Best Forbidden City Tours 2025/2026
Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey at China’s imperial palace of Forbidden City where “enormous” and “glorious” merely allude to its architectural beauty, and every piece of treasure within is unique, priceless, and irreplaceable. Discover thousands of rooms where 24 emperors and their families of the Ming and Qing lived and take in the grandeur of the largest art collection from ancient China.
The Forbidden City or China’s Palace Museum is not just a symbol of Beijing, but an iconic landmark of China. With ETC’s Forbidden City tours, view the world’s grandest wooden complex in the best possible way, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Imperial Garden. Our knowledgeable guide will share stories with you that reveal the ups and downs of the history, and bring the palace and its art treasures to life.
Private Beijing Forbidden City Tours
Experience the grander of Forbidden City and the masterpieces inside with your exclusive expert guide who knows how to visit this immense palace properly. You will learn about the royal history & life and have plenty of time to muse over cultural and art works. Don’t miss the opportunity to create a private Forbidden City customized just for you, perhaps along with other highlights in Beijing, such as the Great Wall and Temple of Heaven.
Beijing Forbidden City Small Group Tours
For many of us, holidays are great in good company. Our Beijing small group tours to Forbidden City and Other Beijing highlights bring together like-minded travelers seeking shared experiences in Beijing. Don’t miss the Forbidden City trips designed by Beijing travel specialists and led by our brilliant local guides, at a Cheap price.
China Tour Packages Including Forbidden City
Do you want to an exciting Forbidden City tour together with China highlights? To help you plan your holiday, we've listed some of the most popular itineraries below:
- Destinations: Beijing - Xi’an - Shanghai
- Highlights: Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Terra-cotta Warriors, Yu Garden
- Destinations: Beijing - Xian - Guilin - Yangshuo - Shanghai
- Highlights: Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Terracotta Army, Li River cruise
- Destinations: Shanghai - Suzhou - Huangshan - Hangzhou - Guilin - Yangshuo - Longji - Xi'an - Beijing
- Highlights: Yu Garden, Mt.Huangshan, Terracotta Army, Forbidden City, the Great Wall
FAQs about Forbidden City Tours
When is the Best Time to Visit the Forbidden City?
Autumn (September to November) is the best time, as the weather is clear and cool, and the yellow ginkgo leaves set off the red walls of the Forbidden City. Spring (April to May) comes second. The snow scenery in the Forbidden City during winter (December to February) is extremely beautiful, and there are fewer tourists. So it is also a good time to visit it.
Avoid May Day (5.1-5) and National Day Holiday (10.1-10.7), as the crowds are extremely large.
Recommended times of the day to visit are in the late afternoon (13:00-15:00) when some visitors leave for lunch, and just before closing time (16:00-17:00) when the sun sets over the Golden Roof and crowds are halved.
How to Visit the Forbidden City?
How much time needed: 2 hours or half a day around 4 hours
2-hour travel route: Follow the central axis from Meridian Gate (Wumen Gate), through Tian’anmen, Gate of Supreme Harmony, to Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Union, Palace of Earthly Tranquility, Imperial Garden, and get out at Gate of Divine Prowess.
For an in-depth half tour Forbidden City tour, in addition to the must-see palaces at the central axis, you will also visit some lesser known ones.
Can We Skip the Line on Your Forbidden City Tour?
By booking your tour with us, our local guide will choose for you the best time and route to visit Forbidden City, so as to avoid queuing or reduce the queuing time.
What is the Best Choice as a Forbidden City Layover Tour?
A half-day Forbidden City tour and our Beijing day tours with it, including pick-up & drop-off services and meals are highly recommended for layovers.
Can I Do a Tour of Forbidden City with Mobility Issues?
Yes. The museum is very big and renovated to accommodate visitors in a wheel chair. If you have a Forbidden City map at hand, you can see clearly the wheelchair accessible pathways (on the eastern side), halls, and gardens. Wheelchair users may roll across the elevated thresholds of the palace's different entrances thanks to ramps.
If you have problems walking and require extra time, we highly recommend booking a private Beijing tour so you can proceed at your own speed and we can prepare at the best.
Can I Tour Forbidden City on My Own?
If you prefer to visit it by yourself, we suggest you research on the traveling route, must-sees, ticket booking (in advance), transportation, travel tips, its history, and more before your visit. Check out the most recommended 9-day Essence of Self-guided China Tour to Beijing Forbidden City.