West on Metro Line 1 and walk to the Meridian Gate visitor route. Exit through the north Divine Prowess Gate or East Prosperity Gate; entry is not permitted at those exits. Beijing attractions often enforce a specific entrance and a different exit, so the named gate or station matters more than the broad attraction pin. Security screening and identity verification should be included in transfer time. No. Each requires a separate CNY 10 ticket in addition to general admission.

The museum publishes barrier-free routes and facility guidance in its official mini-program. The principal courtyards and central route have accessible alternatives, but raised halls, thresholds and side compounds contain steps. A Sensory Experience Gallery supports visitors with disabilities. No. The Palace Museum sells no same-day tickets; every visitor, including free-admission visitors and companions, must reserve in advance. Admission is CNY 60 from April through October and CNY 40 from November through March. It is normally closed on Monday, except when a statutory holiday changes the operating calendar. Historic stairs, long distances, exposed weather and controlled security routes remain relevant even where visitor centres or transport are accessible. Forbidden City provides barrier-free route guidance.

Personal handheld photography is generally possible in open courtyards and rooms unless a sign prohibits it. Flash, tripods and commercial equipment can be restricted to protect collections and visitor flow. The central axis offers the strongest symmetrical views, while side palaces provide quieter architectural details. Keep equipment away from thresholds and barrier-free routes, and do not lean against painted wood, stone balustrades or display cases. Forbidden City provides accessible facilities.