Red walls, golden roofs and vast courtyards where emperors lived and ruled for almost five hundred years.
The Largest Imperial Palace
The largest imperial palace complex in the world.
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About Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is the vast palace complex in the centre of Beijing, built between 1406 and 1420 for the emperors of China under the Ming dynasty. Behind its high red walls and moat, 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties lived, held court and governed for nearly five hundred years.
Covering about 72 hectares with hundreds of buildings, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and today houses the Palace Museum, making it one of the most visited places in the world. Visitors enter through the Meridian Gate and walk north through great halls, courtyards and gardens, with yellow glazed roof tiles marking imperial buildings and red walls and gold fittings standing out against the sky — the best place in China to understand imperial history.
Why Visit Forbidden City?
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Good to Know
Advance online booking is usually required, and the palace suits families, couples, groups, history lovers and photographers for a visit of 3 to 4 hours. It usually closes one day a week, often Monday.
Alipay and WeChat Pay are used almost everywhere in China, and foreign cards are not always accepted — it's worth setting up mobile payment before you travel, along with a VPN or eSIM for apps like Google and WhatsApp.
How to Reach Forbidden City
- 01
Pakistan to Beijing
Fly from Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi to Beijing, either direct or with one connection. Check current routes and book early.
- 02
Beijing Airport to the City
Take the airport express, a taxi or a hotel transfer into central Beijing.
- 03
City Centre to the Forbidden City
Take the metro or a taxi to the Tiananmen area. Enter from the south through the Meridian Gate with your timed ticket and passport.
- 04
Explore
Walk the main axis, see the halls and gardens and leave through the north gate.
Things to Do in Forbidden City
Best Time to Visit Forbidden City
Excellent
Autumn
September to October
Clear skies and pleasant weather. The best time, but busy in early October.
Recommended season
Good
Spring
April to May
Mild days and blossoms in the gardens.
Good time to visit
Good
Winter
November to March
Cold and dry. Fewer crowds and beautiful roofs under snow.
Good time to visit
Good
Summer
June to August
Hot and crowded. Come early in the morning.
Good time to visit
Travel smart
Travel Tips for Forbidden City
A few useful things to know before you go there.
Book Tickets in Advance
Tickets are limited and often need online booking with your passport.
Check Closing Days
The palace usually closes one day a week, often Monday.
Carry Your Passport
You will need it to enter and for ticket checks.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will walk several kilometres over stone paving.
Start Early
Morning visits mean smaller crowds and cooler weather.
Set Up Mobile Payment
Alipay and WeChat Pay are used almost everywhere, and foreign cards are not always accepted.
Respect the Site
Do not touch walls, doors or exhibits.
Plan Your Exit
The route runs south to north, so choose your next stop beforehand.
Nearby Attractions
Location
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Forbidden City
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Frequently Asked Questions
It is the former imperial palace of China, now home to the Palace Museum in Beijing.
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