Unlock hidden ways to explore the Forbidden City and immerse yourself in ancient royal life.

🏛️As the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties in China, the Forbidden City is not only a historical treasure but also an artistic palace. Want to know how to explore the Forbidden City? Here is a super detailed guide to take you through history and appreciate the unique charm of this World Heritage Site! I. Ticket Booking 🎫Book tickets 7 days in advance via the "Forbidden City Museum" WeChat mini-program. You will need your ID card. Ticket prices are CNY 60 in peak season and CNY 40 in off-season. Morning tickets allow entry before 12:00 PM, and afternoon tickets allow entry after 12:00 PM. Note: Closed on Mondays. II. Opening Hours ⏰Peak Season (April 1 - October 31): 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:10 PM); Off Season (November 1 - March 31 of the following year): 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (last entry at 3:40 PM). III. Transportation Guide 🚇Take subway Line 1 to "Tiananmen East" Station, Exit B, and walk 900m to the Meridian Gate; take bus lines 1, 2, 52, etc. and get off at "Tiananmen East" Station. IV. Itinerary • Central Axis: Meridian Gate (enter after ticket check) → Gate of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Supreme Harmony (the most important hall, where grand ceremonies were held) → Hall of Central Harmony (where the emperor rested before grand ceremonies at the Hall of Supreme Harmony) → Hall of Preserving Harmony (venue for imperial examinations and banquets for princes and nobles) → Gate of Heavenly Purity → Palace of Heavenly Purity (emperor's bedroom) → Hall of Union (where the empress received congratulatory gifts during the Celebration of the Empress's Birthday) → Palace of Earthly Tranquility (empress's bedroom) → Imperial Garden (royal garden with ancient trees such as the Tree of Affinity) → Gate of Divine Might (exit). • East Route: Hall of Literary Glory (painting and calligraphy gallery) → Clock and Watch Gallery (separate ticket required) → Nine-Dragon Screen → Hall of Jewelry (separate ticket required, displaying rare treasures) → Hall of Imperial Supremacy → Palace of Tranquil Longevity. • West Route: Hall of Martial Valor (ceramics gallery) → Hall of Mental Cultivation (emperor's daily office and residence) → Western Six Palaces (Palace of Gathered Elegance, Palace of Purity and Contentment, etc., experience the life of the imperial concubines) → Palace of Compassion and Tranquility (residence of the empress dowager) → Palace of Longevity and Health (place for retired imperial concubines to spend their remaining years). V. Food Recommendations 🍜Forbidden City Restaurant: Offers Chinese fast food such as noodles with fried bean sauce and Kung Pao Chicken; Ice Cellar Restaurant: Unique environment with special set meals and snacks; Kunning Palace Restaurant: Serves royal afternoon tea, where you can experience ancient royal life. VI. Cultural and Creative Products 🎁There are many cultural and creative shops in the Forbidden City, such as on the east side of the Gate of Supreme Harmony and the east side of the Square of the Gate of Heavenly Purity, where you can buy Forbidden City calendars, bookmarks, stationery, jewelry, dolls and other cultural and creative products to "bring the Forbidden City home". VII. Photo Spots 📸Meridian Gate: You can take panoramic views of the Forbidden City; Square of the Hall of Supreme Harmony: The hall makes a great background; Imperial Garden: Pavilions, ancient trees and flowers are suitable for ancient style photos; Red walls and yellow tiles: Every shot is a blockbuster. VIII. Precautions 👠Wear comfortable shoes, the Forbidden City is large and the walking distance is long; lighters, tripods and other items cannot be carried; protect cultural relics, do not touch exhibits, and do not scribble; in case of holidays, when there are many people, pay attention to safety and take care of your belongings.