No visit to Beijing is complete without exploring the Palace Museum, better known as the Forbidden City. Once home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the world's largest and best-preserved wooden-structured imperial palace complexes, where six centuries of history, architecture, and culture come together.
Cross the magnificent Meridian Gate and enter a city of golden rooftops, grand courtyards, ornate halls, and tranquil imperial gardens. With more than 980 surviving buildings and an extraordinary collection of over 1.9 million cultural relics, the Palace Museum offers an immersive journey into China's imperial past. From priceless paintings and calligraphy to exquisite porcelains, jade, clocks, and royal treasures, every corner tells a story of the emperors who once ruled China.
Beyond its spectacular architecture, the Palace Museum is a living cultural landmark. Seasonal exhibitions, conservation projects, and digital experiences allow visitors to discover the palace from fresh perspectives, while every season paints the ancient complex in a different light — from blossoming spring gardens and lush summer courtyards to vibrant autumn foliage and snow-covered palace roofs.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn offer the best weather. Visit early for fewer crowds and better photos, or come in winter to see the palace beautifully blanketed in snow.
Suggested route (3-4 hours)
Begin at the Meridian Gate and follow the central axis through the Outer Court before exploring the Inner Court. If time permits, continue to the Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery (extra ticket needed), then exit through the Gate of Divine Prowess and finish your visit at nearby Jingshan Park for panoramic views over the palace.
Practical info
Recommended visit duration: Allow 4-6 hours for a thorough exploration of the palace complex. Visiting the Palace Museum involves considerable walking and can be physically demanding. Luggage can be stored at the entrance and collected at the designated exits. To fully enjoy your visit, avoid planning an overly packed itinerary for the same day.
Entrance: Meridian Gate (Wu Men 午门)
Exits: The Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu Men 神武门) or the East Prosperity Gate (Donghua Men 东华门)
General admission: 60 yuan ($8.80)/per person (April 1 - Oct 31); 40 yuan/person (Nov 1 – March 31)
Advance reservation is required. Tickets are available seven days in advance through the Palace Museum's official booking platform.
Getting there:
By metro (recommended): The Palace Museum is most conveniently reached by Beijing Metro. Take Line 1 to Tian'anmen East Station or Tian'anmen West Station, then walk through Tian'anmen Rostrum to the Meridian Gate.
By bus: Multiple public bus routes stop near Tian'anmen Square, within walking distance of the museum.
By taxi or ride-hailing: Search for "The Palace Museum" or "故宫博物院" as your destination. Due to traffic restrictions and security measures around the Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square, vehicles cannot drive to and stop directly at the Meridian Gate. Visitors should expect to be dropped off nearby and walk approximately 10-15 minutes to the entrance.
