Traveler Overview

4.5 12,950 reviews

Excellent58%
Very good30%
Average10%
Poor1%
Terrible1%

Travelers talk about

“forbidden city”(3,210 reviews)

“audio guide”(352 reviews)

“this place is huge”(100 reviews)

About

Consisting of more than 9,000 rooms and spread over 250 acres, this huge palace complex was built in the 15th century and later extensively renovated and restored during the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century.

Closed Now

Hours Today: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

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Suggested duration: 2-3 hours

As featured in 3 Days in Beijing

Contact

No.4 Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100009, China

Website

+86 10 8500 7422

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Ways to Experience Forbidden City-The Palace Museum

Beijing Forbidden City Admission Ticket

39 Reviews

from US$9.25

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Skip The Line 4-Hour Beijing Private...

4 Reviews

from US$59.00

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4-Hour Private Layover Tour: Forbidden City

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Forbidden City with Royal Icehouse Dining...

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Reviews (12,950)

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Nettetrips

Thornton Cleveleys, United Kingdom

281

Reviewed today via mobile

History lesson and amazing architecture

Spent several hours with a tour group exploring the complex but given time to explore on our own too. A must when in Beijing but wear comfy shoes as it is enormous. Visited 5 years ago so time to revisit.

Date of experience: March 2018

Thank Nettetrips

nneknuv

Tokyo, Japan

2836

Reviewed 2 days ago via mobile

Must visit place in Beijing

The palace is really big unfortunately there were too many areas under renovation including the residence of the king. No doubt it is one of the greatest piece of architectures in China.

Date of experience: December 2018

Thank nneknuv

werich75

Incheon, South Korea

6913

Reviewed 3 days ago via mobile

Soo big, very tiring

We spend there almost half day, too much to see, too much people, and young kids, it was great to book a private tour guide, but if you are in a budget there are some audio gadgets you can rent. Nice place and it is...More

Date of experience: February 2019

Thank werich75

alexgovender

113

Reviewed 6 days ago

Not 'Forbidden' at all!!

chose to visit, again, during the Spring festival. Although the streets of Beijing were quiet and devoid of all kinds of traffic, the tourist spots are quite busy! Having easily booked tickets online, it was just as easy entering this 'Forbidden City'. I still marvel...More

Date of experience: February 2019

Thank alexgovender

157annabelb

Chengdu, China

3012

Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile

Terrible tour guide

I strongly recommend you book a tour to visit the Forbidden City, in order to get a proper understanding of what you’re seeing. However, when booking your tour check where other reviewers are from...we booked a tour with a 5* tour guide whose English was...More

Date of experience: December 2018

Thank 157annabelb

BeijingEye

Beijing, China

31876

Reviewed 1 week ago

Must Visit in Beijing

A visit to Beijing is not complete without the Forbidden City. There is timed admittance, which is great as it controls the crowds. Suggest you buy tickets on line to save time and queing at the site!

Date of experience: February 2019

Thank BeijingEye

ekeat79

George Town, Malaysia

8735

Reviewed 1 week ago

Massive place... rich history... beautiful sculptures....

You'll need to allocate practically the whole day at this place (even if do not spend sufficient time appreciating its rich history or its marvelous architecture), as walking through this museum itself will take a huge toll on your legs due to its massive built-up...More

Date of experience: December 2018

Thank ekeat79

masalatea222

Hong Kong, China

8

Reviewed 1 week ago

Get your online ticket before heading to the Forbidden City

We traveled to Beijing and thought of visiting this must go attraction during chinese new year. went through the security check and into the gate with lots of excitement, only to realize that No. 1, the Palace is closed on Monday. No 2. you must...More

Date of experience: February 2019

Thank masalatea222

Mountainsr4climbing

3

Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

Massive and impressive

The complex is huge - be prepared to walk - but well worth it. The audio tour is quite good - without it or a guide you’ll not have the full experience at all. There are many little corners and details to explore, and the...More

Date of experience: January 2019

Thank Mountainsr4climbing

happyvic21

Singapore, Singapore

21

Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

A must for all keen in all things ancient

Palace Museum Beijing aka The Forbidden City is steeped in the richness of culture. Good visit for all categories of travellers especially for solo ones. Spend a day or two with a guide or without one marvelling at the ancient works. All you need is...More

Date of experience: December 2018

Thank happyvic21

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Questions & Answers

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Mary M

I was wondering for how long one can stay inside the Palace museum / Forbidden city if you enter at the time of last entry ( I think 16:30 during peak time?). I guess they let you take a few hours? Thanks

24 August 2018|

AnswerShow all 5 answers

It does take a few hours to see the whole place. I was there for about 4 hours but if you whip round and just see the main palaces it might take you an hour or 2. Depends how keen you are as after a while, they all seem to... More