The Forbidden City, a magnificent building complex with hundreds of years of history, is rich in cultural relics and profound cultural heritage. In order to help you plan the best tour route, I will provide several tour routes of different duration and focus, which you can choose according to your own time and interests.
First, quick tour route (about 2 hours)
For people: Those who are pressed for time and want to quickly enjoy the main sights of the Forbidden City.
Route Details:
Meridian Gate: Enter the gate of the Forbidden City, feel the majesty and style of the royal palace.
Gate of Supreme Harmony: Located on the central axis, it is an important passage to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Hall of Supreme Harmony: The central building of the Forbidden City, the place where the emperor held major ceremonies, magnificent and magnificent.
Hall of Central Harmony: place where the emperor rested before the great ceremony and received the worship of the deacon officials.
Hall of Preservation and Harmony: The place where the emperor held banquets and court examinations.
Qianqing Palace: The emperor’s sleeping palace, which contains a “fair and honest” plaque, is an important window to understand the life of the Qing Dynasty royal family.
Hall of Harmony: The place where the empress received congratulations on important festivals.
Palace of Earthly Tranquility: The queen’s sleeping palace, and also the place of worship and celebration.
Imperial Garden: The back garden of the court, with beautiful scenery, is a place for the emperor and his concubines to rest.
Shenwu Gate: The north gate of the Forbidden City, the exit from which the tour ends.
Second and half day tour (approx. 4 hours)
Suitable for people: Tourists who have plenty of time and want to know more about the Forbidden City.
Route Details:
Meridian Gate: Enter the Forbidden City.
Hall of Martial Valor: An important place where emperors handled state affairs and received civil and military ministers during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, sometimes with temporary exhibitions.
Hall of Wenhua: The hall where the emperor had lectures on classics and personal study. It is now a painting and calligraphy hall.
Gate of Supreme Harmony to Hall of Preservation of Harmony: Visit the main buildings on the central axis and feel the majesty and splendor of the royal palace.
Dry Qing Palace to Palace of Earthly Tranquility: Learn about the life of the Qing royal family.
Hall of Mental Cultivation: The emperor’s study and rest place, is to deal with government affairs and relax the body and mind space.
West six Palace area: including Chuxiu Palace, Yikun Palace, etc., is the residence of concubines in the harem.
Imperial Garden: The back garden of the court, enjoy the beautiful garden scenery.
East Six Palace area: including Zhong Chu Palace, Yonghe Palace, etc., which is also the residence of concubines in the harem.
Fengxian Hall (Clock Hall) : Displays a variety of exquisite ancient clocks and watches.
Ningshou Palace Area (Treasure Hall) : Displays all kinds of treasures collected by the Palace Museum.
Shenwu Gate: End of tour.
Third, day tour route (about 6 hours)
For those who have plenty of time and want to learn more about the Forbidden City.
Route Details:
Meridian Gate: Enter the Forbidden City.
Hall of Martial Valor: Visit the temporary exhibition.
Hall of Mandarin: Enjoy the precious collections in the painting and calligraphy hall.
Gate of Supreme Harmony to Hall of Preservation of Harmony: Visit the main buildings on the central axis and feel the grandeur and magnificence of the royal palace.
From Dry Qing Palace to Palace of Earthly Tranquility: Learn about the life and etiquette of the royal family in the Qing Dynasty.
Hall of Mental Cultivation: Visit the emperor’s study and resting place.
Xiliugong District: Explore the residence of the concubines in the Harem and feel the privacy and luxury of court life.
Imperial Garden: Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the palace back garden and experience the leisure life of the ancient emperors.
East Liugong District: Continue to explore the residence of the concubines in the Harem.
Fengxian Hall (Clock Hall) : Admire the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient clocks and watches.
Ningshou Palace Area (Treasure Hall) : See the various treasures of the Palace Museum up close and feel the wisdom and talent of ancient craftsmen.
Fasting Palace: Visit an important place of worship in the Forbidden City.
Shenwu Gate: End of tour.
Tour tips
Advance booking: Palace Museum tickets need to be booked in advance, through the official website of the Palace Museum or official cooperation on the online travel platform.
Wear comfort: The Palace Museum is large, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, in order to walk for a long time.
Note the time: The Palace Museum has fixed opening hours, please plan your trip in advance to avoid missing the closing time.
Bring documents: You need to show a valid ID card when entering the park, please bring it with you.
Respect the artifacts: During the visit, please respect the artifacts and do not touch or damage the exhibits.
