The Forbidden City, China

The Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Beijing

The Forbidden City is the most visited museum in the world, routinely receiving 14 million people annually. That fact determines almost everything about the practical experience of going there. Daily visitors are capped at 80,000, and online booking is required; on peak days, the entry queue involves showing your booking confirmation and a Chinese ID or passport. Tickets cost 60 CNY in peak season (April through October) and 40 CNY in off-season. The booking system at palacemuseum.com.cn requires a Chinese mobile phone number for SMS verification, which means most international visitors either use an authorised third-party service or have their hotel handle the booking. This is worth sorting out before arrival.

The complex covers 72 hectares in the centre of Beijing, with 980 surviving buildings and 8,728 rooms. It served as the imperial palace from 1420 until 1912, housing the emperor, his court, and approximately 9,000 people who maintained and served the imperial household. Entry for anyone without authorisation was punishable by death; hence the English name.

Layout and Route

The palace is oriented precisely on a north-south axis. Enter from the south at Meridian Gate (Wumen), exit north through the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwumen) to Jingshan Park.

The central axis sequence: Gate of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian), Hall of Complete Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony. These are the largest and most architecturally impressive structures in the complex, used for state ceremonies where the emperor received tribute and conducted court rituals. Most visitors follow the central axis, which is correct, but misses most of the lateral buildings.

The Yangxindian (Hall of Mental Cultivation) off the central axis in the western section is where the last 8 Qing emperors conducted daily business; the Empress Dowager Cixi conducted court from behind the throne screen here from 1861 onward. The Treasure Gallery (added ticket, around 10-20 CNY) holds some of the finest jade and gold objects from the imperial collection.

Allow four to five hours minimum to cover the central axis and the most important lateral buildings.

Jingshan Park

The artificial hill immediately north of the exit was built from earth excavated during the Forbidden City’s construction in the early 15th century. Climbing to the central pavilion takes about 15 minutes and provides the only available view from above of the entire roof complex, the full extent of the 72 hectares visible at once. It is also the hilltop where the last Ming emperor is believed to have hanged himself from a locust tree as rebel forces entered Beijing in 1644. The tree died long ago; a replacement stands in approximately the same location.

Eating Near the Palace

The palace has its own restaurant and food stalls inside; convenient but mediocre. Better to exit and eat properly.

Nanlouguxiang street, about 2 kilometres north of the palace, is a restored hutong (traditional alley) with cafes, restaurants, and small bars in preserved courtyard buildings. Good for an informal lunch or afternoon coffee.

Duck de Chine near the Forbidden City is a modern roast duck restaurant offering a contemporary take on the Beijing classic at mid-range prices; MXN 200-300 per person. Better than the formal Peking duck restaurant experiences that cater specifically to tour groups.

Getting There

Tiananmen East and Tiananmen West Metro stations (Lines 1 and 2) are the closest access points. The walk from either station to the Meridian Gate entrance takes about 10 minutes. Tiananmen Square, which you cross to approach the palace, is itself worth 20 minutes: the largest city square in the world, anchored by the portrait of Mao above the Tiananmen gate.