[2025 Beijing Shopping Mall] Travel Guide for The Forbidden City (Updated Mar)

#chinatransit If you have a long layover in Beijing, make the most of your time with a visit to the iconic Forbidden City—a must-see imperial palace packed with history and grandeur. With the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy, it's easy to step out of Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Daxing Airport (PKX) for a quick adventure. How to Get There from the Airport From PEK: Take the Airport Express train to Dongzhimen, then transfer to Line 2 to Jianguomen and switch to Line 1 to Tiananmen East (about 1 hour). From PKX: Take the Daxing Airport Express to Caoqiao, transfer to Line 10, then switch to Line 1 at Guomao and head to Tiananmen East (about 1.5 hours). Taxi: Around 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. What to Do Tiananmen Square – Start here for a breathtaking view of the world’s largest public square, framed by the Great Hall of the People and Mao’s Mausoleum. The Forbidden City – Walk through the grand Meridian Gate and explore the halls, courtyards, and imperial gardens of this sprawling 600-year-old palace. Don’t miss the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the intricate Nine-Dragon Screen, and the stunning Palace of Tranquil Longevity. Jingshan Park Viewpoint – If time allows, climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. Tips for a Smooth Transit Tour Book Tickets in Advance – The Forbidden City requires real-name registration and only sells tickets online. Travel Light – Large bags aren’t allowed inside, so store luggage at the airport if needed. Allow Time for Security Checks – Returning to the airport may take longer than expected, so plan to head back at least 3 hours before your next flight. This quick Beijing stopover lets you experience one of China’s greatest treasures without missing your flight!

"The moment I stood before the colossal crimson walls of the Forbidden City, a wave of awe washed over me. The golden roofs shimmered like ancient crowns, whispering tales of emperors and dynasties long past. Beyond the Meridian Gate, history unfolded with every step I took, as if I had crossed the threshold into another era." 2. Immerse in the Atmosphere

Why The Forbidden City in Beijing, China, called "forbidden" ? Because access to the complex was strictly restricted during its time as the imperial palace. -The Forbidden City was the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1420–1912). It served as the political and ceremonial center of the Chinese government and was off-limits to ordinary people. Only the emperor, his family, officials, and servants were allowed entry, making it a "forbidden" place for the general public. -The name reflects the emperor's supreme authority and the sacred nature of the palace. It was considered the center of the world and the earthly counterpart to the celestial realm, emphasizing the emperor's divine right to rule. -The Forbidden City was surrounded by high walls and a moat, further isolating it from the outside world. Its layout and design were meant to convey power, mystery, and exclusivity. The Chinese name for the Forbidden City, 紫禁城 (Zǐjìnchéng), translates to "Purple Forbidden City." The "purple" refers to the North Star (Polaris), which in Chinese cosmology was considered the celestial home of the emperor, symbolizing his central and unchanging role in the universe. The term "forbidden" underscores the restricted nature of the site, reserved solely for the imperial court. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and open to the public as the Palace Museum. 3 places inside the Forbidden City need tickets to access ; -General Ticket Admission 40 yuan for low season, 60 yuan for high season. -the Treasure Gallery 10 yuan -the Gallery of Clocks 10 yuan For foreigners, book using your passport number. No ticket has been issued, bring your passport for entry. There are four types of tickets for all nationalities: standard ticket/ Senior Citizen (60yo and older) / Student Ticket (7-17), Children (6 and below is Free, but you still need to register) Have a pleasant experience in the Forbidden City! . #china #beijing #forbiddencity #imperialpalace #travel #thingstodo #myitinerary #

🏘️🌅 The Forbidden City or Gugong in Beijing, one of the great landmarks of China, is an important historical site full of beauty and grandeur. The buildings in the palace are stunning ancient Chinese architecture and full of expressions of the power of the Chinese emperor. 📍How to get there: The Forbidden City is located in the city center. You can travel by bus 🚌, subway 🚉 and taxi 🚕. Ⓜ️ The most convenient way to get there is from Tiananmen East subway station, exit B. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the station to the entrance. ❤️ As for visiting the palace, you should spend at least 3-4 hours to explore it completely. Because the interior is very large. It is grand and worthy of its long history. 😊🥰 #Get a discount without relying on luck

I had an absolutely incredible two days in Beijing! As the sun began to dip below the horizon, I wandered through the serene gardens of the Temple of Heaven, where the vibrant flowers and ancient cypress trees painted a breathtaking backdrop. The golden hues of sunset spilled across the landscape, enhancing the beauty of this historic site. Next, I found myself in the expansive Tiananmen Square, a place filled with profound historical significance. The grandeur of the square, coupled with the majestic buildings surrounding it, left me in awe. My journey continued to the iconic Forbidden City, where I marveled at the stunning architecture and intricate details of the imperial palaces. Each step I took felt like a walk through time, surrounded by centuries of rich culture and history. Truly, these experiences were nothing short of enchanting!

