Complete guide to the Forbidden City in Beijing🏯 Don't worry, even if it's your first visit!

#TravelTips

📌 Basic Information

Opening Hours🕐

- Peak Season (April 1-October 31): 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (No Admission at 4:00 PM)
- Off-Season (November 1-March 31): 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (No Admission at 3:30 PM)
- Closed on Mondays (excluding statutory holidays)

Admission Fee🎫

- Peak Season: NT$60/pp, Off-Season: NT$40/pp
- Treasure Hall and Clock Hall: NT$10/pp each (Must-See!)

🧳 Advance Preparation

1. Ticket Reservations: Reservations are required 7 days in advance through the official mini-program! Tickets are highly popular during peak season, so aim to book by 8:00 PM. If you can't get one, try the special exhibition set ticket (which includes admission).
2. Getting There:
- Recommended: Take Exit C of Jingyu Hutong Station on Subway Line 8 and walk along Donghuamen Avenue to Wumen Gate. This will avoid the lengthy security checkpoints around Tiananmen Square.
- By taxi: Set your destination to North Chizi Avenue/South Chizi Avenue Intersection or Donghuamen Cultural and Sports Center.
3. What to bring: ID (children should bring their household registration), comfortable sneakers (for heavy walking), and sunscreen and a sun hat (summer) or non-slip shoes (winter) depending on the season.
4. Items prohibited: Lighters, drones, and selfie sticks (they can be checked at the entrance).

💡 Practical Tips

- Get in early: Arrive at 8:30 AM when the park opens! Avoid the peak crowds between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Arrive at Wumen Gate 30 minutes before opening to experience Taihe Hall Square with fewer people.
- Reverse Route: First visit the exhibition halls on both sides of the Central Axis and the Six East and West Palaces, then head to the Central Axis between 11:00 and 14:00 when group tours peak. This will help disperse the crowds.
- Free Luggage Storage: Luggage can be stored west of Wumen Gate (delivered directly to the Shenwumen Gate exit).
- Electronic Guide: Recommended rental for 20 NTD per device.
- Food & Drink:
- Ice Cellar Restaurant (next to Cining Palace): Try a light meal and the popular beast-faced ice cream.
- Forbidden City Restaurant: Serves fried rice, lychee and plum drinks, and more.
- Rest Spots: Recommended rest spots are the shade of the trees in Yating Square and the bamboo grove behind Wenhua Hall, both of which are quiet and recommended.

🏃 Plans for After Leaving the Park

- Exits: There are two exits: Shenwumen Gate and Donghuamen Gate.
- Exiting Shenwumen Gate: Take a panoramic photo of the Forbidden City Palace from the Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park across the street (entrance fee: 2 NTD)!
- Exit from Donghuamen Gate: Take a gourmet walk to Wangfujing Street, or try Peking duck at Siji Minfu (Imperial Palace Branch) (it's recommended to get a numbered ticket in advance via the official account).