Introduction to the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, located at the heart of Beijing’s central axis. Construction began in 1406 during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty and took 14 years to complete. It is the world’s largest and best-preserved wooden architectural complex and was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987.
Covering 720,000 square meters with a built-up area of about 150,000 square meters, the Forbidden City includes over 70 palaces and more than 9,000 rooms. It is surrounded by a 10-meter-high wall and a 52-meter-wide moat, forming a formidable fortress.
The layout of the Forbidden City is meticulously planned, reflecting the strict feudal hierarchy. It is divided into two main areas: the Outer Court, centered around the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, and Hall of Preserving Harmony, where major ceremonies and court assemblies were held; and the Inner Court, centered around the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Union, and Palace of Earthly Tranquility, where the emperor and his consorts resided.
My First Step into the Forbidden City
In the late autumn of 2017, I first entered the Forbidden City. Crossing the Meridian Gate felt like stepping through time. Sunlight bathed the golden glazed tiles, casting long shadows on the stone pavement. Standing in the plaza of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, gazing at the majestic palace atop a three-tiered white marble platform, I truly felt the "imperial majesty." I recommend first-time visitors go on a clear morning when the light enhances the grandeur of the Forbidden City.
Historical Overview
The Forbidden City was constructed in 1406 during the Yongle era, modeled after the Nanjing Palace, and was largely completed by 1420. It served as the residence and seat of power for 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing Dynasties—14 from the Ming and 10 from the Qing.
In 1644, rebel leader Li Zicheng captured Beijing, ending the Ming Dynasty, and parts of the Forbidden City were burned. After the Qing Dynasty’s Shunzhi Emperor took control, the palace was rebuilt and restored. Following the 1911 Revolution, the last emperor, Puyi, abdicated but continued to live in the Inner Court under special terms. In 1925, the Palace Museum was established and opened to the public.
Ming Dynasty Forbidden City Reconstruction
Qing Dynasty Imperial Court Scene
Establishment of the Palace Museum in 1925
Zonal Divisions and Major Structures
Outer Court Major Halls
Inner Court Rear Halls
Imperial Garden
Outer Court
The Outer Court, centered around the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, and Hall of Preserving Harmony, was where the emperor exercised power and held grand ceremonies.
Hall of Supreme Harmony: Known as the "Golden Throne Hall," it is the tallest structure in the Forbidden City at 35.05 meters. It hosted major events like enthronements, imperial weddings, and military dispatches.
Hall of Central Harmony: A square building where the emperor rested before ceremonies in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Hall of Preserving Harmony: With a double-eaved hipped roof, it was used for imperial examinations and banquets for foreign envoys.
Inner Court
The Inner Court, centered around the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Union, and Palace of Earthly Tranquility, was the living quarters for the emperor and his consorts.
Palace of Heavenly Purity: The emperor’s residence until the early Qing Dynasty; after Emperor Yongzheng, it was used for reviewing memorials and meeting officials.
Hall of Union: Where the empress received congratulations during major festivals.
Palace of Earthly Tranquility: The Ming Dynasty empress’s residence, later used for religious ceremonies in the Qing Dynasty.
Special Areas
Treasure Gallery: Located in the Palace of Tranquil Longevity, it displays Qing Dynasty gold, silver, jade, and jewelry artifacts.
Clock Gallery: Located in the Hall of Ancestral Worship, it showcases exquisite Chinese and foreign antique clocks.
Imperial Garden: The most exquisite royal garden in the Forbidden City, spanning 12,000 square meters with pavilions, towers, and ancient trees.
Travel Guide
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Apr 1–Oct 31: 8:30–17:00 (entry stops at 16:10) Nov 1–Mar 31: 8:30–16:30 (entry stops at 15:40) Closed on Mondays (except public holidays) |
| Ticket Prices | Peak Season (Apr 1–Oct 31): 60 CNY Off-Season (Nov 1–Mar 31): 40 CNY Treasure Gallery, Clock Gallery: 10 CNY each |
| Ticket Purchase | Online booking (7 days in advance) via the official website or app |
| Best Seasons | Spring (Mar–May): Blooming gardens Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cool weather, vibrant colors Winter: Stunning snow views |
Important Note: The Forbidden City requires online ticket reservations; no on-site sales! Book 1–7 days in advance via the official website or app.
Transport Tip: Take Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen East or West Station, pass security, and enter through the Meridian Gate (the only entrance).
