Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

UNESCO World Heritage Site: 439 The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government.

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9 / 10
1626
ratings
  • Phone

    +86 10 6513 1892

  • Website

    dpm.org.cn

  • Type

    Historic and Protected Site

Address

4 Jingshan Front St , Dōngchéng qū Beijing Beijing , 100009 China

Credit Cards Yes
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Comments / 219


Keywords:

architecture emperor guide historic sites tours tiananmen square monuments gardens scenic views city spacious shoes comfortable antiques palaces books museums tourism crowded temple
Yasser

Nice place to visit for sightseeing! If you buy the ticket by your hotel concierg , no need to wait in the quo for the ticket printing . Go ahead to an office called invoice booking and go ahead

Maritza V

My tip goes for the families with kids. The forbidden city is not exactly stroller friendly but it is doable with a lightweight stroller. Buy tickets in advance and bring snacks for your little ones.

Travel + Leisure

For nearly 500 years, the emperors living within Beijing’s opulent Forbidden City dictated who could enter and leave. Well , the gates have opened, and tourists are pouring in to see it for themselves. Read more

Younes Qassimi

14 years & over 1 million skilled laborers to complete the center of the universe (as far as the Emperors were concerned). Officially occupied in 1420, it went on to house 24 emperors over 500 years!

Thanh Brian

Beautiful place. Pepare to walk. The east wing holds jewelry and fine treasures. U can spend a whole day here. Don't forget to go up to Jingshan park for a birdseye view of the forbidden City !

Queen Eats

This place have 3 kinds of big sites you should visit one by one. If you want to spend half of your day by admire the architecture of this palace , you might find the right site. Go around and explore

Andrew C

Such amazing architecture and unique history around the whole place!!! Not much to see besides walking around + there's a small garden too which is really cool... few actual artifacts or exhibits tho!

Brad Hager

A true treasure, must see. Get and audio tour or a guide to get the most out of it. Beautiful and historic. Don't forget to find The Tree of Love for a great photo opp.

David R

Must-see spot if you are in Beijing. Just note: buy an online ticket ahead of time, it’s polluted, audio tour helps but doesn’t always work, and get there early for shorter lines !

Niklas Weins

The biggest ensemble of Ming-Qing architecture . There are several days worth of things to see... if you're only here for some hours see the garden and the Empress Dowager's House!

S

A must visit. Unless you're really up on history don't try to hit it all, just meander and enjoy!

Tevfik Denizhan Müftüoğlu

A must to do in Beijing. Even the sync of audio guide is not perfect, still worths to buy for around 40 yuan. Btw, you can't visit all rooms, saloons etc.. recommended.

Ali Daylan

Spare at least 2 hours here even if you have limited time in Beijing since this place is one of the most significant historical sites in the world. Audio guide is helpful to know historical details.

Terence Chan

Join a tour.Can’t buy tickets on their website without a China card or acct.You can pay a little more for the self-guided tour & pay w/US card on chinatours.net.Go early. Skip treasury&clock.Passport

N R

Amazing buildings in a heart of Beijing dedicated to millennium-history of Chinese and their dynasties. In a center of complex is based the highest Buddha’s temple with breathtaking view on the city .

Meng Chen

A must to see site in BJ. Fabulous Chinese traditional architecture . A good place to learn Chinese culture and history. Only don't go on holidays, would be so crowded there.

Paddy Dalton

Do anything, sacrifice everything & bribe anyone to enter as the doors open. The shocking, unrestrained & unending crowds & tour groups totally remove the mystique & charm of this icon of China!

Adi Kurniawan

Would be better to visit this place during winter days. This place is huge but worth the trip. If you love traditional chinese architecture , make sure you visit this place.

Phillip Bracewell

Super crowded . Just do what everyone else does and push your way in to see things. All the exhibits are great. The drum room is interesting as it shows how ancient stories were recorded

Jenny

Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City Tour . https://www.chinatoursnet.com/beijing-layover-tour/Beijing-center-layover-tour-to-the--Tiananmen-Square-and-Forbidden-City

MyPlanIt - China Travel App

Hungry after touring the Forbidden City ? Across Tiananmen Square are two great restaurants : Capital M for Aussie-western food and Lost Heaven for creative Yunnan cuisine. Ignore the touts outside! Read more

Kari 凯瑞

Take time, prepare to line up, cultural heritage, must understand the history to get everything or it’s just a place to go and take pictures.

