The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, is one of the most important historical attractions in Beijing and one of the most famous imperial palace complexes in the world.

Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City was the imperial palace of China's Ming and Qing dynasties for almost 500 years. Today, visitors can explore its enormous courtyards, magnificent halls, ancient gates, imperial residences and beautiful gardens while learning about China's imperial history.

For international travelers, the Forbidden City is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Beijing. It is also an excellent attraction for travelers with a Beijing airport layover, provided there is enough time for immigration, transportation, sightseeing and returning to the airport.

At Beijing Airport Tours, we offer private Beijing sightseeing and airport layover tours that can include the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and other major Beijing attractions.

The Forbidden City is a huge complex, so first-time visitors can easily feel overwhelmed by the number of buildings and courtyards.

These are some of the most important areas to look for during your visit.

Meridian Gate

The Meridian Gate is the impressive southern entrance to the Forbidden City.

It is one of the most recognizable gates in the complex and marks the beginning of the main central axis.

Most visitors enter the Forbidden City through this area.

Gate of Supreme Harmony

After entering through the Meridian Gate, visitors proceed toward the central ceremonial area.

The Gate of Supreme Harmony leads into the magnificent outer court.

Hall of Supreme Harmony

The Hall of Supreme Harmony is one of the most important buildings in the Forbidden City.

It was used for major imperial ceremonies and is one of the most iconic structures in the entire palace complex.

Its enormous courtyard and grand architectural design provide an excellent introduction to the scale and importance of the imperial palace.

Hall of Central Harmony

The Hall of Central Harmony is located between the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony.

It served as a smaller ceremonial space where the emperor could prepare before major ceremonies.

Hall of Preserving Harmony

The Hall of Preserving Harmony is another important structure in the outer court.

It was used for various imperial ceremonies and later became associated with important examination-related events.

Palace of Heavenly Purity

Moving deeper into the Forbidden City, visitors enter the inner court.

The Palace of Heavenly Purity was historically associated with the emperor's living quarters and later served important ceremonial functions.

Hall of Union

The Hall of Union sits between the Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.

It is an important part of the inner court and features distinctive imperial architecture.

Palace of Earthly Tranquility

The Palace of Earthly Tranquility was traditionally associated with the empress.

Together with the Palace of Heavenly Purity and Hall of Union, it forms an important section of the Forbidden City's inner court.

Imperial Garden

At the northern end of the main central axis is the Imperial Garden.

Compared with the enormous ceremonial courtyards, the garden provides a more peaceful environment with trees, rockeries, pavilions and traditional landscaping.

It is a popular place for visitors to take photographs before exiting the Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City is located immediately north of Tiananmen Square, making it easy to combine the two attractions in one Beijing sightseeing itinerary.

A typical route is:

Tiananmen Square → Tiananmen Gate → Forbidden City

International travelers should be aware that access arrangements, security procedures and reservation requirements can apply to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

For travelers visiting during busy periods, planning in advance is particularly important.

The Forbidden City is one of Beijing's most popular attractions, and visitor access is subject to current reservation and ticketing policies. During busy travel periods, tickets or reservations can be difficult to obtain. For international travelers, we strongly recommend checking the current official reservation requirements before visiting. Because ticket policies and reservation arrangements can change, always confirm the latest information for your travel date.

If you book a private tour with us, we can help you understand the current reservation process and plan your itinerary accordingly.

The Forbidden City is one of the essential experiences for anyone visiting Beijing for the first time.

From the magnificent Meridian Gate and Hall of Supreme Harmony to the quiet Imperial Garden, the palace complex provides an extraordinary glimpse into China's imperial past.

Whether you are staying in Beijing for several days or have a long international layover, a private tour can help you experience the Forbidden City efficiently while learning the stories behind its architecture and history.

Explore the Forbidden City, walk through the heart of imperial Beijing and discover one of China's greatest cultural landmarks.

Forbidden City Layover Tour from Airport‍

Forbidden City + Mutianyu Great Wall Layover Tour from Airport

What is the Forbidden City?

The Forbidden City is the former imperial palace complex in central Beijing and is now the main site of the Palace Museum.

Is the Forbidden City worth visiting?

Yes. It is one of the most important historical and cultural attractions in Beijing and offers visitors an opportunity to explore China's imperial history and architecture.

How long does it take to visit the Forbidden City?

Most visitors should allow several hours, depending on how much of the complex and museum collections they want to explore.

Can I visit the Forbidden City during a Beijing layover?

Yes, if your layover is sufficiently long. You need to allow time for airport immigration, transportation, sightseeing and returning to the airport.

Can I visit the Forbidden City from Beijing Capital Airport?

Yes. PEK is connected to central Beijing, and a private airport transfer can take you to the Forbidden City.

Can I visit the Forbidden City from Beijing Daxing Airport?

Yes. However, Daxing Airport is farther from central Beijing, so you need to allow more transportation time.

Do I need to reserve the Forbidden City in advance?

Visitor reservation and ticket policies apply and may change. Check the latest official requirements for your travel date.

Can I visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City together?

Yes. The two attractions are next to each other and are commonly combined in the same Beijing sightseeing itinerary.

Is the Forbidden City suitable for children?

Yes, although the complex is large and requires considerable walking. Families should plan breaks and allow enough time.

What should I bring to the Forbidden City?

Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, water and weather-appropriate clothing. Follow current security and entry requirements.