How to visit the Forbidden City: tickets, entry gate, the one-way route and how long to allow.
6 min read · KOULING's Beijing Travel Guide
The Forbidden City was the imperial palace for 24 emperors across almost 500 years, and it is the single most visited sight in Beijing. It is also one of the few places where a bit of planning genuinely changes the day — tickets sell out and the route is one-way.
Planning your visit
You enter from the south, walk north through the complex and exit at the north gate. Plan what you do afterwards around that.
Metro
Line 1 to Tiananmen East, walk north through the square; or Line 8 to National Art Museum and walk west to the north gate
Enter at the Meridian Gate (午门), cross the inner courtyards to the Hall of Supreme Harmony — the largest and most famous hall — then continue through the inner courts to the Imperial Garden and out at the Gate of Divine Prowess. The Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Treasure Gallery are worth the detour.
Tips that save time
Book tickets online in advance — Same-day tickets often sell out, especially in holiday periods.
Bring your passport — It is your ticket document. Screenshots are not accepted.
There is no re-entry — Once you exit at the north gate, you cannot go back through.
Pair it with Jingshan Park — Directly north across the road — climb it for the classic view over the whole complex.
Go early or late — Midday is the most crowded. Arriving at opening is dramatically calmer.
