The Forbidden City (紫禁城), formerly known as the Palace Museum (故宫博物院), is one of the “Five Great Palaces of the World” and has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. It is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. The entire palace complex is divided into the southern front court and the northern inner court. The front court includes the three great halls: the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. The inner court is centered around the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Union, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.
The Forbidden City is also China’s most richly endowed museum of cultural relics. Its collection mainly consists of items from the Ming and Qing imperial collections, representing the highest standards of Chinese historical and cultural arts. Currently, the Forbidden City houses a vast array of ancient art treasures, totaling over 1.8 million items (sets). It is the museum with the richest collection of cultural relics in China and is renowned worldwide as an ancient cultural and art museum. Many of its artifacts are rare, priceless national treasures.
Travel Information about Forbidden City
Tickets and Opening Hours
- Tickets:
- Peak Season (April – October): ¥60
- Off-Peak Season (November – March): ¥40
- Clock Exhibition: ¥10
- Treasure Gallery: ¥10
- Tickets must be reserved through the “Forbidden City Museum” WeChat mini-program or the Official Website. Tickets are available for pre-sale 7 days in advance and are sold out once capacity is reached. Remember to purchase tickets in advance. All visitors must present valid identification used during the reservation process at any ticket checkpoint.
- Chinese citizens under 18 can enter for free but must make a reservation.
- Opening Hours:
- April – October: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- November – March: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- The Forbidden City is closed all day on Mondays, except for public holidays.
Best Time to Visit
The Forbidden City offers distinctive scenery throughout the year. Autumn is particularly delightful with crisp air, vibrant red maple leaves, and golden ginkgo trees. Winter also provides a unique charm with its snowy landscape.
Getting There
- Location: Chang’an Street, Dongcheng District, within Tiananmen Square.
- Visitor Route: The Forbidden City follows a one-way route from south to north. The Meridian Gate (South Gate) is the only entrance, while the Shenwumen Gate (North Gate) and Donghuamen Gate (East Gate) serve as exits.
- Subway: Take Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station. Note that this station may be closed during important meetings or major events, so listen to subway announcements and check online updates.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★★
- Features: ★★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★☆
- Excitement: ★★★
Architectures in the Forbidden City
The Three Great Halls
The Three Great Halls, collectively referring to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, are located within the Gate of Supreme Harmony and form the center of the Outer Court. These three main buildings of the Forbidden City are all built on an 8-meter-high marble terrace. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is at the front, the Hall of Central Harmony in the middle, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony at the rear, resembling a palace from a mythological realm.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony, commonly known as the “Golden Luan Throne Hall,” is situated in the central area of the Forbidden City. It was the venue for grand ceremonies during the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as the emperor’s ascension, birthdays, weddings, and New Year celebrations. The hall, with its red walls, yellow tiles, red columns, and golden doors, appears resplendent in the sunlight, making it the most magnificent building in the Forbidden City and the largest existing wooden hall in China.
The Hall of Central Harmony is located behind the Hall of Supreme Harmony, with a square floor plan and verandas on all sides. Before holding ceremonies in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the emperor would rest here and receive officials’ kneeling salutations.
The Hall of Preserving Harmony is situated behind the Hall of Central Harmony, with a rectangular floor plan. Its floor is paved with golden bricks, and it features a gold-lacquered throne facing south. The intricate decorations and paintings inside are exquisite. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, emperors hosted banquets for princes and ministers here. From the late Qianlong period onward, this hall became the venue for the “Palace Examination.”
Related Details
- The Palace Examination was the highest level of the imperial examination system, typically held every three years. Those who passed were known as Jinshi, with the top three scholars titled Zhuangyuan (Champion), Bangyan (Second Place), and Tanhua (Third Place).
- Before proceeding to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the emperor would first stop at the Hall of Central Harmony to receive the salutation of the Grand Council and Ministry of Rites officials. The emperor also reviewed the “Zhuban,” a ceremonial tablet with sacrificial texts, before worshipping Heaven and the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Additionally, the emperor examined farming tools here before performing the plowing ceremony.
