Forbidden City Tours and Activities

Forbidden City showing a lake or waterhole, heritage architecture and a river or creek
Forbidden City
Forbidden City which includes heritage architecture and a castle as well as a large group of people
Forbidden City
Forbidden City featuring a square or plaza as well as a small group of people


This magnificent imperial palace is one of the most popular tourist sites in all of China, and is filled with many centuries of culture and art.

Beijing’s Forbidden City stretches over a massive 720,000 square metres, and was home to the emperors of China for almost five centuries. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is listed by the same organisation as the largest collection of ancient wooden structures in the world.

Set amid pristine gardens, the city contains an enormous collection of carefully maintained relics in its age-old buildings. The spiritual side of life is also well represented, with plentiful temples, shrines and other places of worship.

The name of the Forbidden City comes from the fact that, historically, ordinary people were not allowed to set foot inside. Protected by high, imposing walls, it would have presented a daunting sight to the residents of the wider city before being opened up to the public in 1925.

You should allow yourself a minimum of half a day to stroll around and soak in the fantastic royal culture and design around you. Enter through the Gate of Heavenly Peace, where you can pick up a map and an audio guide at the ticket office, or hire an English-speaking guide to take you around to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture on display.

Take in the diverse architectural styles of different eras and admire centuries of incredible antiques. Art lovers will be enthralled by the many artworks, including statuettes cast in bronze and the beautiful old paintings which adorn the interior walls of the palace.

The fabulous five arches of the Meridian Gate will take your breath away, while the Hall of Supreme Harmony offers opulently appointed décor in the biggest of the many ceremonial halls – these sights are most definitely not to be missed. Finish your tour by admiring the graceful and harmonious Imperial Garden before leaving through the Gate of Divine Might.

The Forbidden City is in the centre of Beijing, and can be reached by walking, cycling or via public transport. There is also a bus which circles the outside of the walls, making it easier to access different areas. Visit the palace during the week if you can, as Saturday and Sunday are particularly busy.

Plan a trip to see Forbidden City

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East Sacred Hotel-near Beijing Tiananmen Square,the Forbidden City,Wangfujing Street-Newly renovated hotel

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Top Forbidden City Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

4 out of 5
No.88 Dengshikou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing
Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
Grand Hyatt Beijing

Grand Hyatt Beijing

5 out of 5
1 East Chang An Avenue, Beijing, Beijing
Grand Hyatt Beijing
Hilton Beijing Wangfujing

Hilton Beijing Wangfujing

5 out of 5
8 Wangfujing East Street, Dongcheng, Beijing, Beijing
Hilton Beijing Wangfujing
Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel

Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel

5 out of 5
57 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing
Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel
Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

5 out of 5
50 Wangfujing Avenue, Beijing, Beijing
Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
Regent Beijing

Regent Beijing

5 out of 5
99 Jinbao St Dongcheng Dstrct, Beijing, Beijing
Regent Beijing
Novotel Beijing Peace

Novotel Beijing Peace

4 out of 5
No 3 Jinyu Hutong, Beijing, Beijing
Novotel Beijing Peace
The Peninsula Beijing

The Peninsula Beijing

5 out of 5
8 Jinyu Hutong, DongDan, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing, Beijing
The Peninsula Beijing
Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

4 out of 5
97 Jinbao St., Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing
Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Forbidden City

Discover the rich history and vibrant culture near the Forbidden City in Beijing with a variety of activities. Enjoy a sightseeing tour that highlights fascinating landmarks, explore interesting places, and immerse yourself in the local art scene. Don't miss the chance to indulge in shopping and entertainment options that reflect the city's dynamic atmosphere. A city sightseeing tour will ensure you capture the essence of this iconic location.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots are Intime Lotte Department Store (805m) and Lotus Market (1.6km), perfect for gifts and souvenirs. Oriental Plaza, 1.6km away, offers a lively atmosphere with various shops. If you're up for a drive, explore larger malls further afield for more options.

Recreation

At Jingshan Table Tennis Park, enjoy a relaxing game of table tennis in a serene environment, just 966m from the Forbidden City. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere at the Forbidden City Concert Hall, located 1.1km away, where you can indulge in live music performances.

Adventure

At Happy Magic Water Cube, located 8.0km from Forbidden City, dive into thrilling water slides and wave pools perfect for family fun. Enjoy skiing at Jundushan Ski Resort, 35.4km away, or experience the adrenaline rush of motor racing at Goldenport Park Circuit, situated 17.7km from the city.

Nightlife

A night in the Forbidden City area offers vibrant experiences. Enjoy a show at the Great Hall of the People, or dance the night away at Yugong Yíshan. For a family-friendly vibe, catch a performance at Beijing Capital Theatre, all within 1.6km of the historic site.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Forbidden City

The Forbidden City in Beijing offers a rich blend of culture and history, making it a must-visit for tourists. Explore the vibrant streets around Wangfujing, visit the historic palace, and discover fascinating exhibits at nearby history museums. For a unique experience, consider staying at the Palace Hotel Forbidden City Beijing, which provides easy access to these iconic attractions. This destination is perfect for families seeking an enriching city experience.

  • Wangfujing Street: A bustling hub of shopping and dining, Wangfujing Street offers an exciting blend of modernity and tradition. Stroll along this vibrant thoroughfare, where you can sample local street food, browse unique shops, and soak in the lively atmosphere, all just 1.3km from the Forbidden City.
  • Tiananmen Square: At 1.6km from the Forbidden City, this iconic square is a significant cultural and historical site. Experience the grandeur of its vast open space, surrounded by monumental buildings, and witness the changing of the guard at the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
  • The Palace Museum: Located a mere 161m away, The Palace Museum, housed within the Forbidden City, boasts a rich collection of imperial artefacts and architecture. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of China's dynastic past here.

Best time to go to Forbidden City

The best time to visit Forbidden City can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Forbidden City falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Forbidden City falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January26.1°F (-3.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February32.2°F (0.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.9°F (7.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
April59.0°F (15.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
July81.7°F (27.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August78.4°F (25.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October57.7°F (14.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November41.2°F (5.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December28.2°F (-2.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Forbidden City

To save money on your visit to the Forbidden City, plan your trip between December and February when prices are lower. Book your accommodation at least three months in advance for the best rates, and consider Saturday stays for the cheapest options. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and package discounts on flights and hotels. Additionally, leverage the search tool to compare prices and filter for eco-friendly options. Don’t forget to explore free activities in the area and utilise public transport to get around affordably.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Forbidden City are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, August and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Forbidden City about 3+ months out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Forbidden City is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Forbidden City is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display the lowest prices first, helping you find the most affordable accommodation options. Additionally, you have the ability to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your hotel stay near the Forbidden City with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.