BEIJING · DONGCHENG · PLACE

The Imperial Palace (Forbidden City)

The Forbidden City is the heart of imperial China — a vast palace where 24 emperors lived for 600 years.

Written and signed by Xiangqun Li

What it actually is

The Imperial Palace (Forbidden City) in Beijing is the supreme example of traditional Chinese palatial architecture. It served as the home of emperors and the ceremonial center of government for nearly 600 years, from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Today it houses the Palace Museum with over 1.8 million cultural artifacts.

Editor's take

Xiangqun LiWritten and signed by

The verdict

Worth half a day on a first trip to Beijing if you book official tickets ahead and get there at opening; but if you've only an hour or can't manage long walks in the open, spend your time somewhere smaller.

What's great

Come for the light as much as the architecture — late afternoon, and especially right after rain clears, the low sun turns the glazed roofs gold with no filter needed.

End at Jingshan hill just north of the exit; the short climb gives you the one shot everyone wants — the whole roofscape laid out from above.

It's genuinely vast and layered with Ming and Qing history along a single central axis, and it rewards reading up first or bringing a licensed on-site guide.

Cameras are allowed inside, and the strict symmetry pays off if you take your time to frame each courtyard.

Worth knowing

Crowds are the real problem — by late morning it's shoulder-to-shoulder and a clean photo is nearly impossible, so arrive right at opening or don't count on photos.

Don't buy anything from people working the gate; one visitor was sold a fake pack of cigarettes right outside. Book tickets only on the official site (dpm.org.cn) ahead, as they sell out and there's no on-site booth to save you.

Plan a half-day on your feet, almost all outdoors on stone — summer midday heat and winter wind are punishing, with little shade or shelter.

Grounded in 57+ real traveller reviews. Distilled by our editors from real traveller reviews on Xiaohongshu and Douyin.

Essentials

Opening hoursApr–Oct: 08:30–17:00 (last entry 16:10)

Ticket60 CNY peak / 40 CNY off-season; 10 CNY extra for Treasure Gallery

Contact4009501925

Rating4.9/5

Good to know

Nearest subway: Tiananmen East or West Station (Line 1)

Bring sun protection — there is almost no shade inside the palace

Ice cellar cafe inside offers reasonable meals; bring your own water

Wear comfortable walking shoes — the complex covers 720,000 sqm

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Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian)

The largest and most important building in the Forbidden City. This is where emperors were crowned and major state ceremonies were held. Its massive wooden framework — constructed without a single nail — has withstood earthquakes for over 600 years.

Imperial Garden

Located in the northern rear of the palace, this classical Chinese garden features ornate pavilions, ancient cypress trees, and intricate caisson ceilings in the Wanchun and Qianqiu pavilions that represent the pinnacle of Ming-era craftsmanship.

Palace Museum Collection

The Palace Museum houses over 1.86 million cultural artifacts including imperial jade, gold artifacts, calligraphy, paintings, and ceremonial objects. The Treasury and Clock Gallery exhibitions showcase the most exquisite pieces from the imperial collection.

Photo spots

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Jingshan Park Overlook

Climb the hill directly north of the Forbidden City for the iconic panoramic shot of the entire palace complex roofline at golden hour.

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East or West Hua Gate Entry

Skip the main Meridian Gate queue — enter through Donghuamen or Xihua Gate for a shorter wait and a more atmospheric arrival through side corridors.

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Ceiling Caisson Photography

The ornate caisson ceilings inside the Wanchun and Qianqiu pavilions in the Imperial Garden are considered the pinnacle of ancient Chinese craftsmanship. Use a wide-angle lens and shoot from directly below.