What is the best way to reach the main entrance of the Forbidden City using public transport?

Visitors typically take Beijing Subway Line 1 to Tian'anmen East or Tian'anmen West stations, followed by a walk south to the Meridian Gate, which is the sole entrance for tourists.

Home
>
China
>
Beijing
>
Attraction
>
The Palace Museum (The Forbidden City)

The Palace Museum (The Forbidden City) - Photo 2

The Palace Museum (The Forbidden City) - Photo 3

The Palace Museum (The Forbidden City) - Photo 4

Combo Deal Attraction Best Value

The Palace Museum (The Forbidden City)

Name: The Palace Museum (The Forbidden City)
Brand: HolidaySG
Price: 20.4 SGD
Availability: InStock

4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng, Beijing, China,...

At a glance

Ticket type

E-ticket / Mobile

Confirmation

Instant

Accessibility

Wheelchair friendly

Suitable for

All ages

Highlights

See intricate European and Chinese timepieces at the Clock & Watch Museum, blending artistry with precision.
Walk through majestic halls, grand courtyards, and architectural wonders reflecting imperial China’s glory.
Explore the Treasure House with rare artifacts like coral lions, gold seals, and exquisite imperial ornaments.
Admire the Corner Tower, a unique nine-ridge hall with intricate roof designs showcasing Qing Dynasty craftsmanship.

Ticket Options

Select a date to see live prices & availability

All

Checking ticket availability for this date…

Not available on this date

This activity has no availability for the selected date. Please try a different date or contact our support team.

(Join-in group tour) The Palace Museum Group/private guided tour service Standard (1:00 PM-Large group: about 30 people-English Guide)

Non-refundable

Per Pax

SGD 20.40

(Join-in group tour) The Palace Museum Group/private guided tour service Standard (9:00 AM-Large group: about 30 people-English Guide)

Non-refundable

Per Pax

SGD 20.40

(Join-in group tour) The Palace Museum Group/private guided tour service Standard (1:00 PM-Small group: about 15 people-English Guide)

Non-refundable

Per Pax

SGD 26.07

(Join-in group tour) The Palace Museum Group/private guided tour service Standard (9:00 AM-Small group: about 15 people-English Guide)

Non-refundable

Per Pax

SGD 26.07

The Palace Museum Tickets+Jingshan Park Tickets +Shared Guided Tour (1:00 PM)

Non-refundable

Adult

SGD 46.85

Senior

SGD 39.29

The Palace Museum Tickets+Jingshan Park Tickets +Shared Guided Tour (9:00 AM)

Non-refundable

Adult

SGD 46.85

Senior

SGD 39.29

The Palace Museum Ancient-style Hanfu/Qing Dynasty costume experience (choose 1) + makeup + accessories

Non-refundable

Adult

SGD 29.85

No package is available on this selected date. Try another date.

About The Palace Museum (The Forbidden City)

Step back in time at the Forbidden City, where imperial grandeur meets living history. Wander through majestic halls and hidden courtyards, then immerse yourself in the past with an included Hanfu or Qing Dynasty costume experience.

Local Legends & Stories

For 500 years, the Forbidden City housed 24 emperors and was said to contain 9,999 rooms, though only 8,707 exist. Legend says the emperor's throne was positioned to align with the North Star, symbolizing his divine connection to heaven.

Must Do Experiences

Marvel at the intricate European and Chinese timepieces in the Clock & Watch Museum
Explore the Treasure House to see rare coral lions, gold seals, and imperial ornaments
Visit the iconic Corner Tower for stunning architectural photography
Try on a traditional Hanfu or Qing Dynasty costume with professional makeup and accessories

Hidden Gems

The Corner Tower offers the best photo spot, especially at sunset
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience serene courtyards
The imperial kitchen relics in the Treasure House reveal fascinating daily palace life

What Makes it Special

All-in-one experience combining ancient palace exploration with authentic costume tradition
World-class collections of rare artifacts and precision timepieces
Architectural masterpiece reflecting centuries of Chinese imperial culture

Available Facilities

Gift shops rest areas audio guides cloakroom first aid station wheelchair rental dining options guided tours

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Avoid Chinese public holidays when the site becomes extremely busy. Early morning visits provide the best light for photography and shorter queues.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

The Corner Tower reflected in water is a classic shot, best at sunrise or sunset
Use a wide-angle lens for the grand courtyards and main halls
Respect photography restrictions in museum areas and flash bans

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Dress modestly when wearing traditional costumes out of the palace complex Show respect by not touching artifacts or climbing on structures Follow guide instructions during the costume experience to honor cultural traditions

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

Spring Festival lantern displays with traditional performances
Summer cultural heritage workshops and imperial costume parades
Autumn photography festivals celebrating the palace's architectural beauty

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

Watch your step on ancient stone pathways and uneven surfaces
Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
Stay hydrated and take breaks in shaded areas during summer visits

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

Standard entry fees apply with discounted rates for students and seniors. The included costume experience may have additional charges for premium options or extended rental time.