Fantastic trip in China capital Beijing. The forbidden city is a must see as well as the great wall . Plenty of nice hotels in the city center nearby Dongcheng area. The Beijing duck is very tasty too ;)

#celebrateit Nestled in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City(故宫) is a sprawling palace complex that epitomizes the magnificence of Imperial China. It is composed of 980 edifices and is home to a vast array of artwork and artifacts. As the royal palaces of the last two feudal dynasties in China's history, the massive Forbidden City witnessed countless stories unfold within its walls. Almost every local Beijinger can share a tale passed down through generations with you, keeping the legacy of the Forbidden City alive in the hearts of its people. And yes, local Beijingers are super friendly and they love to chat! So maybe learn a few Mandarin phrases to know more about Top China Attractions in Beijing.

#celebrateit Forbidden City forms a rectangle several thousand feet long and wide, with a moat surrounding all four sides. The huge estate contains five major gates and numerous halls, large and small, each with grandiose names such as the "Gate of Divine Might" and the "Hall of Literary Glory." Construction began in 1402 and lasted for 16 years, employing over a million workers. It served as the seat of the Ming Dynasty from 1420 until 1644, at which point it housed the heads of the Qing Dynasty until 1912. After Emperor Puyi abdicated in 1912, the Forbidden City underwent several periods of turmoil, including the evacuation (some would say theft) of numerous artifacts to Taiwan in 1948 by a fleeing Chian Kai-shek of the Guomindang. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and today the entire complex is part of the Palace Museum, whose collection includes over ten thousand ancient fans, among other artifacts and priceless works of Chinese art. Besides the pieces contained inside, visitors can admire the high imperial architecture, as well as a mingling of religious influences including Taoism, Manchu shamanism, and Tibetan Buddhism.

#getgoing2025 Forbidden City, China The Forbidden City was once imperial palace serving Ming Qing dynasties located Beijing China dating back early 15th century AD! Enclosed within massive walls covering over 180 acres—it served residence emperors along administrative center government showcasing exquisite traditional Chinese architecture featuring ornate roofs intricate designs reflecting cultural heritage prevalent during dynastic rule! Designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987—visitors can explore vast grounds discovering various halls courtyards learning about history surrounding Chinese emperors daily lives rituals practiced within palace walls! Today houses Palace Museum displaying priceless artifacts artworks representing rich history showcasing artistry craftsmanship developed throughout centuries making Forbidden City must-visit destination travelers seeking connect past present through exploration this magnificent structure!

[Station]The train passes through the mountains and plains and stops at the colorful city of dreams. Let us search for those beautiful tourist cities with direct access to high-speed rail in our vast land and go on a trip at any time. [FireBalloon] In the capital city of China, Beijing, the majesty of the Forbidden City and the bustling atmosphere of the Hutongs are waiting for you to come and experience them. Standing on the land of this ancient city, you seem to be able to hear the echoes of history, travel through the tunnel of time and space, and experience the majesty of the royal family and the urban atmosphere of ordinary people. [Fountain] Xiamen is a coastal city, where the azure blue waters and emerald green islands complement each other. Wandering in the alleys of Gulangyu Island, listening to the sound of waves hitting the rocks, and feeling the caress of the sea breeze, you will feel as if you are in a beautiful painting. [Sakura] The beautiful flower city - Guangzhou. The prosperity and diversity of this city make people linger. Stroll along the banks of the Pearl River, admire the starry night view, taste Guangdong's unique cuisine, and feel the charm and vitality of this city. [Sunset]Xi’an, a famous historical city in the west. Here, you can explore the ruins of ancient Chang'an and savor the accumulation of thousands of years of history. Stop at the food stalls in Muslim Street to taste the local specialties and feel the charm of the Chinese nation's food culture. 🌊Oriental Pearl Tower - Shanghai. Here, tall buildings stand in rows and neon lights flicker. Stroll along the streets of the Bund and feel the prosperity and modern atmosphere of this city. Climb up the Oriental Pearl Tower and overlook the beautiful scenery of Shanghai, as if you are in the center of the world. 📝Tips: These cities [Sunset] are all tourist destinations that are directly accessible by high-speed rail, making our journey more convenient and better. Take the high-speed rail 🚄, feel the speed and passion again and again, embark on a journey to pursue your dreams, and discover more unknown beauty and surprises during the journey!

