The Forbidden City (故宫) is not just a palace; it’s a journey through China’s imperial history. As one of the world’s largest and most well-preserved palaces, it offers visitors a chance to explore centuries of culture, art, and architecture. In this ultimate guide, we’ll take you through the must-see sights, tips for planning your visit, and fascinating facts that make the Forbidden City an unforgettable destination.
- Open Areas of the Forbidden City
- Permanent Exhibition Halls
- The Forbidden City's Treasure Trove of Artifacts
- Original State Exhibitions of Palaces
- Tour Routes
- How to Get to the Forbidden City
- Opening Hours
- Ticket Booking & Admission Policies
- Tips for Visiting the Forbidden City
- Planning Your Visit
- Related posts
Open Areas of the Forbidden City
As of 2024, the Forbidden City Museum is open in several areas:
- City Wall Area (城池区)
- Front Court Area (前三殿区)
- Inner Court Area (后三宫区)
- Wenhua Hall Area (文华殿区)
- Wuying Hall Area (武英殿区)
- Yǎngxīn Hall Area (养心殿区)
- Zhai Palace Area (斋宫区)
- Fengxian Hall Area (奉先殿区)
- East Six Palaces Area (东六宫区)
- West Six Palaces Area (西六宫区)
- Imperial Garden Area (御花园区)
- Ningshou Palace Area (宁寿宫区)
These open areas are further divided based on exhibition functions into three main categories:
- Display Areas for Collections: Includes Wu Gate (午门), Donghuamen (东华门), Wuying Hall (武英殿), and Wenhua Hall (文华殿).
- Restricted Areas: Such as Jianfu Palace Garden (建福宫花园), Ningshou Palace Garden (宁寿宫花园), Chonghua Palace (重华宫), Yinghua Hall (英华殿), Shou’an Palace (寿安宫), Baohua Hall (宝华殿), Yuhua Pavilion (雨花阁), Jingfu Palace (景福宫), Former Site of the Administrative Office (造办处旧址), Southern Three Sites (南三所), Former Site of Shangsi Yuan (上驷院旧址), and Baoyun Tower (宝蕴楼).
- Public Courtyards: Including other sections and the Imperial Secretariat (皇史宬).
Permanent Exhibition Halls
Calligraphy and Painting Gallery (书画馆)
Located in the Wenhua Hall Area, this gallery showcases calligraphy and painting artifacts year-round. Each year, the Forbidden City Museum selects several batches of works from its 150,000 calligraphy and painting pieces to hold various exhibitions. For example, in 2023, the museum launched the “Song Dynasty Charm—Special Exhibition of Rare Steles” (宋拓魅力——碑帖珍本特展).
Ceramics Gallery (陶瓷馆)
Situated in the Wuying Hall Area, this gallery consistently displays around 1,100 ceramic pieces. These artifacts span from the Neolithic era to the Republic of China period, narrating the long history of Chinese civilization through tangible objects. The main exhibition halls include the main hall of Wuying (武英殿正殿), the “工” corridor (“工”字廊), and the respectful Si Hall (敬思殿). The gallery features ten permanent themes showcasing the development of Chinese ceramics, such as weddings, sacrificial rites, offerings, displays, rewards, longevity, and religious purposes.
Sculpture Gallery (雕塑馆)
Located in Cining Palace (慈宁宫) within the Cining Palace Area, the Sculpture Gallery consists of five exhibition halls: Sculpture Collection Hall, Han and Tang Terracotta Warriors Hall, White Stone Statues Hall, Brick and Stone Portraits Hall, and Buddhist Sculptures Hall. With 425 permanent exhibits, it covers sculptures from various Chinese dynasties.
Clock and Watch Gallery (钟表馆)
Situated within the Fengxian Area, this gallery primarily displays imperial clocks from the Qing Dynasty, both Chinese and foreign. Admission is required. It features 82 clocks in total, including 21 Chinese-made and 61 foreign clocks. The permanent exhibitions are divided into six sections: Qing Imperial Bureau Clocks, Guangzhou Clocks, British Clocks, French Clocks, Swiss Clocks, and a multi-national summary.
Treasure Gallery (珍宝馆)
Located in Ningshou Palace (宁寿宫), this gallery showcases precious imperial artifacts from the Qing Dynasty, such as jewelry, gold and silver items, jade, coral, and bonsai. It has six permanent sections: Treasured Items, Imperial and Empress Accessories, Daily Utensils, Ritual Artifacts, Display Objects, and Buddhist Artifacts, housed in various parts of the palace complex.