Visit Duration

Allow 4-6 hours to fully explore the palace complex and museums. Budget extra time if you wish to participate in the full costume experience with professional styling.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible routes are available through main entrances and courtyards. Elevators and ramps connect key areas, though some ancient structures have limited access due to preservation requirements.

Overview

The Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace, was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and is also the symbol of ancient China. When you are in the majestic and orderly high walls and deep courtyards, you can truly feel its former glory.

The long history has left behind large-scale precious buildings and countless cultural relics, which have also become the main attraction of visiting the Forbidden City today.
Classic attractions: The Forbidden City Corner Tower is a polygonal building with a convex plane on all four sides. It is located in Dongcheng District, Beijing. The roof has three layers. The upper layer is a hip roof with vertical and horizontal intersections. It is composed of a gable roof with flowing water on two slopes and a hip roof with four slopes. Because there are nine main ridges on this roof, it is called the Nine-ridge Hall.
Sundials are divided into two types according to their installation principle: equatorial and horizontal. The sundial installed using the equatorial principle is called an equatorial sundial. The key points of its production are that it must have a time plate, a latitude arc and a gnomon. When operating, the time plate must be parallel to the equatorial plane of the earth, the gnomon must be in the same direction as the earth's axis, and the shadow cast by the gnomon on the gnomon is the desired time.
The Treasure House is located in the Ningshou Palace area. It has a rich collection of treasures, including Buddhist supplies, ornaments, daily utensils, and treasures for appreciation. Among them, the red coral lion about 14 cm high, the Dongzhu court beads about 130 cm long, and the gold "Fengtianzhibao" seal are all rare treasures.
The Clock and Watch Museum is located in the Fengxian Hall in the palace. Most of the clocks on display are British products, but there are also clocks from other countries such as France and Switzerland. In addition to the timing function, these clocks are decorated with figures, birds, beasts, flowers, etc., which can also make various different movements. They are very delicately made. Among them, the copper-plated gilded writing clock, the copper-plated gilded enamel gourd-top fishing and woodcutting farming clock, and the copper-plated gilded rotating flower running man rhinoceros carrying clock are very rare. make a professonal highlight product 4 point and make it 150 charchgter per poiny

The Palace Museum (The Forbidden City) gallery

Important Information

Opening Hours

What's Included

Ancient Hanfu/Qing Dynasty costume experience (choose 1 from 2) + makeup + accessories

Not Included

Tickets
Photography

Select your preferred date and ticket type, then add to cart.

Complete secure payment at checkout.

Receive instant e-ticket confirmation via email.

Show your mobile or printed voucher at the venue.

This ticket is valid on selected date only
Friendly reminder: This product does not include admission tickets or photography services. After your booking is confirmed, our customer support will proactively contact you.

Location

4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng, Beijing, China, 100009

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no difference, as the Palace Museum is the official name of the institution housed within the historic Forbidden City complex. Visitors explore the same majestic high walls, deep courtyards, and imperial buildings regardless of which name is used.

It is called the Forbidden City because it served as the exclusive imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties, where commoners were strictly forbidden from entering. Today, it stands as a symbol of ancient China, welcoming visitors to explore its historic courtyards and precious buildings.

Yes, the site offers a profound look into ancient China through its large-scale precious buildings and countless cultural relics left behind by the Ming and Qing dynasties. Guests can experience the former glory of the imperial palace while viewing classic attractions like the multi-layered Corner Tower.

Yes, entry tickets are required to access the Palace Museum and explore its majestic high walls and deep courtyards. Visitors must secure their admission in advance to experience the historic imperial buildings and cultural relics.

The Palace Museum is the cultural institution located within the Forbidden City that preserves and displays countless cultural relics and large-scale precious buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It serves as the main attraction for visitors wanting to experience the former glory of the ancient Chinese imperial palace.

Most visitors spend between three to four hours walking the central axis and visiting the primary exhibition halls, though a full day is needed to see the peripheral galleries.

Visitors typically take Beijing Subway Line 1 to Tian'anmen East or Tian'anmen West stations, followed by a walk south to the Meridian Gate, which is the sole entrance for tourists.

