Forbidden City Tours and Activities

Forbidden City featuring heritage architecture, a river or creek and a lake or waterhole
Forbidden City
Forbidden City featuring a castle and heritage architecture as well as a large group of people
Forbidden City
Forbidden City featuring a square or plaza as well as a small group of people


This formerly restricted imperial palace complex is now a public museum that shows the splendor of the old China. It is one of Beijing’s most impressive sites.

The Forbidden City is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Beijing, and in fact, the whole of China. For hundreds of years, only the royal entourage was allowed to enter  through the formidable walls, which is why the complex earned the name “Forbidden City.” Since 1925, its opulent plazas have been open to the public, attracting millions of tourists each year.

Surrounded by a moat and a high wall with corner watchtowers, this vast complex of ancient wooden palaces and religious structures was once a residence for Chinese emperors. Now managed by the Palace Museum, the authentic buildings, antique collections and manicured gardens within the compound are carefully preserved.

Most visitors spend at least half a day in the vast Forbidden City. Enter through the Gate of Heavenly Peace and pick up a map or digital audio tour at the ticketing office. Browse the expansive site with nearly a 1,000 structures yourself, or hire a reputable guide.

See if you can spot the architectural influences of many different cultures and enter the old halls and pavilions to find precious artifacts. See rare bronze objects, old paintings and everyday household items, which give you insight into what life was like behind these imperial walls.

You can’t miss the extravagant five-arch Meridian Gate and the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest among the many grand and lavishly decorated ceremonial halls in the complex. To end your visit, stroll through the Imperial Garden and exit through the Gate of Divine Might.

Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is easy to reach on foot, or by bike or public transport. The subway Tian'anmen East and West stations are close to the South Gate. A city bus circles the complex on the outside, so you can get from one side to the other in a short time. Visit on a weekday if you want to avoid large crowds.

Plan a trip to see Forbidden City

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East Sacred Hotel-near Beijing Tiananmen Square,the Forbidden City,Wangfujing Street-Newly renovated hotel
Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing
Gracie Art Hotel 798

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Best Lodging Options Near Forbidden City

Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

4 out of 5
No.88 Dengshikou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing
Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
Grand Hyatt Beijing

Grand Hyatt Beijing

5 out of 5
1 East Chang An Avenue, Beijing, Beijing
Grand Hyatt Beijing
Novotel Beijing Peace

Novotel Beijing Peace

4 out of 5
No 3 Jinyu Hutong, Beijing, Beijing
Novotel Beijing Peace
Hilton Beijing Wangfujing

Hilton Beijing Wangfujing

5 out of 5
8 Wangfujing East Street, Dongcheng, Beijing, Beijing
Hilton Beijing Wangfujing
Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel

Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel

5 out of 5
57 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing
Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel
Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

5 out of 5
50 Wangfujing Avenue, Beijing, Beijing
Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
Regent Beijing

Regent Beijing

5 out of 5
99 Jinbao St Dongcheng Dstrct, Beijing, Beijing
Regent Beijing
The Peninsula Beijing

The Peninsula Beijing

5 out of 5
8 Jinyu Hutong, DongDan, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing, Beijing
The Peninsula Beijing
Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

4 out of 5
97 Jinbao St., Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing
Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Forbidden City

When visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by enjoying shopping, entertainment, and theatre in the vicinity. Consider joining a private tour for a more personalized experience, with convenient meeting points available. Don't miss the chance to attend a performance at the touristy Liyuan Theatre or explore the city on a sightseeing or bike tour to truly appreciate the historical and cultural richness of this iconic landmark.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience near the Forbidden City, visit Intime Lotte Department Store, only 805m away, or explore Lotus Market, located 1.6km away. For a wider variety, the Beijing New World Shopping Mall, 3.2km away, offers family-friendly entertainment and shopping vibes.

Recreation

Enjoy a captivating concert at the Forbidden City Concert Hall, where the vibrant atmosphere enhances the musical experience. For relaxation, visit Jingshan Table Tennis Park, where you can unwind while playing table tennis amidst serene surroundings. For sports enthusiasts, Workers Stadium offers lively events and engaging activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrills of Happy Magic Water Cube, a lively waterpark located 8.0km from Forbidden City, perfect for families. For adrenaline junkies, Goldenport Park Circuit, 11.6kms away, offers exciting motor racing. If you enjoy winter sports, Baijing Bayi Ski Field, 20.9km away, is ideal for skiing adventures.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Forbidden City offers vibrant experiences. Enjoy a performance at the Great Hall of the People, or dance the night away at Yugong Yíshan. For a more family-friendly option, catch a show at the Beijing Capital Theatre, all within 1.6km's reach.

Find the best attractions near Forbidden City

When visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing, immerse yourself in its rich history while exploring nearby attractions like Wangfujing Street. This area is perfect for those seeking cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Don't miss the chance to visit this iconic historic site, and consider looking into room rates for accommodations nearby to enhance your stay.

  • Tiananmen Square: Experience the grandeur of Tiananmen Square, a massive public space that reflects China's rich culture and history. Surrounded by important monuments, this vibrant square is perfect for leisurely strolls and people-watching.
  • The Palace Museum: Located adjacent to the Forbidden City, The Palace Museum offers a deep dive into imperial history. Marvel at its stunning architecture and expansive collection of artefacts that showcase China's royal heritage.
  • Beijing Qianmen Street: Stroll down Beijing Qianmen Street, a lively thoroughfare that blends traditional charm with modern city vibes. Enjoy local cuisine, shop for unique souvenirs, and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere.

Best time to go to Forbidden City

Visitor numbers around Forbidden City is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Forbidden City is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January26.1°F (-3.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February32.2°F (0.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.9°F (7.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
April59.0°F (15.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
July81.7°F (27.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August78.4°F (25.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October57.7°F (14.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November41.2°F (5.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December28.2°F (-2.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Forbidden City

When visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Wangfujing Street, Tiananmen Square, and Qianmen Street. To save on accommodation, plan your trip between December and February, book hotels at least three months in advance, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Saturdays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Utilize Expedia’s tools to find budget-friendly options and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Always check for deals with free cancellation and best price guarantees.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Forbidden City are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, August and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Forbidden City about 3+ months out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Forbidden City is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Forbidden City is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you set your budget, choose your ideal location, and customize other preferences. You can sort the results to display hotels from the most affordable to the highest prices, ensuring you find the best deals first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you a range of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near the Forbidden City with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.