Opera Gallery (戏曲馆)
Set between Changyin Pavilion (畅音阁) and Yue Shi Tower (阅是楼), this gallery stores and displays a large number of opera artifacts from the Forbidden City, including court performance organizations, costumes, scripts, stages, and the imperial family’s opera-watching activities.
Furniture Gallery (家具馆)
Located in the South Great Warehouse (南大库) of the Beijing Forbidden City Museum, the Furniture Gallery first opened in 2008, showcasing over 300 pieces of Qing Dynasty furniture. Most items date back to the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong periods, arranged thematically in courtyards, study rooms, and music rooms. The exhibitions focus on two main themes: “The Nation and the Family in Qing Dynasty Imperial Furniture” and “Storage-style Exhibitions,” where displays are arranged in a more straightforward manner.
Ancient Architecture Gallery (古建馆)
This gallery covers a broad range, from the area around Wu Gate (午门) to Donghuamen (东华门), including sections like the southeast corner tower, Donghuamen, and Luanyiview Guard (銮仪卫). Each ancient building has corresponding architectural drawings and archival exhibits for visitors to explore.
Bronze Gallery (青铜器馆)
Located in Chengqian Palace (承乾宫) and Yonghe Palace (永和宫), the Bronze Gallery was first opened in 1958. Alongside the Calligraphy and Painting Gallery and Ceramics Gallery, it is one of the three main artifact galleries of the Forbidden City. It houses around 130 bronze items, including those related to rituals, military, music, and daily life.
The Forbidden City’s Treasure Trove of Artifacts
The Forbidden City Museum houses nearly 1.9 million artifacts, categorized into 23 major types, including ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, inscriptions, bronzeware, lacquerware, sculptures, gold and silverware, jade artifacts, seals, textiles, furniture, clocks and instruments, glassware, bamboo and wood items, court and religious artifacts, jewelry, weaponry and ceremonial equipment, music and opera items, daily utensils, and foreign artifacts. Over 90% of the treasures are national precious artifacts, with flagship pieces like “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” (《清明上河图》), “Pingfu Tie” (《平复帖》), “Plum Sparrow Painting” (《梅雀图》), and “Five Oxen Painting” (《五牛图》) among them.
Original State Exhibitions of Palaces
Taihe Hall (太和殿)
Also known as Fengtian Hall (奉天殿) or Huangji Hall (皇极殿), commonly referred to by the public as the Golden Throne Hall (金銮殿), Taihe Hall is the largest and most prestigious building in the Forbidden City. It measures approximately 64 meters in length and 37.2 meters in width, standing 26.92 meters tall, with the base bringing the total height to 35.05 meters. Its 9:5 ratio symbolizes imperial supremacy. During the rainy season, the stone dragon heads on the white marble base drain water, creating a spectacular “thousand dragons spitting water” display. The hall features a double-eave hip-and-gable roof adorned with massive ridge beasts and intricate decorations. Inside, the floor is paved with gold bricks, and the central space houses a throne flanked by six large pillars, each decorated with cloud and dragon motifs. Above the throne, the ceiling features a beautifully carved dragon holding a pearl, symbolizing the emperor’s supreme authority. The front platform, known as Danbi (丹陛) or Moon Platform, is adorned with sundials, measures, bronze turtles, bronze cranes, and eighteen bronze tripods.
Zhonghe Hall (中和殿)
Located between Taihe Hall and Baohe Hall, Zhonghe Hall was originally named Huagai Hall (华盖殿) and later renamed Zhongji Hall (中极殿) before officially becoming Zhonghe Hall in the second year of the Shunzhi reign (1645). Covering 580 square meters, the hall has a square layout with three bays in both width and depth, surrounded by corridors and paved with gold bricks. Its single-eave, four-cornered pointed roof is covered with yellow glazed tiles and features a gilded copper top. The hall has twelve latticed doors on the front and four on each side, with intricate carvings and golden decorations. The stone steps in front are uniquely arranged, leading to a lavishly decorated interior with golden dragons and colorful paintings. The central area houses a throne, emphasizing royal majesty.
Baohe Hall (保和殿)
Situated after Zhonghe Hall, Baohe Hall is one of the three main halls of the Front Court. Originally named Jingshen Hall (谨身殿) during the Ming Jiajing period, it was renamed Jianji Hall (建极殿) and finally Baohe Hall in the Shunzhi era. Built in 1420 during the Ming Yongle reign and renovated in the Qing Qianlong period, Baohe Hall spans 1,240 square meters and stands 29.5 meters tall. Its heavy-eave, Xieshan roof is covered with yellow glazed tiles and decorated with nine small beasts at each corner. Inside, the hall features gold dragons, colorful paintings, and a throne made of intricately carved gold lacquer. The architecture employs reduced columns to create a more spacious interior.