The museum provides wheelchair rentals at the Meridian Gate and features a dedicated barrier-free route through the central axis, though some historic thresholds and uneven courtyards may still present challenges.

Arriving right at the morning opening time during the late autumn or early spring shoulder seasons offers the most comfortable weather and relatively thinner crowds before midday tour groups arrive.

All visitors must present the original passport or Chinese national ID card used during the online booking process, as entry is strictly verified via real-name registration.

No, the museum enforces a strict one-way south-to-north visiting route where you must enter at the Meridian Gate and exit at the Gate of Divine Prowess or the East Prosperity Gate.

Tickets are strictly date-specific and non-transferable, but they can typically be cancelled or refunded through the official booking platform before the evening prior to your visit.

The standard admission covers the main palace grounds and permanent exhibits, but specialized galleries such as the Treasure Gallery and the Clock Gallery require separate supplementary tickets.

All visitors must pass through airport-style security screening and present their original identification documents for real-name verification before crossing the moat to the entrance.

While families frequently visit, the vast walking distances and high stone thresholds between courtyards can be exhausting for young children and difficult to navigate with standard strollers.

About The Palace Museum (The Forbidden City)

Allow 4-6 hours to fully explore the palace complex and museums. Budget extra time if you wish to participate in the full costume experience with professional styling.

Location of use: Customer support will contact the customer proactively.

Step into the heart of imperial China at the Forbidden City, once home to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Explore its grand halls, towering walls, and timeless courtyards that echo centuries of history. Admire the architectural marvel of the Corner Tower, discover rare treasures such as coral lions and imperial seals in the Treasure House, and marvel at intricate European and Chinese timepieces in the Clock and Watch Museum. With its vast collection of cultural relics and iconic structures, the Forbidden City offers an unforgettable journey into China’s imperial past.

Standard entry fees apply with discounted rates for students and seniors. The included costume experience may have additional charges for premium options or extended rental time.

Watch your step on ancient stone pathways and uneven surfaces
Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
Stay hydrated and take breaks in shaded areas during summer visits

The Corner Tower reflected in water is a classic shot, best at sunrise or sunset
Use a wide-angle lens for the grand courtyards and main halls
Respect photography restrictions in museum areas and flash bans

Gift shops, rest areas, audio guides, cloakroom, first aid station, wheelchair rental, dining options, guided tours

General Questions

Simply select your preferred date, choose the ticket type and quantity, then click "Add to Cart". Complete the secure checkout to receive your e-tickets instantly via email.

Yes, all payments on HolidaySG are processed through SSL-encrypted, PCI-compliant payment gateways. We support major credit/debit cards and other secure payment methods.

Most bookings are instantly confirmed. You will receive your e-tickets via email within minutes of completing your purchase.

Cancellation and modification policies vary by activity. Please check the specific cancellation policy listed under each ticket option before booking.

In most cases, you can show your e-ticket directly from your mobile phone at the venue. Some activities may require a printed voucher — this will be clearly stated in your confirmation email.

If an activity is cancelled by the operator due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you will typically receive a full refund or be offered an alternative date.

Yes, you can select multiple tickets for your group. For large groups (10+ people), please contact our support team for special group rates.

No, the price you see is the price you pay. All taxes and service fees are included in the displayed price.

We recommend arriving at least 15-30 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for check-in and any security procedures.

Yes, you can purchase tickets as a gift or for other travellers. Simply enter the correct details during checkout.

All prices on HolidaySG are displayed in Singapore Dollars (SGD) unless otherwise indicated.

Yes, HolidaySG is an authorized booking partner working directly with attractions, tour operators, and experience providers across Asia.

Our customer support team is available daily (9 AM – 11 PM SGT) to help. You can reach us via email or chat, and we will work to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.

Some activities offer special pricing for students, seniors, and children. These will be shown as separate ticket types when available.

Tickets are generally valid only for the selected date. If you need to change your visit date, please contact our support team before the original date.

Refund policies depend on the specific activity and ticket type. Free cancellation options are clearly marked where available.

You can reach our support team daily (9 AM – 11 PM SGT) via email at support@holidaysg.com or through the live chat on our website.

No, you can book as a guest. However, creating an account lets you track your bookings, save favourites, and access exclusive deals.

We strive to offer the most competitive prices. If you find a lower price for the same activity on another platform, contact us and we will do our best to match it.

Yes, we often offer combo packages that bundle popular attractions together at a discounted rate. Check our promotions page for current deals.