Unlock the secrets of China's Imperial Palace with expert local guides and guaranteed entry
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Discover the architectural brilliance of the world's largest palace complex on this half-day tour.
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All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
Step back in time to the Ming and Qing dynasties with a guided walking tour of the Forbidden City (The Palace Museum). As the world's largest imperial palace complex, this UNESCO World Heritage site spans 72 hectares and houses over 900 buildings. Navigating the massive grounds and deciphering the deep symbolism of the architecture can be overwhelming on your own. Our curated walking tours connect you with expert historians who bring the stone and timber to life, sharing stories of emperors, concubines, and court intrigue while ensuring you see the essential masterpieces like the Meridian Gate, the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and the Imperial Garden.
Tickets for the Forbidden City sell out within minutes of release. Our partners often secure quota allocations to ensure you don't miss out.
Don't just look at buildings; understand them. We partner with top-rated local historians who speak fluent English.
Avoid the mega-bus crowds. Choose from private tours or intimate mini-groups for a better experience.
Plans change. Most of our listed tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit.
Many packages include the complex reservation process for Tiananmen Square, streamlining your entry.
We've filtered through hundreds of options to present only the highest-rated tours with proven track records.
Spring (April-May)|Autumn (September-October)|Winter for snow photography
Comfortable walking shoes (essential)|Sun hat and sunglasses in summer|Heavy layers and thermal wear in winter|Modest clothing (no beachwear)
Built between 1406 and 1420 by the Yongle Emperor. It served as the home of emperors and their households as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government for almost 500 years.
Free cancellation available for most tours up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Check specific tour details for confirmation.
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Real experiences from real travelers
We tried to book tickets on the official site but they sold out in seconds. Booking this tour was a lifesaver. Our guide, Li, was incredible—her knowledge of the concubine quarters was fascinating. Worth every penny to ensure we got in.
I've visited before, but having a private guide made a huge difference. We skipped the crowds and saw hidden corners like the Treasure Gallery that I missed last time. The booking process was smooth and the guide spoke perfect English.
The palace is magnificent. The tour organization was perfect, meeting point easy to find. Just be prepared for a lot of walking and many people. The guide did a great job navigating us through the quieter sections.
Don't go without a guide. You're just looking at empty buildings otherwise. Our guide explained the symbolism of the roof animals and the daily life of the emperor. The lunch included was also delicious Peking duck!
We went in January and it was cold but less crowded. The contrast of the red walls against the grey sky was stunning. Our guide ensured we stayed warm and moved efficiently. Highly recommend the small group option.
Everything you need to know for your journey
We strongly recommend booking at least 7-10 days in advance. Tickets are released 7 days prior and sell out almost instantly. Booking a tour early secures your spot through our partners' allocations.
Generally, no. The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays for renovation and maintenance, except during statutory Chinese holidays and the summer peak season (July-August). Always check the calendar before planning.
Yes, absolutely. You must bring your original, valid passport (the same one used for booking). Photos or copies are often rejected at the security checkpoints.
If official tickets are sold out, tour operators may still have inventory. Alternatively, foreigners can sometimes buy same-day tickets at the 'Ticket Service' booth near Meridian Gate, but this requires getting past the initial security cordon which can be tricky without a reservation.
There is no strict dress code, but modest attire is appreciated. More importantly, wear comfortable walking shoes as you will walk several kilometers. Avoid slippers or flip-flops.
Large luggage and wheeled suitcases are strictly prohibited to protect the historic grounds. There is a bag check at the Meridian Gate, but it requires walking back to the exit to retrieve it, which is very inconvenient. Leave heavy bags at your hotel.
Yes, there are clean restrooms and small souvenir/snack shops selling water and light food inside the complex. There is also a restaurant near the Hall of Preserving Harmony.
It depends on the specific tour package. Standard entry covers the main complex. The Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery require additional tickets (approx. 10 CNY), which many private tours can add on request.
For panoramic shots, go to Jingshan Park (Coal Hill) just across the street from the north exit. Inside, the area around the Meridian Gate and the corners of the vast courtyard of the Hall of Supreme Harmony offer the best architectural angles.
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