Beijing is an incredible city that offers travellers a chance to experience both the heritage and modern marvels of China’s capital city. Sites like the Great Wall of China are perfect for day trips outside of Beijing but within the city lies the marvellous Forbidden City. This grandiose palace was once the imperial residence of the emperor and now stands as a monument to China’s fascinating past.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to travellers who want to visit the Forbidden City in Beijing. We highlight some facts about the Forbidden City and tell you how to get there. We also showcase the best things to do in the Forbidden City, provide information on getting tickets as well as recommend places to stay near the Palace.
We even include some helpful tips for your visit that will make your experience of the Forbidden City exceptional. So if you’re travelling to Beijing and want to explore the iconic imperial palace, read on to find out everything you need to know.
The Forbidden City is one of China’s most significant cultural sites and has been given UNESCO World Heritage status. It is the best-preserved example of traditional imperial architecture in China and provides a great deal of insight into Beijing’s ancient past. But before you step into the hallowed halls of the palace, it’s helpful to brush up on its history.
The Forbidden City was constructed between 1406 and 1420 by Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty. Over 1 million labourers were involved in its construction including thousands of skilled craftsmen. Since its foundation, the Forbidden City has been the seat of power for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
People often ask why it is called the Forbidden City. Well, in the past entry to the palace was strictly prohibited for commoners unless specifically invited. Entering without a proper invitation would result in severe punishment, leading to its mythical moniker.
The Forbidden City is extremely popular, receiving over 16 million visitors every year and is almost 3 times larger than the Louvre in Paris. One of the most interesting facts about the Forbidden City is that according to legend it has 9,999.5 rooms, as supposedly having 10,000 would incur the wrath of the God of Heaven.
The Forbidden City is located right in the heart of Beijing, in the Donghuamen District. It is bordered by Tiananmen Square to the south and Jingshan Park to the north, which was once the private imperial garden. With these two other sites within walking distance of the Forbidden City, there is so much to explore, making it the best place in Beijing for sightseeing.
Getting to the Forbidden City is very straightforward. You can take Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen West or Tiananmen East Station. Alternatively, you can take the 2, 82 or 120 buses to Tiananmen East bus stop. You could also opt for a taxi to get to the Forbidden City, just be sure to have its name written in Mandarin characters as your taxi driver likely won’t speak much English.
As there are over 980 buildings across the palace complex, finding the best places to visit can be difficult. It is a mammoth task to see the entirety of the Forbidden City, so you’ll want to prioritise a few of the main buildings before visiting some of the lesser-known ones. Below we highlight the best things to do in the Forbidden City that you don’t want to miss on your visit.
One of the most important buildings in the Forbidden City is the Hall of Supreme Harmony. It is situated on the central axis of the palace complex and is considered the most significant structure within the Forbidden City.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony is one of the first buildings you will see inside the Forbidden City upon entering the Meridian Gate and perfectly sets the tone for your visit. The structure is made entirely out of wood and rests on a three-tiered marble terrace.
It’s an exquisite example of traditional Chinese architecture and is celebrated for its innovative design which utilises no nails. It’s also the largest hall within the imperial palace at a height of 35.5 metres and its golden tiled roof is ornately decorated with carvings and sculptures that depict Chinese mythical beasts.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony was the ritual centre of the Forbidden City and was where many important ceremonies took place. These ceremonies demonstrated the emperor’s authority and power to his honoured guests. It was also where the emperor would hold court to make important state decisions, making it one of the most important structures within the Outer Court of the Forbidden City.
Beyond the Hall of Supreme Harmony, you will find the Hall of Preserving Harmony. Like other structures within the Forbidden City, it is made of wood and features intricate carvings which showcase the craftsmanship that went into its construction. It is one of the last buildings you will see within the Outer Court and provides more context on imperial practices in ancient China.
The Hall of Preserving Harmony had similar functions to the Hall of Supreme Harmony and was where the emperor would host lavish banquets and make formal decrees. It was also used for storing important items such as imperial seals and state documents, which made it a significant feature within the Outer Court. One of its most crucial functions was being the site of imperial examinations where the emperor would personally supply degrees to successful candidates.
Like other buildings within the imperial palace complex, the hall has undergone several renovations to maintain its structural and historical integrity. It’s one of the best things to do in the Forbidden City as it provides a glimpse into the elaborate rituals and traditions that were a fundamental aspect of China’s history.
As you move into the Inner Court of the Forbidden City you will be faced with the stunning facade of the Palace of Heavenly Purity. This functioned as the imperial living chambers and is decorated with a double-tiered roof with carvings and exquisite paintings. Later, the imperial residence was moved and the hall became the centre for the emperor’s daily affairs, making it one of the most significant buildings inside the Forbidden City’s Inner Court.