The Three Rear Palaces
The Three Rear Palaces form the core of the Inner Court of the Forbidden City, including the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Union, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. The Gate of Heavenly Purity marks the boundary between the Outer Court and the Inner Court.
The Palace of Heavenly Purity, the primary palace of the Inner Court, features a double-eaved roof and houses a throne in the center, with warm pavilions at both ends. It served as the sleeping quarters and daily administrative center for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with a total of 16 emperors residing there. From the Yongzheng period onwards, a secret succession system was implemented. The secret edict naming the crown prince was sealed and stored behind the “Just and Honourable” plaque in the Palace of Heavenly Purity. Upon the emperor’s death, the edict was retrieved, and the designated prince ascended to the throne.
The Hall of Union, located behind the Palace of Heavenly Purity, was where the empress received congratulations on grand ceremonies and birthdays. It also housed the imperial seals.
The Palace of Earthly Tranquility, situated behind the Hall of Union, served as the empress’s residence. The eastern warm pavilions were used for the emperor’s wedding ceremonies. Five emperors—Zhengtong, Wanli, Kangxi, Tongzhi, and Guangxu—held their weddings here. The room was adorned with a dragon and phoenix wedding bed, draped with “Hundred Sons” curtains and quilts, creating a vibrant and auspicious atmosphere. After renovations in the 12th year of the Shunzhi reign (1655), the palace also became the site for Shamanistic rituals in the Qing dynasty.
Related Details
- The warm pavilions at both ends of the Palace of Heavenly Purity contained 27 beds each, from which the emperor could choose freely. This arrangement was said to prevent assassination attempts.
- The Eastern and Western Six Palaces surrounding the Three Rear Palaces were where the concubines of the Ming and Qing emperors resided. Empress Dowager Cixi lived in the Palace of Gathering Excellence when she was a concubine and returned there after gaining power. She extensively renovated it, making it the most luxurious palace among the Eastern and Western Six Palaces.
The Hall of Mental Cultivation
The Hall of Mental Cultivation, located west of the Palace of Heavenly Purity in the Inner Court, was the residence and daily administrative center for the Qing emperors. The hall’s name is derived from Mencius’ saying, “Maintain your heart and nurture your nature to serve Heaven.”
The emperor’s throne is positioned in the central hall. The eastern warm pavilion houses another throne and faces west; this area was also where Empress Dowagers Cixi and Ci’an conducted state affairs behind a curtain. The western warm pavilion of the central hall is divided into several rooms, including a small room where the emperor reviewed memorials and had private discussions with ministers. It also features the Sanxi Hall, where Emperor Qianlong read books, and a small Buddhist chapel and the Plum Blossom Cottage, which were designated for the emperor’s Buddhist worship and rest.
The Palace of Compassion and Tranquility
The Palace of Compassion and Tranquility was the residence of the Empress Dowager. Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang (mother of Emperor Shunzhi and grandmother of Emperor Kangxi) and Empress Dowager Chongqing (mother of Emperor Qianlong) both lived here at different times. Emperors Shunzhi, Kangxi, and Qianlong were renowned for their filial piety, and grand celebrations for the Empress Dowager’s birthdays were frequently held at the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility.
Related Details
- To the south of the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility is the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility Garden. Originally, this garden was a place where the Empress Dowagers and imperial concubines of the Ming and Qing dynasties would relax, worship Buddha, and conduct ancestral rites. It is now open to the public.
- To the west of the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility is the Palace of Longevity and Health, which was used to house the concubines of previous emperors. This palace is also now open to the public.
The Imperial Garden
The Imperial Garden is located along the central axis of the Forbidden City. During the Ming dynasty, it was known as the Palace Rear Garden, and in the Qing dynasty, it was called the Imperial Garden. The main building within the garden is the Hall of Imperial Peace, featuring a double-eaved roof. The garden is adorned with pavilions and towers on both sides.
Inside the Imperial Garden, lush pines, cypresses, and bamboo are planted, interspersed with ornamental rocks, creating a verdant landscape that remains green throughout the four seasons.
