Foreigners visit the Forbidden City (Forbidden City) for the first time
The Forbidden City, also known as the Forbidden City, is one of the largest and best preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. Located in the center of Beijing, it was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1912). For first-time visitors, here is a detailed guide to help you better plan your trip and experience this historic royal palace.
First, ticket booking
Booking method
Wechat mini program: It is recommended to use the “Palace Museum Visitor Service” wechat mini program to make an appointment and purchase tickets. The mini program provides a Chinese and English interface for foreign visitors to operate.
Official website: Visit the official website of the Palace Museum (www.dpm.org.cn) and switch to the English version to purchase tickets.
Third-party platforms: Foreign travel service platforms such as Viator also provide ticket booking services for the Forbidden City, but it is recommended to check the platform’s reputation and ticket prices in advance.
Ticket price
Peak season (April 1 to October 31) : Tickets are priced at 60 RMB.
Off-season (November 1 to March 31) : Ticket price is 40 RMB.
Booking precautions
The Palace Museum has a real-name ticket purchase system, and foreign visitors need to use their passport information to make reservations.
Tickets are divided into morning and afternoon, it is recommended to choose the right time according to your personal schedule.
The Forbidden City is limited to 80,000 people a day, and it is recommended to reserve tickets seven days in advance to ensure smooth entry.
Second, traffic guide
subway
Take Metro Line 1 to Tian ‘anmen East or West Station, exit C or D and walk to the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City.
Take Metro Line 8 to Nanluoguxiang Station, transfer to Line 6 to Beihai North Station, and walk to Shenwu Gate (North Gate) of the Forbidden City.
Public transportation
Take bus 1, 2, 52, 59, 82, 99, 120, 126, 127, etc. Get off at Tian ‘anmen East Station or Tian ‘anmen West Station and walk to the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City.
Take a taxi or an online car
Direct location to the “Palace Museum Meridian Gate” or “Shenwu Gate”, pay attention to the traffic control around Tiananmen Square, may need to get off at the designated place and walk to.
Third, the tour route recommendation
Classic centerline tour
Route: Meridian Gate → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Dry Qing Palace → Hall of Communicating Tai → Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Imperial Garden → Shenwu Gate
Highlights: This route covers the most core buildings of the Forbidden City, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Imperial Palace), Dry Qing Palace, etc., allowing you to appreciate the majesty and delicacy of the ancient royal family.
Time: The whole journey is about 2-3 hours, suitable for tourists with limited time.
Panoramic depth tour
Route: On the basis of the classic axis tour, increase the tour of the east and west six palaces.
Highlights: The East and west six palaces are the residences of concubines in the harem, with different architectural styles. Some of the palaces also have special exhibitions showing ancient cultural relics and court life.
Duration: About 4-5 hours, suitable for time rich, have a strong interest in the history and culture of the Forbidden City visitors.
Fourth, key palaces and exhibitions
Hall of Supreme Harmony
Introduction: The largest palace in the Forbidden City, commonly known as the “Imperial Palace”, is the place where the emperor enthronement, wedding, conferring and other important ceremonies.
Point of view: The golden dragon and seal color paintings, the huge Panlong gold column, and the stone carving of cloud dragon weighing 40,000 kilograms are all national treasures.
Treasure house
Location: Located in Ningshou Palace District.
Point of view: A large number of gold and silver, jade, jewelry and other royal treasures are displayed, such as the Jin Ou Cup.
Hall of Clocks and Watches
Location: Located in Fengxian Hall.
Point of view: The collection of all kinds of clocks and watches from the 18th century to the 20th century, including the fine products of Britain, France, Switzerland and other countries, as well as the self-made clocks and watches of the Qing Palace. There is also a watch show at regular times.
Fifith. Practical tips
Security check and entrance
You need to go through security check before entering the Palace Museum. Please cooperate with the staff.
Please be sure to bring your valid ID card before entering the park by swiping your ID card or passport.
Explanation service
Multilingual explanation services are available in the Palace Museum, including English. You can choose to rent an interpreter or join a guided tour.
Interpreter rental is about 20 yuan (Mandarin)/40 yuan (foreign language), deposit is 100 yuan.
Photography and photography
Photography is allowed inside the Forbidden City, but flash lights and tripods are prohibited.
Red walls and yellow tiles are good places to take photos, may wish to take a few photos to keep as a souvenir.
Rest and dining
The Palace Museum has an ice cellar restaurant and other dining venues, serving light meals, coffee and specialty desserts.
You can also bring some small snacks and water, but be careful not to eat and drink inside the palace.
Weather and dress
The Palace Museum covers a large area and takes a long time to visit. Please wear comfortable shoes.
The weather is changeable. Please bring rain gear and sunscreen with you.
Sixth, the surrounding scenic spot recommendation
Tian ‘anmen Square
Distance: Opposite the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City is Tian ‘anmen Square.
Jingshan Park
Distance: Crossing the road from Shenwu Gate is the south gate of Jingshan Park.
What to watch for: Climb to the top of Jingshan Mountain for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
Wangfujing Pedestrian Street
Distance: Take Metro Line 1 to Wangfujing Station.
What to watch for: Shopping and snacks in one of Beijing’s busiest business districts.
Through the above guidelines, you can better plan your first visit to the Forbidden City and feel the unique charm of this historic royal palace. Wish you a pleasant trip!