The Palace is situated in the northern part of the Forbidden City, as it was believed that the north-south axis of the complex pointed towards heaven. As the emperor was considered a divine being in the Ming and Qing dynasties, his hall was constructed at the northernmost point of the palace to emphasise his power and heavenly authority.
Exploring the Palace of Heavenly Purity provides further insight into the activities of the imperial family and showcases the fabulous craftsmanship that went into the palace’s construction. It is a unique experience as people in the past would have had no access to this secretive hall, which makes your visit feel extremely special.
Our final recommendation for your visit to the Forbidden City is to wander the Six Eastern and Six Western Palaces. As their names suggest, they are located on the eastern and western sides of the palace complex. What is most striking about these structures is how perfectly symmetrical they are, which speaks to the careful and detailed planning of the Chinese imperial palace.
The Eastern Palaces were where consorts and secondary wives would live. The structures were organised based on rank, with more favoured consorts living within the palaces closer to the Inner Court. The Western Palaces are of a similar design and functioned as living spaces for the imperial concubines, with their rank and favour factoring into their placement as well.
While it may seem odd in the present, the concept of the imperial harem was a very important social structure within ancient China. The emperors’ concubines and eunuchs formed their own community within the political organisation of the Forbidden City. Exploring the Eastern and Western Palaces provides more insight into this complex system, so you don’t want to miss them.
You can purchase your tickets for the Forbidden City upon your arrival, or you can purchase them in advance to avoid waiting in long queues. Once inside, you can explore the immense complex as much as you’d like and will not need to pay any further fees.
If you opt for a guided tour of the Forbidden City, your admission fees will be included. It’s a great option for travellers who want to immerse themselves in China’s history and culture as your guide will be able to convey facts and details about the different buildings and exhibits.
There are so many places to stay in Beijing that will keep you close to the Forbidden City. As it is one of the most significant landmarks in Beijing, there are countless hotels within walking distance or just a short trip on public transport. Below, we provide some recommendations for places to stay near the Forbidden City that will suit a variety of travel budgets.
As Beijing is the capital city of China, it can be difficult to find cheap accommodation that will keep you close to the Forbidden City. Fortunately, chain hotels like Holiday Inn Express Beijing Downtown offer agreeable nightly rates starting from £85. This pristine hotel is just 3.5 km from the Forbidden City and features a 24-hour desk and spacious rooms for a comfortable stay.
If you want to opt for authentic accommodation in a lively setting, then Peking Youth Hostel is the perfect place to stay in Beijing. Housed within a traditional Chinese building and featuring colourful decor, it’s a great place for anyone looking for a real taste of China. The hostel is just a 30-minute walk from the Forbidden City and has rates starting at £106 per night, which is a great price for staying in the centre of Beijing.
Travellers on a luxury trip to Beijing should consider staying in the Ritz-Carlton Beijing. Located on Financial Street, this hotel is just 3km away from the Forbidden City and overlooks the White Pagoda Temple. It is very centrally located which will make sightseeing in Beijing very convenient and the hotel features lavish rooms which put travellers in the lap of luxury.
The Forbidden City is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Beijing and it can be quite overwhelming to visit. There will be crowds of tourists and the language barrier can be difficult to traverse. To make your experience run smoothly, we’ve included some helpful tips and tricks.
It is important to note that the Forbidden City is closed every Monday, so be sure to time your visit accordingly. Likewise, its opening hours change slightly depending on the season. In summer, from April to October, it is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but from November it closes at 4:30 p.m.
We recommend that you spend at least half a day inside the Forbidden City to make the most of your visit. There is a great deal to see, so try not to rush yourself and be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there will be lots of walking.
Lastly, if you want to get an impressive picture of the Forbidden City you will need to head to Jianshan Park. This is the best place to get panoramic views of the palace and provides a perfect vantage point for beautiful photography. It is just north of the imperial palace so you can head there after you’ve explored the sweeping complex.
Overall, no trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the Forbidden City. It is one of the best places to visit for travellers who want to learn more about China’s imperial past and provides unique insights into the lives of Ming and Qing emperors. The stunning architecture and symbolic design make it a visual spectacle and it will certainly be the highlight of your Beijing trip.
It can be very overwhelming to visit, so give yourself plenty of time and plan which sites and structures you want to see beforehand, as you can easily get swept up in the extensive offering. Thanks to its central location within Beijing, it’s a top sightseeing destination and will allow you to visit other impressive landmarks like Tiananmen Square and Jianshan Park without needing to travel too far afield.
Considering a once in a lifetime trip to China’s vibrant capital? Check out our other guides like What to Do in Beijing in 3 Days and Beijing in September for more expert travel advice.
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