故宫
The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is located at the core of Beijing's historical axis and is a complex of imperial palace buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The layers of courtyards, ceremonial halls and living spaces jointly display the etiquette, administrative system and palace life of the empire. Touring from south to north makes it easier to understand the overall layout than checking in several halls individually.
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故宫
Address available on the linked map.
Before you go
Check the essentials before you visit
- Booking
- Advance booking recommended
- Admission notes
- Check official information
- Suggested visit
- 3 hr
- Information updated
- 10/2/2026
Hours, prices, booking rules and ID requirements can change. Confirm them with the attraction before booking or setting out.
Opening hours
- Fri
- Check official schedule
- Mon
- Check official schedule
- Sat
- Check official schedule
- Sun
- Check official schedule
- Thu
- Check official schedule
- Tue
- Check official schedule
- Wed
- Check official schedule
Apr–Oct 08:30–17:00 (last entry 16:00); Nov–Mar 08:30–16:30 (last entry 15:30). Book ahead; no same-day tickets.
Official reference checked2026-10-15
Check the official visitor noticeGetting there
Take the subway to Tiananmen East Station or Tiananmen West Station, and then follow the walking security check route that day to the Meridian Gate.
Practical notes
You must enter the museum according to the reserved time slot and bring the same ID used for the reservation. The regular route advances from the Meridian Gate to the Shenwu Gate. In addition to the three main halls, time can be reserved for the six east and west palaces, thematic exhibition halls and the Imperial Garden.
Where next?
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