If you’re in Beijing, visiting the Forbidden City is an absolute must! 🏰✨ This ancient palace complex was home to Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years, and it’s full of rich history and culture. As soon as you walk through the grand gates, you’re transported into another era. The architecture is stunning, with beautiful courtyards, halls, and intricate details that showcase the power and glory of ancient China. 🏛️🌟 What makes the Forbidden City so fascinating is not just its size and beauty, but the incredible stories hidden within its walls. 🤔📚 Take a guided tour or explore on your own to learn about the emperors, their reigns, and the significance of each section of the palace. The Hall of Supreme Harmony and Imperial Garden are some of the highlights that will make you feel like you’re walking in the footsteps of history. 🏯💫 And don’t forget to take some time to explore the museum inside the Forbidden City. 🖼️ There’s an incredible collection of art and artifacts that tell the story of China’s imperial past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just someone looking to immerse yourself in China’s rich heritage, this place will blow you away. 📸✨ #travel #china #beijing #theforbiddencity #thepalacemuseum #tienanmen

A city full of rich Chinese history and culture

One must at least visit the forbidden palace at least once in their lifetime. The rich history and the stories behind one of the more magnificent palaces in the world brings in awe the great works of the different dynasties to make this place amazing. For tourists, best to book tickets ahead before the visit. If you need to engage a professional guide, make sure you get one in the information booth. Be prepared to walk a lot but washrooms are aplenty and there’s even an interesting cafe that sells pastries. #china #beijing

awesome ancient building, everywhere is instagramable, it is super huge. Make sure to have reservations before coming, for foreigners, you can directly make a booking thru their official website, it is about ¥40 per person .

The Forbidden City, located in Beijing, China, was the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1420 to 1912. Spanning over 180 acres, it served as the political and ceremonial center of Chinese government for nearly 500 years. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Yongle, the complex features over 980 buildings, showcasing traditional Chinese palatial architecture. Access was restricted to imperial family members and high-ranking officials, reinforcing its name. The Forbidden City symbolized the emperor’s absolute power and divine mandate. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses the Palace Museum, preserving China’s cultural and historical legacy.

#chinatrip If you like the historical and cultural atmosphere in Beijing, you should visit it in Winter. The restraint and tranquility is at its maximum under the white snow. Red wall of the Forbidden City and the white snow upon it is simply stunning. It’s very suitable for photoshooting under this vibrant contrast. Walking casually in the old grand palace feels like a Time Machine bringing you back to the ancient imperial times. #forbiddencity #winter

The Forbidden City in Beijing is a magnificent masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture and culture. Once the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties, this sprawling complex, built in the early 15th century, boasts nearly 1,000 intricately designed buildings over 180 acres. Its grand halls, golden roofs, and meticulously crafted details showcase unparalleled craftsmanship and symbolize the authority and grandeur of China’s emperors. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as a cultural treasure, embodying harmony, balance, and ancient traditions. Walking through its majestic courtyards and ornate chambers feels like stepping into a regal past, filled with awe and splendor.

Chaozhou cuisine, "Bamboo Fish" with a generous portion||Another classic Chaozhou restaurant was discovered by my colleague. The restaurant offers generous portions and a wide variety of dishes with authentic flavors. Seasonal vegetable fish ball soup, refreshing and appetizing, the fish balls are tender and chewy, and the seasonal vegetables make it even more delicious. Golden fried thin shell, fragrant, the thin shell is tender and juicy, the small one is more addictive. Pot-sticker fish, crispy skin, tender filling, delicious and fragrant. Braised platter, all kinds of braised flavors gathered together, the fragrant braised sauce penetrates into each ingredient, delicious rice dish. Fried radish cake with preserved radish, the radish cake is soft and waxy, the preserved radish is fragrant and crispy, the two are perfectly blended, and the taste is very layered. The restaurant provides a large parking lot, so there is no worry about parking. Don't scan the code when ordering, just go to the seafood pool and pick what you like. Restaurant name: Bamboo Fish·Chaozhou Cuisine (Guicheng Store) Address: 120 meters south of the intersection of First Ring Road and Xiaping West Road (next to the Forbidden City)