Want to travel to China, the Middle Kingdom? Then be sure to visit the fascinating Forbidden City, a historic marvel that has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987!
The Forbidden City is the name usually given to Beijing’s imperial palace, a gigantic edifice built over 600 years ago. Along with the Great Wall of China, it’s the country’s most visited tourist attraction! This gigantic space is the largest palace in the world and, due to its sheer size, it’s essential to organize your visit to the Forbidden City in Beijing so as not to exhaust yourself unnecessarily in this insane space.
So we’ve put together the perfect travel guide for you, with all the practical information you need: a brief history, the major attractions of this Chinese cultural mecca, as well as the best ways to get there, times and prices: so, are we going to visit the Forbidden City in Beijing?
History of Beijing’s Forbidden City
In the early 15th century, the reigning emperor Yongle of the Ming dynasty decided to move the capital from Nanjing to Beijing. The construction of the Forbidden City began in 1406 and was completed less than fifteen years later – an unprecedented feat for its time! Over two hundred thousand workers took part in the construction of this monumental palatial complex, still the largest in the world today: it extends over 72 hectares, measures 960 meters long by 750 meters wide, and is surrounded by a wall almost 10 meters high housing pavilions, temples, palaces and gardens. Mostly built of wood, materials were sourced from the four corners of the empire, and their assembly demonstrated impressive architectural expertise.
Over the course of its history, the Forbidden City – access to which was strictly regulated and which, hence its name, was off-limits to ordinary mortals – was destroyed and rebuilt many times: most of the buildings visible today date from the 18th century. It was home to some twenty emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, between 1420 and 1924, until Puyi, the last emperor, was ousted after a putsch: From then on, it opened its doors to the Chinese public, enabling them to visit the Forbidden City in Beijing, a space that had been forbidden for 500 years, and renamed « Gugong Bówùyuàn », which means « Palace Museum » in Chinese.
What to see and do in Beijing’s Forbidden City?
The Forbidden City comprises 980 buildings housing numerous relics typical of Chinese civilization. Fun fact: the Forbidden City was once home to 9999 rooms, as only deities could afford to build buildings with more than 10,000 rooms! In fact, this number was inflated, and since a 1973 study, a total of just over 8700 rooms has been counted – which is already colossal, of course.
These contain historical collections and fascinating legends that you can discover throughout your visit! In fact, the six palaces located exactly on the central axis are the most important and therefore the most popular with tourists, who visit only these palaces before finishing their visit with the Imperial Garden to the north. These palaces are home to exhibits highlighting imperial daily life: the Palace of Ancestral Worship and its Clock Gallery, the Bronze Gallery in the Palace of Celestial Grace, the splendid porcelain and ceramics in the Palace of Literary Glory and the paintings and calligraphy in the Palace of Military Prowess are just a few examples!
Some lesser-known places are also worth a detour when visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing, such as the emperor’s chamber in the Palace of the Nourishment of the Spirit, or the Palace of Benevolent Tranquillity, which housed… his wives. Also noteworthy is the Pavilion of Literary Depth, which, as its name suggests, housed the imperial library and stands out as the only building in the complex covered in green tiles.
Book your ticket to visit Beijing’s Forbidden City
How do I visit Beijing’s Forbidden City?
Photo credit: Forbidden City official website
Despite the gigantic size of the city, it’s easy to visit the Forbidden City in Beijing: it’s located right in the heart of the metropolis, right in the city center. Although several gates give access to the Forbidden City, we recommend that you enter this unique site via the monumental Tian An Men Square, right in front of the Forbidden City in Beijing, accessible via the metro at the « Tian An Men West » or « Tian An Men East » stops; but also by cab, which are still very affordable and abound in the city!
Beijing Forbidden City opening hours & prices
SCHEDULES
You can visit the Forbidden City in Beijing from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April to October, and from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. between November and March, except on Mondays when the palace is closed. If you’re visiting during the summer season, we particularly recommend starting your visit as soon as the site is open: it will be less crowded, and Beijing’s seasonal high temperatures will be more bearable!
RATES
Admission is extremely affordable, given the cultural importance of the site: from November to March, it costs 40 yuan ( €5.30). From April to October, it’s 60 yuan, or just under €8! An audioguide is available for 40 yuan, to help you get the most out of your visit to Beijing’s Forbidden City.
Book your ticket to visit Beijing’s Forbidden City
GOOD TO KNOW
Visiting Beijing’s Forbidden City requires careful preparation. From visiting time to site accessibility, we’ve listed the most important points for you:
– Allow at least four hours to visit the Forbidden City in Beijing: in fact, there are over a million works of art to be admired in the Palace Museum’s collections; whichever you choose, you’re sure to be impressed and take home lasting memories!
– Pets are not allowed inside Beijing’s Forbidden City.
– Photography is permitted in most rooms, but you will not be allowed to use a flash or tripod.
– If you come to visit Beijing’s Forbidden City, it’s possible to buy something to eat.
– Changing rooms are available at the entrance to Beijing’s Forbidden City.
– The central axis of the Palace Museum is accessible to wheelchair users and other visitors who should avoid the stairs. An access map for your visit is available by clicking on this link.