destinationThe Palace Museum

The Palace Museum

1 Reviews
The Forbidden City, formerly known as the Purple Forbidden City, is the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. It is located at the center of Beijing's central axis. The Forbidden City is one of the largest and best - preserved ancient wooden - structured building complexes in the world, and is known as "the number one among the world's five great palaces".

1. Why Visit the Forbidden City?

A 600-year-old imperial masterpiece blending history, architecture, and Chinese cultural essence.
The Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, served as China’s imperial palace for 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its 980 surviving wooden buildings, golden roofs, and symbolic designs (like the "nine rows of doornails") showcase ancient Chinese cosmology and power. For history buffs, architecture lovers, or anyone seeking the soul of Beijing, it’s an unmissable portal to China’s past.

2. Itinerary & Top Attractions

a. Suggested Routes

  • Half-Day Route (4 hours): Meridian Gate → Three Great Halls (Taihe, Zhonghe, Baohe) → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Imperial Garden → Shenwu Gate.
  • Full-Day Route (8 hours): Add the Clock & Watch Gallery, Treasure Gallery, East and West Six Palaces, and Corner Towers.

b. Top 5 Attractions

  1. Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian): The grandest throne hall where emperors held ceremonies. Marvel at its double-eaved golden roof and mythical animal statues – the highest-status building in the palace.
  2. Treasure Gallery (Fengxiandian): Dazzling jewels and imperial relics. See Empress Dowager Cixi’s jadeite cabbage and the iconic "Chongfei’s Pearl" hairpin.
  3. Imperial Garden (Yuhuayuan): A tranquil escape with symbolic rockeries. Spot the 400-year-old intertwined cypress trees and the mystical "Stacked Auspiciousness" rock.
  4. Clock & Watch Gallery (Zhongbiaoguan): Intricate timepieces gifted to emperors. Don’t miss the French-made golden clock with dancing automatons.
  5. Corner Towers (Jiaolou): Iconic Instagram spots with layered eaves. These 28-meter-high towers mark the palace’s four corners, blending defense and artistry.

3. Highlights & Tips

a. Seasonal Activities

  • Spring: Blooming magnolias in the Imperial Garden (late March).
  • Summer: Evening tours (limited availability; book via官网).
  • Autumn: Golden ginkgo trees along the East简子通道 (October).
  • Winter: Snow on兽吻 (roof beasts): Best viewed from Taihe Hall’s terrace. Ice reflections: Capture mirrored palaces at the Inner Golden Water River near Wumen Gate.

b. Exhibitions

Check the official website for rotating exhibitions: [www.dpm.org.cn](https://www.dpm.org.cn).

c. Cultural Experiences

  • Calligraphy workshops: Sign up at the Palace Museum Education Center (book 3 days ahead).
  • Dusk photography tours: Rent a Hanfu (traditional dress) near Nanchizi Street for ethereal shots.

4. Stay & Transport

a. Beijing Hotels Near Forbidden City

  • Luxury (￥2000+/night, 5-10 mins’ walk): The PuXuan Hotel, Hotel Eclat Beijing.
  • Mid-range (￥800-1500/night, 10-15 mins’ walk): Jade Garden Hotel, Red Wall Garden Hotel.
  • Budget (￥300-600/night, 15-20 mins’ walk): 161 Lama Temple Courtyard Hotel, Peking Youth Hostel.

b. Getting There

  • Subway: Line 1 to Tiananmen East (Exit B) or Line 8 to Shichahai (then 15-min walk).
  • Bus: Routes 1, 2, 52, 82 to Tiananmen Square.
  • Taxi/Rideshare: Show drivers “故宫博物院午门” (Wumen Gate entrance).

5. Pro Tips

a. Tickets

  • Book online 7 days ahead via official site (peak seasons: May–Oct, Chinese holidays).
  • Avoid sold-out periods: Golden Week (Oct 1–7) and summer holidays. Afternoon tickets (entry post-noon) cost 10% less.

b. Attire & Gear

  • Wear cushioned shoes (stone floors!). Bring sunscreen/hat in summer, thermal layers in winter.

6. FAQs

a. History

24 emperors ruled from here, starting with Ming’s Yongle Emperor (1421).

b. Hours

8:30–17:00 (Apr–Oct); 8:30–16:30 (Nov–Mar). Closed Mondays.

c. Ticket Prices

Adults: ￥60 (peak), ￥40 (off-peak). Discounts for seniors/students.

d. Guides

  • Human guides: ￥200–400 (2.5-hour tour).
  • E-audioguides: ￥40 (dry facts; lacks storytelling).

e. Rules & Tips

  • Prohibited: Tripods, drones, smoking.
  • Avoid crowds: Explore side halls (e.g., Six Eastern Palaces) first.
  • Scalpers alert: Avoid third-party sites charging 2x the price.

f. Nearby Attractions

  • Jingshan Park (0.5 km north): Panoramic views from “Coal Hill.”
  • Tiananmen Square (1 km south): Flag-raising ceremony at dawn.

g. Other Beijing Icons

  • Summer Palace (15 km): Take Subway Line 4 to Beigongmen (45 mins).
  • Temple of Heaven (8 km): Taxi (25 mins) or Subway Line 5 to Tiantandongmen.
  • Lama Temple (5 km): Subway Line 2/5 to Yonghegong.
  • 798 Art Zone (18 km): Ride-hailing recommended (40 mins).

h. Photo Spots

  • Taihe Hall Square: Central axis symmetry.
  • Corner Tower reflections: Moat near Donghua Gate at sunset.
  • Imperial Garden’s堆秀山: Climb for rooftop vistas.

i. Accessibility

  • Wheelchair ramps at South and North Gates; free rentals (ID deposit).

7. Final Words

The Forbidden City isn’t just a museum – it’s a living chronicle of China’s imperial drama. From golden rooftops whispering ancient secrets to hidden courtyards where concubines once walked, every stone here has a story. Plan smartly, dive deep, and let this crimson labyrinth redefine your understanding of history.