Recommended Visiting Routes
- Classic Route (3 hours): Meridian Gate → Gate of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Gate of Heavenly Purity → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Hall of Union → Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Imperial Garden → Divine Might Gate
- In-Depth Route (5 hours): Meridian Gate → Hall of Martial Valor → Gate of Supreme Harmony → Major Halls → Gate of Heavenly Purity → Eastern Six Palaces → Clock Gallery → Treasure Gallery → Opera House → Imperial Garden → Divine Might Gate
- Artifact Route: Meridian Gate Exhibition Hall → Hall of Martial Valor (Painting Gallery) → Hall of Literary Glory (Ceramics Gallery) → Clock Gallery → Treasure Gallery
My Crowd-Avoidance Tips
The biggest challenge at the Forbidden City is the crowds. My tips: 1) Book the 8:30 AM slot 7 days in advance for an empty Hall of Supreme Harmony plaza; 2) Start with the Eastern and Western Six Palaces to avoid the central axis; 3) Visit on weekday mornings in winter for fewer crowds; 4) Tour the Major Halls after 3 PM when crowds thin out.
Travel Experience
Must-See Highlights
- Stone Carving at Hall of Supreme Harmony: The central dragon carving on the steps, weighing 250 tons, is China’s largest stone sculpture.
- Palace of Heavenly Purity’s Plaque: The "Justice and Brightness" plaque hid Emperor Yongzheng’s secret succession system.
- Nine-Dragon Screen: Outside the Palace of Tranquil Longevity, one of China’s three surviving ancient Nine-Dragon Screens.
- Palace of Prolonging Happiness: Unfinished Qing Dynasty Western-style "Crystal Palace" ruins.
- Corner Towers: Intricate structures at the four corners of the Forbidden City, masterpieces of Chinese architecture.
Snowy Forbidden City
Imperial Guard Cats
Palace Museum Merchandise
Unique Experiences
- Palace Cats: Over 200 "imperial guard" cats roam near the Treasure Gallery and Arrow Pavilion.
- Cultural Shops: Corner Tower Café, Ice Cellar Restaurant, and Palace Museum gift shops bring the Forbidden City home.
- Themed Exhibitions: Permanent and temporary exhibits showcase 5,000 years of Chinese artifacts.
- Night Tours: Available on special occasions like the Lantern Festival, offering stunning night views.
Snowy Forbidden City: A Dreamlike Scene
In early 2020, I was fortunate to see the Forbidden City in snow. The palace was cloaked in white, with red walls standing out vividly and golden tiles shimmering in the sunlight. The Hall of Supreme Harmony plaza was empty, with only my footprints in the snow, making me feel like I was in a 600-year-old imperial court. Don’t miss the snowy scenery in winter—check weather forecasts and visit on the first workday after snowfall for fewer crowds.
Tips and Notes
Visiting Guidelines
- Bring the ID used for booking (passport, ID card, etc.).
- No lighters or flammable items; strict security checks at entry.
- Professional photography equipment (tripods, stabilizers, telephoto lenses) requires prior approval.
- Do not touch buildings, murals, or displays.
- No eating or smoking inside palaces.
Important Note: Flash photography, selfie sticks, and loudspeakers are prohibited in all exhibition halls.
Best Entry Method: Avoid Tiananmen Square crowds by entering via Zhongshan Park (west gate in, east gate out) or the Palace of Culture (west gate in) to reach the Meridian Gate, saving at least 1 hour of queuing.
Recommended Gear
- Comfortable sneakers (expect ~20,000 steps).
- Bottled water (limited on-site availability).
- Power bank (photography drains batteries).
- Sunhat (summer) or warm gloves (winter).
- Palace Museum map or download the official "Palace Museum" app.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Tickets are released 7 days in advance; book early for peak seasons (especially holidays). Tickets go on sale at 8:00 PM.
A: Children under 6 or 1.2 meters tall enter free; ages 6–18 and full-time students up to undergraduate level get half-price with ID; seniors over 60 enter free on weekdays (excluding Treasure and Clock Galleries). Wheelchairs are available for free at the entrance.
A: Restaurants include the Ice Cellar Restaurant (near Palace of Compassion and Tranquility), Palace Restaurant (Jingyun Gate), and East Court of Palace of Earthly Tranquility. You may bring food but must eat in designated rest areas.
A: Meridian Gate is the only entrance; Divine Might Gate (north) and East Magnificence Gate are exits. Exit via Divine Might Gate for a photo with the "Palace Museum" sign.
A: A quick visit takes at least 3 hours; main areas require 5–6 hours; a thorough tour needs 8+ hours. Plan for at least 5 hours.
