Beijing: Forbidden City Tour With Square & Museum Options

Exploring Beijing’s imperial past has never been more accessible. The Forbidden City Tour offers visitors a comprehensive introduction to China’s storied history, blending iconic landmarks with optional excursions to Tiananmen Square and the Royal Treasure Museum. This guided experience, starting at just $42.22 per person, immerses guests in the grandeur of sites like the Hall of Supreme Harmony while providing insightful English commentary. Flexible booking and wheelchair accessibility ensure a seamless journey, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of Beijing’s remarkable heritage. What secrets lie within the Forbidden City, waiting to be uncovered?

Good To Know

• The Forbidden City tour is a 4-hour excursion that starts from either the Bank of China Donganmen Branch or the Meridian Gate.
• The tour includes visiting key sites like the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony, and Palace of Heavenly Purity.
• Professional English-speaking guides provide insights into the imperial history and architecture, and headsets are available for larger groups.
• The tour package includes entry tickets to the Forbidden City and the Royal Treasure Museum, with an optional visit to Tiananmen Square.
• Strict security measures are in place, and advance booking is required, with flexible cancellation policies during peak season.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Beijing: Forbidden City Tour with Square & Museum Options is a popular 4-hour excursion that takes visitors through the iconic Forbidden City.

Priced from $42.22 per person, this tour offers live English-language guides, wheelchair accessibility, and flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants can explore the Forbidden City’s grand palaces, gardens, and museums, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity, and Zhenbaoguan.

An optional upgrade allows visitors to include Tiananmen Square in the itinerary.

With a 4.6/5 overall rating based on 447 reviews, this tour provides an immersive look into China’s imperial past.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at either the Bank of China Donganmen Branch or the Meridian Gate, providing two convenient starting points for visitors.

The guided tour then takes participants through the highlights of the Forbidden City, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity, Palace of Earthly Tranquility, and the Six Eastern Palaces, each allocated around 20 minutes.

The tour also includes a visit to the Imperial Garden and the Zhenbaoguan, with 40 minutes dedicated to the latter.

The tour ends at the Palace Museum’s North Gate in Dongcheng District.

Meeting Points

Where do visitors meet for the Forbidden City tour? Guests can choose from two convenient meeting points – the Bank of China Donganmen Branch or directly at the Meridian Gate.

Both locations provide easy access to the tour’s starting point within the Forbidden City. Upon arrival, the professional English-speaking guide will greet the group and lead them through the iconic landmarks, ensuring an engaging and informative experience.

With headsets provided for groups over 10, visitors can comfortably hear the guide’s insights as they explore the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity, and other historic sites within the former imperial residence.

Guided Tour Stops

During the guided tour, visitors explore a series of iconic landmarks within the Forbidden City.

The tour stops at the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where they learn about the emperor’s throne and the grand ceremonies held here.

Next, they visit the Hall of Preserving Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Palace of Heavenly Purity, each offering insights into the imperial life.

The tour then moves to the Palace of Earthly Tranquility and the Six Eastern Palaces, showcasing the architectural beauty and the private living quarters of the Forbidden City.

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Inclusions

Included in the tour are the entry tickets to the Forbidden City and the Royal Treasure Museum. Travelers will also receive the services of a professional English-speaking guide. For larger groups, the tour provides headsets to ensure everyone can hear the guide’s commentary. Customers have the option to upgrade their experience to include a visit to Tiananmen Square.

Inclusions	Details
Tickets	Forbidden City and Royal Treasure Museum entry
Guide	Professional English-speaking guide
Equipment	Headsets for groups over 10 people
Additional Options	Tiananmen Square upgrade

Important Requirements

Travelers must bring their passport or ID to the tour, as these will be required for entry. No large bags or luggage are allowed.

Chinese citizens must book the tour at least 7 days in advance, and all participants’ names, nationalities, and passport numbers must be provided.

Security at the Forbidden City is strict – all visitors must pass through airport-style security screening, and drones and tripods are prohibited.

While the tour operator aims for 100% booking success, cancellations may occur during peak seasons, with full refunds provided in such cases.

Booking Considerations

Booking this Forbidden City tour requires some advance planning.

Chinese citizens must book at least 7 days prior, providing their names, nationalities, and passport numbers for all participants.

While the tour provider can’t guarantee 100% success during peak season, they offer flexible travel plans and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Visitors should bring their passport or ID and avoid bringing large bags, as security checks are airport-style.

Drones and tripods are prohibited.

With the required information and advance planning, travelers can enjoy a stress-free experience exploring the historic Forbidden City with a professional English-speaking guide.

Customer Reviews

According to the tour information, the Forbidden City tour in Beijing has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 447 reviews.

Customers praised the guide’s expertise, noting that they "shared interesting stories" and "patiently explained the history of the Forbidden City." Reviewers also found the tour to be a good value for money, with one guest describing it as "absolutely amazing."

However, some areas for improvement were identified, such as the organization and service aspects of the tour. The Forbidden City tour appears to be a popular and well-received experience for visitors to Beijing.

• Customers praised the knowledgeable guide
• The tour offered good value for money
• Some areas for improvement in organization and service

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Snacks or Drinks With Me on the Tour?

No, bringing snacks or drinks is generally not allowed on the tour. The tour guidelines specifically prohibit large bags and luggage, so it’s best to leave food and drinks behind. Visitors can purchase refreshments at designated spots during the tour.

Is Photography Allowed Throughout the Forbidden City?

Photography is generally allowed throughout the Forbidden City, but visitors must follow certain rules. Tripods, flashes, and filming are prohibited in some areas. Photography should not disrupt or interfere with the tour or other visitors.

Will There Be Opportunities to Use the Restroom During the Tour?

Yes, the tour provides periodic restroom breaks throughout the 4-hour experience. Guests can use the facilities at designated stops within the Forbidden City and other sites included in the itinerary.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Focus on Specific Areas?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to focus on specific areas of the Forbidden City. Guests can discuss their interests with the guide and request adjustments to the standard tour route and timing.

Do I Need to Tip the Tour Guide at the End of the Tour?

Tipping the tour guide is generally not required, as the tour price includes their services. However, a small tip of $2-$5 per person is appreciated if the guide provided a good experience. It’s a customary way to show your gratitude.

The Sum Up

The Forbidden City Tour in Beijing offers a remarkable opportunity to explore China’s imperial history. With the option to visit Tiananmen Square and the Royal Treasure Museum, this guided excursion provides a comprehensive and engaging experience. Accessible and flexible, the tour caters to diverse needs, ensuring an enriching insight into the grandeur of the Forbidden City and the cultural heritage of the capital.

You can check availability for your dates here: