🎫 How to Book Tickets to the Palace Museum (The Forbidden City) — A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign

#springitinerary
If you’re planning to visit the iconic Palace Museum (故宫博物院) in Beijing — one of the most historic and breathtaking sites in China — it’s essential to book your tickets in advance, especially as a foreign traveler. Based on my personal experience, here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.

✅ Important Tip: Tickets open for booking 7 days in advance, and they sell out fast — especially during weekends and holidays.

🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Book Tickets Online

1. Go to the Official Website at 8pm

Visit the Palace Museum’s official English website:

2. Click on “Ticket”

You’ll find the “Ticket” button either on the homepage or in the menu.

3. Choose the Date and Time Slot

You’ll need to select:
• A date (available up to 7 days in advance)
• A time slot: either Morning (8:30–12:00) or Afternoon (12:00–16:30)

4. Select “Standard Ticket”
• Choose Standard Ticket for regular admission.
• You can book up to 10 tickets at a time.

5. Fill in Visitor Information

For each ticket, enter:
• Full name (as in passport)
• Passport number

✅ This information is used for ID verification at the entrance.

6. (Optional) Add Special Exhibitions

You can also purchase tickets for special exhibitions like:
• The Clock Gallery
• The Treasure Gallery

📝 These can be added during the booking process or bought on-site.
We chose to buy them online together with our admission ticket — this saved us time and let us skip the long queues at the museum.

7. Confirm and Proceed to Payment

Double-check all the information and proceed to payment.

8. Payment Options

The website supports:
• Alipay
• MasterCard
• Visa

💡 We used a Visa card without any issue.

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✅ On the Day of Visit:

Just head to the entrance and scan your passport — no need to print anything or pick up tickets at a counter. It’s fast and efficient!

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📌 Final Tips:
• Bring your original passport — it’s required for entry.
• Arrive 15–20 minutes early to avoid crowd buildup.
• Download a map of the Forbidden City in advance — the area is vast!
• If you’re visiting in peak season (spring, national holidays, etc.), book as soon as the 7-day window opens.

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Visiting the Forbidden City was an unforgettable experience — walking through ancient courtyards and imperial halls felt like stepping into a living history book. I hope this guide makes your journey a little easier and a lot smoother!

#travel #myitinerary #china #solotrip