Jiaotai Hall (交泰殿)
Located between Qianqing Palace and Kunming Palace, Jiaotai Hall creates a north-south symmetry with Zhonghe Hall. Covering 430 square meters, it was built during the Qing Jiaqing period and renovated in 1655. The square layout features a single-eave pointed roof with a gilded copper top and yellow glazed tiles. The hall is richly decorated with dragon and phoenix motifs and houses a throne with a plaque inscribed by Emperor Kangxi. Inside, there are intricate designs and a gilded ceiling adorned with dragons holding pearls. The ground is paved with gold bricks, and the hall includes special artifacts like a copper drip clock and a large self-ringing bell.
Kunming Palace (坤宁宫)
Situated after Qianqing Palace and Jiaotai Hall, Kunming Palace spans 1,200 square meters and faces south, exuding grandeur. Built in 1420 during the Ming Yongle reign and rebuilt multiple times, it served as the empress’s residence during the Ming Dynasty. Renovated in 1655 during the Qing Shunzhi period, Kunming Palace features double doors and various living quarters, blending Manchu architectural styles with imperial elements. It includes warm alcoves, ceremonial areas, and kitchens, maintaining both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Shoukang Palace (寿康宫)
Located west of Cining Palace (慈宁宫) in the Inner West Route, Shoukang Palace was built in 1735 during the Qing Yongzheng reign. Constructed by Emperor Qianlong for his mother, Empress Dowager Chongqing, it became the dedicated residence for imperial dowagers. The palace features a meticulously organized layout with three courtyards, yellow glazed tiles, and hard mountain roofs. In 2018, the museum renovated Shoukang Palace, installing over 40 cold light sources to illuminate the exhibits, allowing visitors to appreciate the original setup from the Empress Dowager’s 50th birthday celebrations.
Huangji Hall (皇极殿)
Located in the Ningshou Palace Area of the Inner East Route, Huangji Hall was originally named Ningshou Palace (宁寿宫) when built in 1689 during the Kangxi reign. Renamed Huangji Hall in the Qianlong era, it became the place where Emperor Qianlong, after abdicating, continued to govern and receive audiences. Modeled after Qianqing Palace, it spans nine bays in width and five bays in depth, emphasizing the emperor’s supreme status. The hall is set on a white marble pedestal with a moon platform in front, connected to pathways adorned with sun dials and ceremonial weights, showcasing the emperor’s authority and the grandeur of imperial ceremonies.
Tour Routes
Two-Hour Tour Routes
Start at Wu Gate (午门), proceed through Taihe Gate (太和门), turn left into Hongyi Pavilion (弘义阁), return to Taihe Hall (太和殿), and walk north along a straight line visiting Zhonghe Hall (中和殿), Baohe Hall (保和殿), Qianqing Gate (乾清门), Qianqing Palace (乾清宫), Jiaotai Hall (交泰殿), Kunming Palace (坤宁宫), and the Imperial Garden (御花园), exiting through Shenwu Gate (神武门). This route covers 12 key attractions.
Enter through Wu Gate (午门), pass through Taihe Gate (太和门) to Taihe Hall (太和殿), Zhonghe Hall (中和殿), visit the western and eastern sections of Baohe Hall (保和殿西庑 and 保和殿洞庑), return to Baohe Hall, then head north straight through Qianqing Palace (乾清宫), Jiaotai Hall (交泰殿), Kunming Palace (坤宁宫), Imperial Garden (御花园), and exit through Shenwu Gate (神武门). This route covers 13 attractions.
Half-Day Tour Routes
Enter through Wu Gate (午门), turn right to visit Wenhua Hall (文华殿), return the same way to visit Taihe Gate (太和门) north of Wu Gate. Continue north past Taihe Hall (太和殿), Zhonghe Hall (中和殿), Baohe Hall (保和殿), then turn right to visit Fengxian Hall (奉先殿). Return through Qianqing Gate (乾清门) and continue north to explore Qianqing Palace (乾清宫), Jiaotai Hall (交泰殿), and Kunming Palace (坤宁宫). After visiting Kunming Palace, walk south and turn right to visit Yǎngxīn Hall (养心殿), then head north to explore the West Six Palaces (西六宫), Imperial Garden (御花园), and exit through Shenwu Gate (神武门). This route covers 14 attractions.
Enter through Wu Gate (午门), turn left to visit Wuying Hall (武英殿), return the same way, head north past Taihe Gate (太和门), Taihe Hall (太和殿), Zhonghe Hall (中和殿), Qianqing Palace (乾清宫), Jiaotai Hall (交泰殿), Kunming Palace (坤宁宫), and exit. Then turn right to walk south, turn left to visit Zhai Palace (斋宫), East Six Palaces (东六宫), and Ningshou Palace (宁寿宫), exiting through Shenwu Gate (神武门).
