Off limits for 500 years, the Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing was finally opened to the masses in 1949. This is a huge complex and China's most spectacular architectural structure. It is in fact the largest palace complex in the world. It was home to 24 emperors in two dynasties, the Ming and the Qing, it is China's imperial palace and also known as the Palace Museum as it contains many of the surviving imperial relics and artworks.
The complex was called "Forbidden" because ordinary people were not allowed to enter. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Chinese palace architecture.
Get ready to do some walking as you traverse the many halls, gates, and lookout towers... catch your breath at the courtyards and terraces... everything intricately decorated from the balustrades to the roofs... and full of history, folklore and legends... you could spend hours wandering through...
Highlights and How to Tackle the Huge Complex
The Forbidden City is very large - it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
Best Strategy: Enter from the south (Meridian Gate) and walk north in a logical route passing through all the highlights. Focus on the central axis first, then explore side areas if time allows.
Time Needed: 3-5 hours for a good visit (half day). Serious history lovers can spend a full day.
Meridian Gate (South Gate)
The Meridian Gate (Wu Men) is the grand southern entrance to the Forbidden City. This massive gate was where emperors reviewed their troops and announced important edicts.
Standing here gives you your first powerful impression of the scale of the palace.
Inner Golden Water Bridges
There are five parallel Inner Golden Water Bridges. Historically, your social status strictly determined which bridge you were allowed to step on:
- The Central Bridge: The widest bridge, featuring the most intricate dragon carvings. It was the Imperial Path, reserved exclusively for the Emperor
- The Flanking Bridges: Positioned immediately to the left and right of the center, these were used by members of the imperial family and high-ranking princes.
- The Outer Bridges: Positioned on the far left and right ends, these were designated for military and civilian government officials.
Gate of Supreme Harmony
The Gate of Supreme Harmony is quickly recognized by the two iconic giant bronze lions that stand directly in front of the Gate. These are the largest and most famous guardian lion statues inside the entire palace complex and frequently featured on travel brochures.
The Male Lion (East Side): He rests his right front paw on a decorated globe, which symbolizes the emperor's absolute dominion over the unified world.
The Female Lion (West Side): She rests her left front paw on a playful lion cub turned onto its back, which symbolizes a thriving, prosperous imperial family and continuous lineage.
Hall of Supreme Harmony
Once you walk through that lion guarded gate, you will cross into a massive 30,000-square-meter courtyard (like 5 American football fields). This is the grandest, most massive courtyard in the entire Forbidden City. Rising from the center of that courtyard is a grand, three-tiered white marble terrace where the Hall of Supreme Harmony stands.
There are absolutely no trees, plants or anything else in the courtyard that could hide or disguise enemies. The floor consists of 15 layers of cross-laid bricks, no chance of digging a tunnel from the outside to enter the grand Hall.
This is the largest and most important hall in the Forbidden City. This is where emperors held major ceremonies, including coronations and New Year celebrations.
When you climb the steps and stand directly on that three-tiered white marble terrace, you are standing on the most sacred architectural foundation in imperial China. Up close, this terrace is packed with highly detailed symbolic artwork, and ancient engineering marvels.
If you look closely at the base of the marble railings on all three levels, you will see hundreds of protruding, beautifully carved stone dragon heads.
These are not just decorations, they are the palace's complex drainage system. During heavy Beijing rainstorms, water drains off the terraces and pours out of all 1,142 dragon mouths simultaneously!
Dotted around the terrace you will also find massive Gilded Bronze Cauldrons, incense burners, bronze sculptures of cranes and turtles...
In front of the hall, the Imperial Way, a central path carved with marble dragons, continues forward, drawing your eyes straight up to the imperial throne room.
You can peek through the grand latticed doors and look into the absolute epicenter of imperial power in ancient China. The impressive dragon throne and ornate decorations show the power and wealth of the imperial court.
Look up the Hall and spot the ten glazed mythical beasts lined up along the corners of the roof ridges, a unique status symbol reserved exclusively for the highest-ranking building in the empire.
Inner Court - The Emperor's Private Quarters
Beyond the formal halls lies the Inner Court, where the emperor, empress, and concubines lived. This area feels more intimate, with beautiful smaller palaces, gardens, and living spaces. It gives you a glimpse into daily imperial life.
Treasure Gallery & Clock Gallery
Both galleries are located in the Eastern side of the complex around the Inner Court and contain fascinating collections of imperial treasures and intricate clocks.
They require separate admission tickets in addition to your general entry ticket to the Palace Museum.
Imperial Garden
At the northern end of the Forbidden City, this elegant garden features ancient cypress trees, rockeries, pavilions, and beautiful bronze incense burners. It was a private retreat for the imperial family and is one of the most peaceful spots in the complex.
And Just Beyond the North Gate...
After your visit, exit through the North Gate and walk accross to Jingshan Park. Here you can climb to the top for one of the best panoramic views over the entire palace complex. It's a lovely hilltop park and the perfect place to take photos and rest after your visit. Highly recommended, allow 1 hour extra.
Practical Visiting Tips
Best Time: Early morning (opens at 8:30 AM) to avoid crowds and heat. Closed on Mondays.
Tickets: You must book in advance. There are no walk-up tickets sold at the entrance. There is a daily visitor limit, around 40,000 tickets per day which helps manage crowds. Tickets are released 7 days in advance and sell out quickly especially on weekends and holidays.
- Book your ticket through the official site of the Palace Museum or the WeChat miniprogram.
- Buy Palace Museum Entrance Ticket plus Jingshan Park Half-Day Tour US$20.79.
Audio Guide: Highly recommended - available in different languages.
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, water, and a hat in summer.
Getting There: Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West station. Short walk from both.
Visiting the Forbidden City with Kids
Getting bored with so many temples and halls?
- Have them look for all the different animals they can find (and snap a photo for older kids), whoever finds the most wins! Mythical animals also count, look up on the roofs as well.
- Keep the visit short and head over to nearby Beihai Park, rent a boat and paddle in the lake for a half hour or so. Here you can unwind, it really is a beautiful park.
- Bring snacks and water, options inside are limited.
- Younger kids may get tired from walking. Strollers are allowed but can be challenging on some paths.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Parts of the Forbidden City are accessible, but many areas have steps and uneven surfaces. Wheelchair users can enter with assistance, but it's not fully accessible. Check with staff on arrival for assistance options.
Final Tips
The Forbidden City is huge, but taking your time and focusing on the highlights makes it manageable and unforgettable. Pairing it with Jingshan Park for the views is one of the best ways to experience this incredible site.
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