The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, primarily allows entry through the Meridian Gate (Wu Men). The common approach is from Tiananmen Square to the Meridian Gate, but this route often involves long security check lines and heavy crowds. To enhance your visiting experience by saving time and avoiding queues, consider these four alternative routes, which bypass the standard security checks and lines.
Route 1: Xihuamen Gate ➡ Meridian Gate
Walk along the city wall and river from Xihuamen Gate for about five minutes to reach the Meridian Gate.
- Subway: Line 1, Tiananmen West Station, Exit B, follow Nan Chang Street to Xihuamen Gate.
- Bus: Line 5 to Xihuamen Gate bus stop, get off and you’ll be at Xihuamen Gate.
- Taxi: Not recommended. There are no nearby parking spots. The nearest drop-off point is at Shibei Hutong on the west side of the National Centre for the Performing Arts.
Route 2: Donghuamen Gate ➡ Meridian Gate
Walk along the city wall and river from Donghuamen Gate for about five minutes to reach the Meridian Gate.
- Subway Line 1: Tiananmen East Station, Exit B, follow Nan Chi Zi Street to Donghuamen Gate.
- Subway Line 8: Jinyu Hutong Station, Exit C, follow Donghuamen Street to Donghuamen Gate.
- Taxi: To the intersection of Donghuamen Street and Beichi Zi Street, very close to Donghuamen Gate.
Route 3: Zhongshan Park ➡ Meridian Gate
Enter Zhongshan Park from the west gate, exit from the east gate, and you will be at the Meridian Gate.
- Tickets: 3 RMB. Purchase in advance through the “畅游公园” WeChat account or on-site.
- Subway: Line 1, Tiananmen West Station, Exit B, follow Nan Chang Street to the west gate of Zhongshan Park.
- Taxi: Not recommended. There are no nearby parking spots. The nearest drop-off point is at Shibei Hutong on the west side of the National Centre for the Performing Arts.
Route 4: The Working People’s Cultural Palace (Tai Miao) ➡ Meridian Gate
Enter from the east gate of the Cultural Palace, exit from the west gate, and you will be at the Meridian Gate.
- Tickets: 2 RMB. Purchase in advance or on-site.
- Subway: Line 1, Tiananmen East Station, Exit B, follow Nan Chi Zi Street to the east gate of the Cultural Palace.
- Taxi: You can set the drop-off location to Hanting Hotel Tiananmen. The Cultural Palace east gate is directly opposite.
If you have plans to visit Tiananmen Square sites such as the Memorial Hall, the Great Hall, the National Museum, and the Tiananmen Tower, choose the common route. If you are only visiting the Forbidden City, you can select one of the four routes based on your location and preferences.