The Telegraph

Built during the Ming Dynasty, the Forbidden City 's crimson pavilions will take a couple of hours to walk around at least. Climb up the hill at Jingshan Park for a good view of the city .

Oscar Jofre

This is a fascinating place. Before going, I recommend you wear runners, and read about the Forbidden CIty to understand the history. I have been here twice and I still want to see it again.

Victor Garrido

It is massive! Price about 40RMB. Once you see one palace you see everything, just keep walking and walking and walking... On a clear day get to the mountain for 2RMB and take stunning pictures!

judy

Bring your walking shoes , get the audio tour , and leave about 2-2.5 hrs to wander around. Temple fatigue starts to set in around 2 hrs.

Hafid Mohadi

A must go place in Beijing. Avoid going on the weekends. There's discount for local university student. Find your own solo spot and don't follow the crowd!

Leanna Robb

It's amazing how expansive it is. On crowded days it's hard to see into the buildings. The garden at the end is the best part.

Kari 凯瑞

Long lines-security checks-huge place-beautiful historical place- audio tour is have time- easy access from north entrance.

Emily Xu

The palace of this ancient dynasty is more and more in line with the times. Many exhibitions and souvenirs are very creative and you will love it.

Emily Xu

The palace of this ancient dynasty is more and more in line with The Times. Many exhibitions and souvenirs are very creative and you will love it.

Blaz Tomc

Expect huge crowds during weekends, however everything runs smooth. Getting a ticket will take you arround half an hour (60 rmb/ person). During hot season getting some shadow might be a problem...

Ross Worrell

Huge place and so many people but everything runs very smoothly. Explore the side alleyways towards the north end to get some peace in this otherwise bustling area.

LiLi S.

Unique and amazing place in the heart of Beijing

Monica Giambitto

worth seeing, absolutely. when arriving, go immediately on the right to get your tickets&passport approval, then head straight towards the gate to do the check-in.

rais

Around first 2 or three gate is free..but to enter the main building we spend 40 RMB.it worth a lot with those large complex of amazing art building..endlessly amazed..

Gato Monge

IMPERIAL PALACE OF THE MING AND QING DYNASTIES IN BEIJING - World Heritage UNESCO Seat of supreme power for over five centuries (1416-1911), the Forbidden City , is a testimony to Chinese civilization Read more

Ozan Yildirim

Such a magical place. Presently, my fav historical place ever seen. Entrance fee is 60 yuen and worths much more. Dont forget to visit 2 parks located on hills above the exit.

Khaled Al-Sheddi

Amazing history, impressive architectural design which reflects the power of the Míng empire at that time

Francesco Paolo Fumarola

If you've a Chinese pal,ask him to book the ticket online (he'll need to pay in advance with kinda Chinese PayPal).Collect your ticket with your passport at offices 31-32 and skip the first long queue

Winnie

After you finish, take a right and walk to the end of the street. Pay a rickshaw 30 yuan to drive you to the front (Tiananmen Square ) so that you can take the subway. Impossible to get a cab after

Jane Bosmans

Use the audit guided tour for more information. The place is best visited during the winter! Otherwise you will be drown by the amount of people visiting this place.

Amy Sullivan

Have fun taking pictures. If you want perfect ones, buy a book . There are a lot of details to notice along the way.

Andrew BC 翁 ÔNG

Great gardens , best scenic views & its remarkable architecture surroundings.

Jim Bailey

One of the most famous historical places in the world, a must see when in Beijing.

Big S.

It's very beautiful place. When I was a kid, I watched Chinese TV drama, thought that one day I will go to this place. My dream came true.

The Ritz-Carlton

The Forbidden City is a Beijing essential, but don’t just walk end to end and leave. Most of the artefacts are in the East and West palaces . The Treasure Gallery and Clock Museumare stunning.

Lorne Brandt

You'll have to have a mainland Chinese literate person with a Chinese bank card to purchase tix from the only online sales site. Otherwise, get in line before 7:30 a.m. for an hour wait.Take passport.

Angela Day

The side palaces toward the back are the best parts. Be careful as foreigners... people that come here can be really pushy and rude. Also, you need to buy tickets ahead of time on wechat

John Booth

Massive complex, you'll need a guide book , audio guide or tour guide to make the most of your time here. Head out the north exit to the park afterwards.

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