The Forbidden City Travel Guide
Highlights, History & Visitor Information
The Forbidden City in Beijing, also known as the Imperial Palace, served as the royal residence of Chinese emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1911). Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest and best-preserved wooden palace complexes in the world.
Covering an immense area of approximately 720,000 square metres, the Forbidden City is home to over 8,700 rooms and halls, earning it the nickname “a sea of palaces.” As you walk through its grand courtyards and majestic halls, you’ll journey through more than 600 years of imperial Chinese history, art, and culture — an unforgettable experience for history lovers and first-time visitors alike.
1. Main Highlights
🏯 The Outer Court — Ceremonial Heart of the Empire
The Outer Court was the formal area where emperors conducted state ceremonies and major imperial events.
It consists of three major halls: Taihe Hall, Zhonghe Hall, and Baohe Hall.
Taihe Hall: The most magnificent building in the Forbidden City, it was the site of the most important ceremonies, including the coronation of the emperor. Inside is a throne (dragon throne), and on the roof of the palace you can see a proboscis beast, a distinctive decoration in Chinese architecture.
Wenhua Hall and Wuying Hall: Located on the east and west wings of the three main halls.
🏮 Inner Court — Imperial Family Living Quarters
The Inner Court was the private quarters where the emperor and his family spent their daily lives.
The Three Later Palaces: Qianqing Palace, Jiaotai Palace, and Kunning Palace.
Qianqing Palace: This was the emperor's study and bedroom. It was also the site of famous historical events such as the "Rin'in Palace Incident" and the "Red Pill Incident" during the Ming Dynasty.
The Six Palaces of the East and West: These are the residences of the empresses and consorts. They are now open to the public as exhibition halls with various themes.
Yangxin Hall: During the late Qing dynasty, it became the political center of the country, serving as a place where emperors from Emperor Yongzheng onwards lived and conducted their affairs of state affairs.
🌿 The Imperial Garden — A Hidden Palace Retreat
Located to the north of the Inner Court, this beautiful garden was created for the imperial family using traditional gardening techniques, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing scenery throughout the seasons.
2. Historical Stories
🐉 Legends of the Forbidden City
Legend of the 9,999.5 Rooms: There was once a legend that the number of rooms in the Forbidden City was 9,999.5, half a room less than the Heavenly Palace. This was because it was believed that the Ziwei Palace, the heavenly abode of the Heavenly Emperor, should not have more than 10,000 rooms, and because "nine" is the most sacred number symbolizing the emperor and its sound is reminiscent of "eternity." In fact, a survey in 1973 confirmed that the number was 8,707 rooms.
The origin of the Forbidden City's nickname: In ancient Chinese astronomy, the star "Purple Star," where the Heavenly Emperor resides, was considered the center of the universe. As the emperor was the "son of the Heavenly Emperor," his palace was likened to the "Purple Palace," and because it was a "forbidden place" that ordinary people were not allowed to enter, it came to be called the "Forbidden City."
3. Useful Information Before Your Visit
Address: 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Opening Hours：4/1-10/31：8:30-17:00（Last entry16:10）
11/1-3/31：8:30-16:30 (Last entry 15:40)
Closed: Every Monday (except public holidays and major Chinese festivals such as Chinese New Year and National Day)
Admission tickets: Advance reservations are required, and must be made at least one week in advance via the Palace Museum's official website or official WeChat app.
Main entrances: The entrance is through the Horse Gate and the exit is through the Shenbu Gate.
Directly opposite the exit is Jingshan Park, a popular viewpoint offering one of the best panoramic views of the Forbidden City.
4. Visiting Etiquette and Important Notes
● Regarding large luggage:
Please refrain from bringing large luggage (such as carry-on bags) onto the premises. There is a baggage storage facility in front of the Gomon Gate (fees apply). You can pick up your luggage at the Jinbumon Gate at the exit.
● Prohibited acts:
◆ Large-scale commercial photography (using equipment such as tripods and pulleys).
◆ Smoking is permitted throughout the premises.
◆ Flying a drone.
● Other information:
Please refrain from touching the exhibits or buildings inside the museum. The beautiful scenery you see here is a valuable cultural heritage that should be passed on to future generations.
5. Pandaland Trip's Original Tour Services
At Pandaland Trip, we not only support smooth sightseeing in your native language, but also provide unique services to solve any problems you may have while sightseeing at the Forbidden Palace.
• Advance reservation of admission tickets: We will reserve tickets to the Forbidden City in advance, which can be difficult for individuals to do, freeing you from the complicated process.
• Private car transfers & luggage storage: Enjoy a smooth journey from your desired location to the Forbidden City in a private car. Leave your large luggage safely inside the car, eliminating the need for a luggage locker and allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
• Narrative commentary by an expert guide: Rather than simply explaining the facts, we will guide you through the Forbidden Palace as a story, incorporating the meaning of the architecture, historical anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes stories not found in guidebooks.
• Efficient routes that take crowds into consideration: We will suggest an efficient sightseeing route that avoids the crowds during the tourist season and allows you to enjoy the sights at a leisurely pace.
With Pandaland Trip, you can have a hassle-free and memorable visit to the Forbidden City for a lifetime!
