Good to know
- Tickets
- Book online in advance with your passport details; no tickets are sold at the gate. Check the official site for current prices.
- Opening days
- Closed on Mondays, except on public holidays.
- Time needed
- At least three hours.
- Best time
- Weekday mornings outside July, August, and national holidays.
- Getting there
- Subway line 1 to Tiananmen East station, then walk north.
Itineraries with Forbidden City
Forbidden City is on day 1
Forbidden City is on day 1
Day 1 of Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai in 14 Days
Beijing: the Forbidden City
How Forbidden City fits into a day.- 8:00Tiananmen SquareBeijing
- 9:00Forbidden CityBeijing
- 13:30Jingshan ParkBeijing
- 17:00NanluoguxiangBeijing
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Forbidden City questions
How long does it take to visit the Forbidden City?
Most visitors spend three to four hours covering the main halls and courtyards.
Do you need tickets in advance for the Forbidden City?
Yes. Tickets are sold online only, with real-name booking. Bring the passport you booked with, as it is checked at entry. Tickets often sell out.
Is the Forbidden City open on Mondays?
No. It is closed on Mondays, except on public holidays.
Is photography allowed inside the Forbidden City?
Photography is permitted in outdoor areas but restricted in some exhibition halls.
