The Forbidden City stands as the largest and most well-preserved ancient wooden architecture complex in the world, serving as the political and ceremonial heart of Chinese dynasties since its completion in 1420. This magnificent site is home to an array of grand halls, architecture, and historical stories that reflect the lives of emperors once lived here.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Meridian Gate of Forbidden City
- This is the only entrance to the Forbidden City.
Outer Court of Forbidden City
Finished Visiting the Outer Court, including the Gate of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Middle Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony.
The Forbidden City's Outer Court is where emperors conducted important state affairs and ceremonial events.
Key structures in this area include:
Gate of Supreme Harmony, the grand entrance leading to the heart of the palace complex. Beyond the gate stands the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest and most significant hall, where major ceremonies such as imperial coronations and royal weddings were held. Next is the Hall of Middle Harmony, a smaller, more intimate space where the emperor would rest and prepare before grand ceremonies. Finally, the Hall of Preserving Harmony served as a venue for important banquets and the final stage of imperial examinations. Together, these palaces reflect the majestic authority and ceremonial traditions of China's imperial past.
Inner Palace of Forbidden City
Finished Visiting the Inner Palace, including the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Union, Palace of Earthly Tranquility.
The Inner Palace of the Forbidden City was the residence of the emperor and his family, serving as the private and more intimate section.
At its core is the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the largest hall in the Inner Palace, traditionally used as the emperor’s living quarters and for private meetings. Behind it is the Hall of Union, a smaller yet significant space symbolizing the harmony of heaven and earth, where the imperial seals were stored. Completing the trio is the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, which served as the empress's residence.
Imperial Garden
Finished Visiting the Imperial Garden
The Imperial Garden of the Forbidden City, located at the northern end of the complex, served as a private retreat for the emperor and his family. Designed with traditional Chinese aesthetics, the garden is a harmonious blend of natural beauty and symbolic architecture. It features ancient cypress trees, intricately designed rockeries, and elegant pavilions, each representing elements of balance and harmony in nature.
Ending Point
Northern Gate of Forbidden City
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
- All tickets (Forbidden City: Entry Ticket, Treasure Gallery Ticket)
- Touring Service (2 hours)
Foods & Drinks
The tour requires a lot of walking so pls wear comfortable shoes. The sites we visit have limited accessibility to wheelchairs or baby strollers, but it is still manageable. No tripod is allowed in the tourist site but selfie-sticks are okay to be brought inside.
Forbidden City is Closed on Mondays.
FYI: for some tourist (e.g. the Forbidden City) sites in Beijing, they are closed on Monday.
Hi this is Chen! It’s always more than the sceneries. Stories bring the attractions alive! Story-telling is what I believed to be one of the best ways to do a tour. I offer a unique touring service that focuses on the ancient and genuine historical tales and stories. I took a story-based narration combined with the historical palaces. I also did historical fact checks to ensure the authenticity of the stories I share.
$229/ per group