Certainly. Here is a detailed travel guide to the Forbidden City:
Opening Hours and Tickets
- Opening Hours:
- From April 1st to October 31st, it’s open from 8:30 to 17:00 (ticket sales stop at 16:00 and admission stops at 15:40).
- From November 1st to March 31st of the following year, it’s open from 8:30 to 16:30 (ticket sales stop at 15:30 and admission stops at 15:10).
- It’s closed on Mondays, except for national statutory holidays and the summer vacation period.
- Tickets:
- In the off-season (from November 1st to March 31st of the following year), the ticket price is 40 yuan.
- In the peak season (from April 1st to October 31st), the ticket price is 60 yuan.
- The Treasure Gallery and the Clock and Watch Gallery each cost 10 yuan. It’s recommended to book tickets online in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
Transportation
- Subway: Take Metro Line 1 and get off at either “Tian’anmen East” or “Tian’anmen West” station. Then it takes about a 10-minute walk to reach the Meridian Gate (the south gate of the Forbidden City).
- Bus: Multiple bus lines can take you to Tian’anmen Square, such as Bus No. 1, No. 2, No. 52, etc. Get off at the “Tian’anmen Square” stop.
- Taxi: You can take a taxi to Tian’anmen Square or the south gate of the Forbidden City and then walk to the destination.
Tour Routes
- Two-hour Route: Meridian Gate – Gate of Supreme Harmony – Hall of Supreme Harmony – Hall of Central Harmony – Hall of Preserving Harmony – Palace of Heavenly Purity – Hall of Union and Peace – Palace of Earthly Tranquility – The Imperial Garden – Gate of Divine Prowess.
- Half-day Route: Meridian Gate – Hall of Literary Glory – Gate of Supreme Harmony – Hall of Supreme Harmony – Hall of Central Harmony – Hall of Preserving Harmony – Palace of Heavenly Purity – Palace of Earthly Tranquility – The Imperial Garden – Eastern Six Palaces – Clock and Watch Gallery – Treasure Gallery – Gate of Divine Prowess.
- One-day Route: Meridian Gate – Hall of Literary Glory – Central Activity Center – Palace of Tranquil Longevity – Eastern Six Palaces – The Imperial Garden – Western Six Palaces – Clock Museum – Treasure Pavilion.
Precautions
- It’s prohibited to shout loudly or litter in the Forbidden City. Please keep the environment clean. Many exhibition halls forbid taking photos. Please make sure to abide by these rules.
- The ground inside the Forbidden City is uneven with many potholes. Pay attention when walking and be careful of the steps as it’s easy to miss a step. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
- For purchasing cultural and creative products, it’s not advisable to buy them inside the scenic area as they are usually overpriced and may not be of good quality.
- Don’t forget to bring your ID card. Also, bring a sun umbrella, sunscreen, and a power bank. If it rains, prepare rain shoe covers, a raincoat, or an umbrella.
- When visiting the Treasure Gallery, an additional ticket is required. Cultural relics like the Nine-dragon Screen are located here. If you haven’t reserved tickets online, you can buy them on site.
- Remember to bring some convenient food and drinking water. It’s not convenient to have a meal during the visit. Instant noodles and self-heating hot pots are not allowed. And the length of selfie sticks should not exceed 1.3 meters.
Forbidden City Photo-taking Guide
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Meridian Gate: The magnificent architecture and spacious plaza of the Meridian Gate serve as an excellent backdrop for photos, especially during the morning or evening when the sunlight casts a warm glow, enhancing its majestic appearance.
- Taihe Dian Plaza: The stairs and plaza in front of Taihe Dian offer a classic photo opportunity, capturing the main buildings and palaces of the Forbidden City.
- Zhonghe Dian and Baohe Dian: The corridors and stairs beside these two palaces are also great spots for photos, capturing the architectural details of the Forbidden City.
- Red Walls and Yellow Tiles: The iconic color combination of red walls and yellow tiles in the Forbidden City provides a historical backdrop for your photos. Walking under these walls allows you to capture photos with a sense of history.
- Ginkgo Forest: During autumn, the ginkgo leaves gradually turn yellow, contrasting beautifully with the red walls and gold tiles of the Forbidden City, making it an ideal time for photo-taking.
⏰ Photo-taking Time:
- Morning and evening are the best times for photo-taking, as the light is soft and the colors are more vibrant.
- Avoid the intense midday sunlight to prevent overexposure or excessive shadows.
📷 Photo-taking Tips:
- Composition: Utilize the symmetrical composition of the Forbidden City to create more artistically pleasing photos.
- Angles: Experiment with different shooting angles, such as low or high angles, to capture unique perspectives.
- Light and Shadow: Use variations in light and shadow to create more layered photos.
- Attire: Wear clothing that complements the color scheme of the Forbidden City’s architecture, such as light or dark colors, to achieve better visual effects.
- Props: Bring some props related to the Forbidden City, such as fans or folding fans, to add interest to your photos.
I hope this guide helps you take satisfactory photos in the Forbidden City and create lasting memories!
