Forbidden City
✅ VerifiedBeijing
The Forbidden City requires advance booking with your passport — and you are choosing between entry ticket and combined ticket with treasury/clock gallery.
Last verified: 2026-08-21
Why choosing is confusing
The Forbidden City (Palace Museum) requires real-name booking tied to your passport, with limited daily slots that often sell out days in advance. There are two ticket types: the standard entry ticket and a combined ticket that adds the Treasury Gallery and Clock Gallery. The palace is closed on Mondays (except Chinese public holidays). You enter from the south (Meridian Gate) and exit from the north — it is one-directional.
Local guide's shortcut
For most visitors
Book the standard entry ticket (¥60 peak / ¥40 off-season). The Treasury and Clock galleries are nice extras but not essential for a first visit. Book at least 3–7 days in advance, especially for weekends and holidays. Bring your passport.
Choose by Travel Style
Which ticket fits you?
Guide first, booking second. The final product names and inclusions can be connected to the existing ticket inventory.
Standard Entry Ticket
Best for most first-time visitors who want the core palace experience
What this combination includes
- ✓Full access to the main palace complex (south to north axis)
- ✓All major halls: Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony, Imperial Garden
- ✓Access to the main exhibition galleries
What's not included
- Treasury Gallery (珍宝馆, extra ¥10)
- Clock Gallery (钟表馆, extra ¥10)
- Audio guide (¥20 Chinese / ¥40 English)
Main trade-off
Covers 90% of what first-time visitors want. The Treasury and Clock galleries are small specialized museums — worth visiting only if you have extra time or specific interest.
¥60 peak / ¥40 off-season (≈ US$8–6) + US$0.99 service fee
Book this optionEntry + Treasury + Clock Gallery
Best for museum enthusiasts and repeat visitors who want the full experience
What this combination includes
- ✓Everything in the standard entry ticket
- ✓Treasury Gallery — imperial gold, jade, and precious artifacts
- ✓Clock Gallery — European and Chinese imperial clocks and timepieces
What's not included
- Audio guide (sold separately)
Main trade-off
Adds ¥20 to the ticket price. Both extra galleries are inside the palace grounds (no extra walking between gates). Allow an extra 45–60 minutes for both.
¥80 peak / ¥60 off-season (≈ US$11–8) + US$0.99 service fee
Book this optionBefore you book
Passport Booking — Critical
- •Tickets are real-name and tied to your passport number. You must bring the same passport you used when booking.
- •Booking window: up to 7 days in advance. Tickets sell out quickly — especially weekends, summer (July–August), and Chinese holidays.
- •No walk-up tickets are sold. If you arrive without a booking, you cannot enter.
- •Booking must be done through the official Palace Museum WeChat mini-program or an authorized English platform.
Monday Closure
- •The Palace Museum is closed on Mondays (except Chinese public holidays). Plan your visit accordingly.
- •Even on open days, some individual galleries may rotate closures for maintenance.
Entry & Exit Flow
- •One-directional route: enter south (Meridian Gate), exit north (Gate of Divine Prowess). No backtracking.
- •After exiting the north gate, you are at Jingshan Park — worth a quick visit for the panoramic Forbidden City view.
- •There is no subway station at the south entrance. The closest is Tiananmen East (Line 1), about a 15-minute walk.
Children & Seniors
- •Children under 18 (with valid ID): free entry, but still need a reservation.
- •Seniors 60+: half-price ticket. Must also book in advance.
Ready to book?
We help you secure your Forbidden City reservation. Due to high demand, we recommend contacting us at least 5–7 days before your planned visit. The booking is tied to your passport — please have it ready.
Still unsure? Ask a Local
Tell us your travel date, group size, and preferences — we'll recommend the best option for you.
💬 Chat with a Local ExpertFrequently asked questions
Can I buy tickets at the gate?+
No. The Palace Museum does not sell walk-up tickets. All visitors must book in advance online with their passport number.
What if I lose my passport on the day of visit?+
You will not be able to enter. The ticket is tied to the passport number and staff verify it at the gate. Bring your physical passport.
How far in advance should I book?+
At least 3–7 days ahead for regular days. For weekends, summer, and holidays, book as soon as the 7-day window opens. Slots can sell out within hours.
Is there an English audio guide?+
Yes, available for rent at the entrance (¥40). It covers the main route and is well worth it if you are not hiring a guide.