The Forbidden City, known in Chinese as Gùgōng (故宫), is the crown jewel of Beijing's historical sites. This vast palace complex, once home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, stands as a testament to China's imperial history. As you walk through its grand halls and intimate courtyards, you'll be transported back in time, experiencing the opulence and intrigue of imperial China.

Necessary Information about the Forbidden City

Historical Significance: Located in Beijing, served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties, functioning as the political and ceremonial center of China for over 500 years.

Architectural Features: It is the largest palace complex in the world, covering approximately 72 hectares (180 acres) and comprising around 9,000 rooms across 980 buildings. The layout is characterized by axial symmetry and a strict north-south orientation, reflecting traditional Chinese cosmology.

Construction: Built between 1406 and 1420 under the Yongle Emperor of the Ming dynasty, the construction involved over a million workers and extensive use of precious materials, including rare woods and marble.

Cultural Heritage: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it is now known as the Palace Museum, housing a vast collection of artifacts and artworks from China's imperial history.

Access Restrictions: Historically, access to the Forbidden City was highly restricted; only the emperor and select officials could enter freely, which is reflected in its name—"Forbidden" signifies that commoners were not allowed inside without special permission.

Forbidden City

How Forbidden City Configures

The Forbidden City covers an area of 72 hectares (180 acres) with 980 buildings. It's surrounded by a 52-meter wide moat and a 10-meter high wall with a gate on each side. The complex is divided into two parts:

• The Outer Court: Used for ceremonial purposes
• The Inner Court: The emperor's residence and place of business

Forbidden City Overall View

Key structures of Forbidden City

• The Hall of Supreme Harmony
• The Hall of Central Harmony
• The Hall of Preserving Harmony
• The Palace of Heavenly Purity
• The Hall of Union

Tour Information

Address

Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

Ticket Price

• April 1 to October 31: 60 CNY
• November 1 to March 31: 40 CNY
• Audio guides are available for an additional fee

Opening Hours

• April 1 to October 31: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
• November 1 to March 31: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Last entry is 1 hour before closing
• Closed on Mondays (except for national holidays)

Travel Tips

• Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.
• Arrive early to beat the crowds, especially during peak season (May-October).
• Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours exploring the complex.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
• Bring your passport, as it's required for ticket purchase and entry.
• Visit the Hall of Clocks and Hall of Jewelry for unique exhibits.
• Exit through the north gate and visit Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City in Winter

How to Get to Forbidden City

• By Subway: Take Line 1 to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West Station, then walk north.
• By Bus: Take bus 1, 2, 52, 59, 82, 120 to Tiananmen East Station.
• By Taxi: Show the driver "故宫" (Gùgōng) or "请带我去故宫" (Please take me to the Forbidden City).

Best Time to Visit

• Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
• Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer the best weather.
• Avoid Chinese national holidays, especially Golden Week (first week of October).

Visitors in the Forbidden City

Nearby Attractions

• Tiananmen Square
• Jingshan Park
• National Museum of China
• Beihai Park

Remember, the Forbidden City is one of the most visited attractions in the world. Patience and planning will ensure you have a memorable experience exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of imperial China and let the Forbidden City's rich history captivate your imagination.