Full-Day Tour Route Recommendation
Start at Wu Gate (午门), turn left to visit Wuying Hall (武英殿), return the same way and head east to visit Wenhua Hall (文华殿). After Wenhua Hall, return through Taihe Gate (太和门) to explore Taihe Hall (太和殿), Zhonghe Hall (中和殿), Baohe Hall (保和殿), Qianqing Palace (乾清宫), Jiaotai Hall (交泰殿), and Kunming Palace (坤宁宫). From Kunming Palace, turn left south, then right to visit Yǎngxīn Hall (养心殿) and West Six Palaces (西六宫). Continue through the Imperial Garden (御花园) to the east to visit East Six Palaces (东六宫), Fengxian Hall (奉先殿), and Ningshou Palace (宁寿宫), then exit through Shenwu Gate (神武门).
How to Get to the Forbidden City
You can take Beijing Subway Line 1 and get off at Tiananmen East Station (天安门东站). Exit through the northwest exit, and you’ll see the main entrance and ticket office of the Forbidden City Museum right there.
Opening Hours
The Museum closes on Mondays except for statutory holidays.
Opening time for admission: 8:30
Last admission: 15:30
Morning session: Check tickets by 12:00 (noon). Afternoon session: Ticket checks start at 11:00 am.
Ticket Booking & Admission Policies
- No Same-Day Tickets: All visitors must make a real-name reservation for tickets, including those eligible for discounts. Tickets are not sold on-site.
- Ticket Reservation Time: Tickets (including general admission, Treasure Gallery, and Clock Gallery) are available for booking starting at 8:00 PM, 7 days before your visit. Tickets are valid only for the date you select and are non-refundable once used.
- Refund Policy:
- You can cancel tickets before 24:00 the day prior to your visit without penalty.
- After 20:00 on the visit day, cancellations are no longer allowed and will be counted as a missed appointment.
- Access Requirements: Visitors must present the original ID used for booking tickets at the Meridian Gate (Wu Men) for check-in.
- Ticket Refunds: Refunds will be processed to your original payment account within 5 working days.
Ticket Prices
- Peak Season (April 1 – October 31): 60 RMB per person
- Low Season (November 1 – March 31): 40 RMB per person
- Treasure Gallery & Clock Gallery: 10 RMB each
Discounts & Free Admission
- Students (7-18 years old & undergraduates) pay 20 RMB with valid student ID.
- Seniors (60+) can get half-price tickets.
- Children under 6 and disabled visitors enjoy free admission.
- On International Women’s Day (March 8), women can purchase tickets at half price.
- On Children’s Day (June 1), one parent accompanying a child under 14 gets half-price entry.
Tips for Visiting the Forbidden City
- Prepare for a Long Walk: The Forbidden City is the largest palace complex in the world, requiring extensive walking. If you have mobility issues, consider bringing a cane or wheelchair. Elderly visitors might find portable chairs helpful for taking breaks (check the museum’s policies on bringing assistive devices).
- Bring Snacks and Water: Touring the Forbidden City can be physically demanding, so having some snacks and drinks on hand is a good idea.
- Choose Good Weather: Visiting on a non-rainy day is more comfortable, though rainy days offer a unique charm if you’re prepared.
- Respect No-Photography Zones: Follow the museum’s rules and avoid taking photos where it’s prohibited.
- Opt for a Full-Day Tour: If possible, choose a full-day route to explore the entire Forbidden City comprehensively.
- No Smoking: Smoking is banned throughout the museum, so be sure to refrain from smoking inside.
- Protect the Heritage: Do not climb on ancient buildings, artifacts, rocks, trees, or touch, carve, or stain any structures or exhibits.
- Maintain Order: Avoid performances, promotions, interviews, surveys, religious activities, selling goods or services, and commercial photography within the premises. Live streaming, recording, eating, setting up easels, using flash photography, selfie sticks, or other camera equipment in exhibition halls are also prohibited.
- Be Cautious on Uneven Surfaces: The museum has many steps, steep slopes, and uneven pathways. Pay attention to warning signs and avoid lingering under eaves, near trees, rocks, or in narrow corridors. In case of emergencies, follow staff instructions or broadcast alerts for orderly evacuation.
Planning Your Visit
When planning your trip to experience the grandeur of the China royal heritage, make sure to secure your Forbidden City tickets in advance and familiarize yourself with the Forbidden City map to navigate smoothly through this majestic Forbidden Palace.
Enjoy your visit to one of the most iconic landmarks that encapsulate the essence of China’s imperial history!