Palace Cuisine
Imperial Pastries
Wanfu Pork
Corner Tower Coffee
Dining in the Forbidden City
- Ice Cellar Restaurant: Converted from a Qing Dynasty ice storage, serving Beijing specialties like roast duck and zhajiang noodles.
- Palace Restaurant: Traditional Chinese cuisine with signature dishes like Wanfu Pork and Empress Dowager’s Cornmeal Cakes.
- East Court of Palace of Earthly Tranquility: Specializes in Qing Dynasty-style imperial pastries.
- Corner Tower Coffee: Near Divine Might Gate, a popular spot offering drinks like "Kangxi’s Favorite Chocolate."
Nearby Culinary Highlights
- Siji Minfu (Palace Branch): Top roast duck restaurant with views of East Magnificence Gate and Corner Tower.
- Heyan Meat Pie: Home-style Beijing cuisine in a hutong near East Magnificence Gate.
- Ice Cellar Hotpot: Enjoy Beijing copper hotpot in a historic Qing Dynasty ice cellar.
Dining Like Royalty
Before leaving, I dined at the Ice Cellar Restaurant, a former Qing Dynasty ice storage with preserved stone walls and arches. I ordered the "Empress Dowager Wanfu Pork Set"—braised pork stewed for hours, glossy and tender, paired with jade-green buns and adzuki bean rolls, all inspired by imperial recipes. Eating in a 300-year-old ice cellar, imagining Qing palace staff storing food here, was an unparalleled experience.
Accommodation Recommendations
| Type | Hotel Name | Location | Price Reference | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury | The Peninsula Beijing | Jinyu Hutong, Wangfujing | ¥2500+ | 1 km east of Forbidden City, top-tier luxury |
| Cultural Experience | Waldorf Astoria Beijing Hutong Courtyard | Jinyu Hutong | ¥3000+ | Converted siheyuan, rich Beijing charm |
| Mid-Range Comfort | Grand Hyatt Beijing | Wangfujing Street | ¥1200+ | 1.5 km east of Forbidden City, rooftop pool |
| Budget | Hanting Hotel (Tiananmen Branch) | Qianmen Street | ¥400+ | 20-minute walk to Forbidden City |
| Unique Hostel | Beijing Ping An Courtyard Hostel | Nanluoguxiang | ¥150+/bed | Hutong siheyuan hostel |
Best Area: Wangfujing, within walking distance to East Magnificence Gate.
Unique Experience: Stay in siheyuan guesthouses in Nanchizi or Beichizi to experience hutong culture near the imperial city.
Recommended Itineraries
One-Day In-Depth Forbidden City Tour
8:30 Enter Meridian Gate → Hall of Martial Valor (Painting Gallery) → Major Halls (Supreme Harmony, Central Harmony, Preserving Harmony) → Hall of Literary Glory (Ceramics Gallery) → Clock Gallery → Treasure Gallery → Eastern Six Palaces → Imperial Garden → Exit Divine Might Gate → Jingshan Park for panoramic view (before 17:00)
Beijing Classic Three-Day Tour
Day 1: Tiananmen Flag Raising → Chairman Mao Memorial Hall → Forbidden City In-Depth (8 hours) → Jingshan Park for sunset
Day 2: Temple of Heaven → Yonghe Temple → Imperial College → Nanluoguxiang
Day 3: Badaling Great Wall → Olympic Park (Bird’s Nest, Water Cube night view)
Photography Route
Morning Corner Tower (northwest sunrise) → Zhongshan Park (ancient structures and red walls) → 8:30 Enter Meridian Gate → Hall of Supreme Harmony Plaza → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Dongjianzi Lane (red wall alley) → Nine-Dragon Screen at Treasure Gallery → Qianqiu Pavilion in Imperial Garden → Divine Might Gate → Jingshan Wanchun Pavilion (Forbidden City sunset panorama)
Corner Tower Sunrise
Jingshan Panorama
Dongjianzi Lane
My Photography Insights
To capture perfect Forbidden City lighting, I waited at East Magnificence Gate at 4 AM for three days. When the first sunlight illuminated the Corner Tower’s golden roof, the water reflected a perfect symmetrical image—an unforgettable moment. At 3 PM, Dongjianzi Lane is ideal for red wall shots, with sunlight creating rhythmic shadows as hanfu-clad visitors pass by, like a time-traveling painting. Photographers should bring a 24–70mm zoom lens for both wide-angle architecture and detailed close-ups.