Forbidden City Guided Tour

Join a fascinating guided exploration of the Forbidden City, a renowned landmark of Beijing. This experience promises to leave a lasting impression; it is not to be missed!

Tour Options

While making your reservation, you can choose between two engaging options:

Guided Tour of the Forbidden City

At the designated meeting point at JinYu Hutong Station, we will commence our guided journey through the Forbidden City in Beijing, celebrated as one of China’s most magnificent palace complexes.

With your knowledgeable guide, who specializes in Chinese history and the complexities of the palace, you will traverse the vast courtyards leading to stunning pagodas and pavilions, envisioning the grand ceremonies conducted by Ming and Qing dynasty Emperors throughout the ages.

After a brief overview, we’ll move inside this remarkable UNESCO site, acknowledged as the largest collection of ancient wooden structures worldwide. We will first meander through the expansive courtyards that connect to the pavilions where formal imperial events took place.

Within the protective walls of the Forbidden City, 24 emperors governed China over nearly 500 years, a testament to its significance in Chinese history. As you roam, uncover the stunning intricacies of ancient architectural styles and the cultural and religious symbolism embedded within them, from emperor-colored yellow roof tiles to intricately adorned roofs featuring gilded lion guardians and beautifully carved dragons.

Your tour will also include a visit to the Royal Treasury Museum, showcasing the exquisite artistry of ancient China.

As the guided experience concludes, you are welcome to remain within the city walls to further explore at your leisure!

Important: This tour is available at 8:30 am and has an expected duration of 3.5 to 4 hours.

Guided Tour of the Forbidden City + Tiananmen Square

This option includes an added visit to Tiananmen Square before following the initial itinerary. We will gather at the Muji Hotel Beijing to start our journey through major sites of modern Chinese heritage.

We will first pass through the Tian'anmen Gate to the north—the historical location where Mao Zedong declared the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Spanning 100 acres (40.5 hectares), Tiananmen Square ranks as the largest public square globally! At its center stands the Monument to the People’s Heroes, a grand granite obelisk honoring those who sacrificed their lives during China’s revolutionary struggles.

Encircling the square are numerous significant structures that reflect the nation's historical and cultural prominence, including the National Museum of China and the Great Hall of the People, which serves the Chinese government. Additionally, you’ll find the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong here, where visitors can pay their tributes to the former leader. Over the years, this square has been the backdrop to pivotal events in the nation’s history, including the 1989 protests that drew global attention and led to the declaration of Martial Law in Beijing. Stories of history unfold around every corner of Tiananmen!

After absorbing the rich narratives of the area, we'll continue on to the Forbidden City.

Important: This tour is scheduled for 11:30 am and has a duration of 4 to 4.5 hours.

Important Info

• A minimum of 10 participants is required for this tour to proceed. If this number is not met for your chosen date, alternative dates will be offered.
• Due to the limited availability of tickets for the Forbidden City, we advise booking well in advance.
• For reservations made more than one week in advance, remember to consider Beijing’s local time; the tickets will be purchased online by the service provider. If your booking is made less than a week in advance, you’ll need to wait with the guide to buy the tickets, and skip-the-line access will not be available.
• On the day of your activity, a short form will need to be filled out for entry into the Forbidden City, with guidance from the tour leader.
• During the booking process, it is crucial to provide accurate passport details, as the Forbidden City tickets will be issued based on this information. Any discrepancies will result in denied entry.