Info updated · 2026-10-23
No. 4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng District, Beijing 故宫博物院
Imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties — the world's largest surviving wooden palace complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
📍 Location
No. 4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng District, Beijing
🎫 Tickets from
Peak ¥60 / Low ¥40
⏱ Suggested stay
Allow half a day to a full day (official half-day / full-day routes available).
🌤 Best season
Best in spring & autumn; avoid summer heat and deep winter
About
The Forbidden City — now the Palace Museum — was home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties and opened to the public as a museum in 1925. Its red walls and golden roofs are the pinnacle of Chinese palatial architecture and the most direct window into imperial China.
📍 No. 4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng District, Beijing (city center, north of Tiananmen)
🔗 Official booking ↗
Highlights
1
The Three Great Halls
Hall of Supreme Harmony, Central Harmony and Preserving Harmony line the central axis — the ceremonial heart where emperors held grand audiences.
2
Treasure & Clock Galleries
A ¥10 add-on each, these wing galleries hold court jade, gold and the famous mechanical clocks from the West — the most underrated stops in the palace.
3
Imperial Garden & Corner Towers
Rest in the garden at the end, then photograph the distinctive corner towers from outside the Gate of Divine Prowess — the most photogenic angle.
Hours & Tickets
🕒 Opening hours
Peak season (Apr 1–Oct 31) 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:00); low season (Nov 1–Mar 31) 8:30–16:30 (last entry 15:30). Closed on Mondays except public holidays.
🎫 Tickets
Peak ¥60, low ¥40; Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery ¥10 each. Timed-entry reservation required — booking opens 20:00, 7 days ahead; no on-site sales on the visit day.
Re-check before you go：Ticket prices and opening hours may change with season, holidays and policy. Always confirm the latest on the official website or official mini-program before departure.
🚆 Getting there
Metro Line 1 to 'Tiananmen East' or 'Tiananmen West'; enter via the Meridian Gate (south) through Tiananmen, exit at the Gate of Divine Prowess (north).
Palace Museum official site
dpm.org.cn (timed-entry booking: ticket.dpm.org.cn; foreign visitors must provide passport number)
🧭 Combine with
Tiananmen Square, Jingshan Park, Beihai Park, Wangfujing — all within walking distance or a short ride.
FAQ
Do foreign visitors need to book in advance?
Yes. 故宫博物院 uses real-name timed reservation; foreign visitors must provide a passport number. Book via the official website or mini-program before you travel to avoid sold-out days.
Do ticket prices and opening hours change?
Ticket prices and opening hours may change with season, holidays and policy. Always confirm the latest on the official website or official mini-program before departure.
How do I get there?
Metro Line 1 to 'Tiananmen East' or 'Tiananmen West'; enter via the Meridian Gate (south) through Tiananmen, exit at the Gate of Divine Prowess (north).
How long should I plan to stay?
Allow half a day to a full day (official half-day / full-day routes available).