The Forbidden City in Spring: A Flower Viewing Guide

For a beginner-friendly guide to the Forbidden City, I've divided the flower viewing areas into 6 main zones. Visit these 6 locations between March and June to see different blooms. 🌸 1️⃣Wuyingdian Bridge Area Feb-Mar: Winter plum (outside the right wing gate) Early Apr: Lilac, cherry plum Jun: Pomegranate 2️⃣Cining Palace Garden Area Late Mar: Apricot blossoms Early Apr: Pear blossoms, lilac, cherry plum Early-mid Apr: Crabapple May: Roses, peonies Jun: Lotus, trumpet creeper, water lilies 3️⃣Western Garden of Kunning Palace Area Late Mar: Apricot blossoms Late Mar: Magnolia Early Apr: Pear blossoms, lilac, cherry plum Late Apr-early May: Wisteria May: Chinese scholar tree flowers, peonies, roses Jun: Lotus, water lilies Late Jul-early Aug: Crape myrtle 4️⃣Eastern Six Palaces Area Late Mar: Magnolia, apricot blossoms Early Apr: Lilac, pear blossoms Mid-Apr: Flowering peach (at Dongchang) Late Apr-early May: Wisteria 5️⃣Hall of Treasures Area Early Apr: Lilac, cherry plum, crabapple May: Chinese scholar tree flowers 6️⃣Hall of Literary Glory Area Early Apr: Lilac, cherry plum Early-mid Apr: Crabapple ✅️Ticket Reservation Important‼️Important‼️Very difficult to book during holidays‼️ Search for "Palace Museum" on WeChat Official Accounts 7 days in advance ⏰Set an alarm! Tickets go on sale at 8pm ✅️Tickets: Peak season (Apr-Oct): 60 yuan, 08:30-16:00 Off-peak season: 40 yuan, 8:30-15:30 (last entry) Discounted tickets: Half price for seniors 60+/university students; Free for ages 14-18 (reservation required) Treasure Hall/Clock Gallery: 10 yuan each ✅️Transportation Guide Take subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East/West Station, walk to Meridian Gate ‼️Security check required, arrive at least 30 minutes early! Bring your ID card