The Eastern and Western Six Palaces
Located on either side of the Three Rear Palaces, the Eastern and Western Six Palaces served as the residences and resting places for the imperial concubines.
The Eastern Six Palaces are characterized by their elegant design and include notable palaces such as Jingren, Chengqian, Zhongcui, Jingyang, Yonghe, and Yanxi. Each palace features unique architectural elements and served various functions within the imperial harem.
The Western Six Palaces include Yongshou, Yikun, Chuxiu, Xianfu, Changchun, and Qixiang (also known as Taiji Hall). These palaces, similarly, offered residences and spaces for the concubines, each with distinct styles and purposes, contributing to the overall grandeur of the Forbidden City’s
The Palace of Peaceful Longevity
Located on the eastern route of the Forbidden City, the Palace of Peaceful Longevity is a large complex that resembles a smaller version of the Forbidden City itself. Emperor Qianlong spent five years expanding and renovating this area to serve as a place for his retirement and enjoyment in his later years. The complex is divided into two main sections: the front palaces and the rear living quarters.
The famous Nine-Dragon Wall is situated in front of the main entrance of the Palace of Peaceful Longevity. The Changgan Pavilion within the palace is the largest theater stage in the Forbidden City and hosted major imperial performances during the Qing dynasty. Opposite the Changgan Pavilion is the Yuexiu Tower, which served as the viewing box for the emperor and his consorts.
The Palace of Peaceful Longevity is now opened to the public as the Treasure Gallery.
Visitor Guide for the Forbidden City
Tour Options:
- 2-Hour Tour: Covers a brief overview of the Forbidden City, including a few key areas.
- Half-Day Tour: Offers a more in-depth experience, including several important halls and pavilions.
- Full-Day Tour: Provides a comprehensive exploration of almost all open areas, including major palaces and exhibition halls.
Accommodation:
- Luxury Hotels: Many high-end hotels are located around the Forbidden City.
- Budget Options: There are economical hotels and guesthouses near Qianmen, which offer more affordable rates and are relatively close to the Forbidden City.
Dining:
- Inside the Forbidden City: There are limited dining options with mainly fast food that may not be particularly satisfying and is relatively pricey. It’s best to bring your own snacks.
- Nearby: After exiting through the East Gate, head to Wangfujing Food Street. Alternatively, you can explore the Dongsi area or venture north to Nanluoguxiang for a variety of local food options.
Shopping:
- Inside the Forbidden City: There are souvenir shops selling Beijing and Forbidden City-themed merchandise. East of the North Gate, you’ll find the Palace Museum’s cultural and creative store where you can buy mementos or gifts.
- Online Shopping: The Forbidden City also has a dedicated Tmall store offering a wide range of cultural and creative products. This store features items related to study, daily life, and more, reflecting the designer’s meticulous craftsmanship. If shopping in the Forbidden City is inconvenient, browsing online will offer you a rich selection of beautifully designed products.
The Revitalization of the Forbidden City
In recent years, the Forbidden City has gained widespread attention. Shows like I Repair Cultural Relics in the Forbidden City, National Treasure, and The Forbidden City Unveiled have brought this ancient and mysterious imperial palace into the limelight, making it increasingly popular.
The open area of the Forbidden City has expanded from an initial 30% to 85% today. Areas such as the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility, the Palace of Longevity and Health, the Meridian Gate’s wing towers, nearly three-quarters of the city walls, and the Southern Grand Warehouse’s Furniture Museum are now accessible to the public. On the Lantern Festival night of 2019, the Forbidden City hosted its first-ever nighttime tour, “The Forbidden City Lantern Festival,” allowing visitors to explore the palace after dark.
The Forbidden City has also exhibited renowned artworks such as Along the River During the Qingming Festival and A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains. The number and quality of exhibits have increased significantly. Alongside these exhibitions, the Forbidden City’s cultural and creative products have brought a new vibrancy to the palace. Items like the “adorable” Forbidden City cats, sunglasses-wearing Emperor Qianlong, scissor-hand gestures of Emperor Yongzheng, and ornate beadwork earphones have broken the traditional solemn image of the Forbidden City, offering a fresh and playful perspective.