Hi, I am going to have a trip to Forbidden City in Beijing. But I know little about it. Is it far from Beijing downtown? Any tips in seeing the place?

Dear Christina,

Thanks for contacting Top China Travel! 

Forbidden City is one of the most visited scenic spot in Beijing, even in China. Every year, it is attracted to this place by its reputation. Before you go visit this place, some useful tips are advised for you to have a good trip to this imperial palace.

How to get
Forbidden City is located in the very central area of Beijing. So the transportation is quite convenient. Subway Line 1 - get off at Tiananmen East Station or Tiananmen West Station, is the most recommended way to get there.

About Tickets
One is suggested to better to buy tickets in the North Side (Gate of Divine Might), which faces the Jingshan Hill Park and rather than in the Meridian Gate Side in the south, because there are less crowds and lines at the ticket booths here. What is more, you can begin your trek here and walk up to the Mao Mausoleum in Tiananmen Square, about 3 kilometers of walking all in all.

Opening hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm everyday, except Monday (closed)

Admission Fee is: 60 RMB per person. But this is only for the entrance tickets. Separate admission fee of 10 RMB for entrance to Treasure Gallery is charged and 10 RMB for entrance to Clock and Watch Gallery. Combo Ticket that includes admission to Treasure Gallery and Clock and Watch Gallery is 80 RMB per person. If you are not interested in the above sites inside the Forbidden City, you could pass them.

About sightseeing
It usually takes about 2 hours to see most of the open areas in the Forbidden City. If you are interested, you can go to watch the flag-raising ceremony in the early morning in Tiananmen Square, then go ahead to your trip to Forbidden City. The square is just near to the palace. And the entrance near to Tiananmen Square is the Meridian Gate Side.

you can find maps (which are written in both Chinese and English characters)of the various areas around the large 72 hectare Forbidden City at the various areas around the huge complex like in the Meridian Gate or at the gate of Supreme Harmony and around the Hall of Supreme Harmony, so your would not get lost. Or you can download maps from Google maps on your smart phone beforehand and use your GPS Locator (also works offline) to know where you are located. If necessary, one can also rent a navigating instrument as the guide. Then you follow the route on the navigating instrument. When you get to the pointed site, it will tell the relative knowledge about it. Visitors can learn a lot from it.

Because yellow is the symbol of the royal family, it is the dominant color in the Forbidden City. Roofs are built with yellow glazed tiles; decorations in the palace are painted yellow; even the bricks on the ground are made yellow by a special process.

Any further request or question, please feel free to contact with us.