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Forbidden City

The Forbidden City (Palace Museum, 紫禁城) was the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1420–1912). It was the political and ritual center of China for nearly 500 years. It is called "Forbidden" because commoners were barred from entry, and even imperial officials needed special permission.

Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day Address: No. 4, Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

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Forbidden City (The Palace Museum) Reviews

4.8/5
48825 reviews
5/5
A must-see. Enter before 9:00 AM through the East Gate, NOT through Tiananmen Square, to avoid security checks and save time.
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5/5
Second time visiting it and still I’m left speechless by its beauty and majesty!
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4/5
The Forbidden City is definitely worth visiting, but learning about its history beforehand will make it much more interesting. We bought a Russian-language audio guide at the entrance, but unfortunately, we weren't able to fully appreciate it.
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5/5
I liked everything. You can get an audio guide at the ticket office in the city.
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5/5
秀才说王导王晶很专业，讲解很仔细又幽默，让整个体验加分不少！赞👍🏼
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Forbidden City Tickets
Plan your visit to the Palace Museum, Beijing. Learn how to book Forbidden City tickets, opening hours, the best walking routes, and entry tips
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From 1,410,200KRW 656,800
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What is the Forbidden City (The Palace Museum, Beijing)?

The Forbidden City (紫禁城, Zǐjìnchéng), now officially known as the Palace Museum, served as the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty (1420 to 1912). For nearly 500 years, it was the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government and the reclusive home of 24 emperors.

It is called "Forbidden" because no one could enter or leave the palace without the emperor's express permission. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and houses the world's largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures.

Category

Details

Total Area

72 hectares (178 acres)

Construction Period

1406 – 1420 (14 years)

Total Buildings

980 surviving buildings

Legendary Room Count

9,999.5 (Symbolizing heaven has 10,000)

Key Layout

Divided into the Outer Court (State Affairs) and Inner Court (Living Quarters)

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The Palace Museum
The Palace Museum
4.8/5
48825 Reviews
# Historic landmark# Exhibitions
Trip.com userA must-see. Enter before 9:00 AM through the East Gate, NOT through Tiananmen Square, to avoid security checks and save time.
KRW 18,527
Details

Forbidden City (The Palace Museum) - Map & Layout

Forbidden City Map & Route

Source from china highlights

How to Buy Forbidden City Tickets & Reservation Tips

Forbidden City Recommended Route & Must-See Attractions

Advance reservation is mandatory. Tickets are no longer sold at the gate for most visitors and often sell out 7 days in advance.

  • Booking Window: Tickets open 7 days in advance at 8:00 PM (Beijing Time).
  • Where to Buy: * Official WeChat Mini-Program: Search for "故宫博物院" (Palace Museum). This is the most reliable method.
    • Official Website:The Palace Museum Booking Portal.
    • Travel Platforms: Sites like Trip.com offer tickets (often bundled with tours) if you find the official site difficult to navigate.
  • ID Requirement: You must bring your physical passport. Your passport number is your ticket.

Forbidden City Opening Hours

The museum is closed every Monday (except for national holidays).

Season

Dates

Hours

Last Entry

Peak Season

April 1 – Oct 31

8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

4:00 PM

Off-Season

Nov 1 – March 31

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

3:30 PM

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How to Get to Forbidden City & Entering Guide

The Forbidden City is a one-way south-to-north route. You must enter from the South and exit from the North.

How to Get There

  • Subway: Take Line 1 to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West.
  • Note: You must pass through security for Tiananmen Square first. Allow an extra 30–45 minutes for this security check before you even reach the palace gates.

Where to Enter

  • Entrance: Meridian Gate (Wumen). This is the massive U-shaped gate at the southern end.
  • Exit: Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwumen) or East Prosperity Gate (Donghuamen).
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Forbidden City Recommended Route & Must-See Attractions

Forbidden City Recommended Route & Must-See Attractions

Must-See Attractions in the Central Axis

To see the best of the palace in 3–4 hours, follow the Central Axis:

  1. Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian): The heart of the palace where grand ceremonies and coronations took place.
  2. Hall of Central Harmony & Preserving Harmony: Where emperors rested and held imperial banquets.
  3. Palace of Heavenly Purity: The Emperor’s primary residence in the Inner Court.
  4. Hall of Mental Cultivation: The "office" where later Qing emperors actually lived and worked.
  5. The Treasure Gallery (Extra Ticket Required): Located in the northeast; it houses the famous Nine Dragon Screen.
  6. Imperial Garden: A classical garden at the northern end, perfect for a break before exiting.
Forbidden City Recommended Route & Must-See Attractions

Hidden Gems You May Like

  • The Nine Dragon Screen: A 30-meter-long glazed tile wall (located in the Treasure Gallery, requires a separate 10 RMB ticket).
  • The Clock Gallery: A collection of 18th-century mechanical clocks from Europe and China (extra ticket required).
  • The Corner Towers: Viewed from the outside moat at sunset, these are the most photographed parts of the palace.
  • The Icehouse (Bingku): Ancient stone cellars once used to store ice for the summer, now converted into a unique restaurant and café.
Forbidden City Recommended Route & Must-See Attractions

Interesting Historical Insights

  • The "No Tree" Court: You will notice there are no trees in the three main courtyards of the Outer Court. This was done to maintain the Emperor's dignity (no shadows) and to prevent assassins from hiding.
  • Roof Creatures: Look at the corners of the roofs. The more small animal figures there are, the more important the building is. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the only building in China allowed to have 10 of these creatures.
  • The Legend of the "Cold Palace": There was no specific "Cold Palace" (Leng Gong). It was simply a term for any secluded, run-down courtyard where a concubine was banished for falling out of the Emperor's favor.

Pro Tip: After exiting the North Gate, cross the street to Jingshan Park. Climb the hill for the iconic "postcard view" looking back over the golden roofs of the entire Forbidden City.

Best Time to Visit Forbidden City

  • Best Month: Late October to early November. The weather is crisp, the sky is often "Beijing Blue," and the autumn leaves provide a stunning backdrop.
  • Best Time of Day: 8:30 AM (First entry) to beat the large tour groups, or 2:00 PM for the "golden hour" light as the crowds begin to thin toward closing.
  • Avoid: Chinese National Holidays (Golden Week in October) and Labor Day (May), as daily visitor caps make tickets nearly impossible to get.
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[10% Off] Beijing Hotel Recommendations

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Legendale Hotel Beijing

9.1/10Good6877 Reviews
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This is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Beijing, featuring stunning European-style architecture. The hotel seamlessly blends elegant European design with a high-end, opulent atmosphere, making you feel as if you've been transported to Europe. Many of the staff members are bilingual in Chinese and English, which is incredibly helpful and convenient for foreign visitors. The hotel's location is superb, offering excellent access to transportation, shopping, and major attractions. Overall, the stay was exceptional; everything from the ambiance to the service was impressive. It's a highly recommended hotel that I would gladly choose to stay at again.
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9.5/10Outstanding6414 Reviews
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9.5/10Outstanding7485 Reviews
China International Exhibition Center Area Beijing|7.13km from city centre
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Beijing Xinqiao Hotel

9.1/10Good10421 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.86km from city centre
One of the best things about this hotel is the location. The subway station is just a few steps from the lobby. Since it’s on Line 2, we could easily reach most major sightseeing spots in Beijing without any hassle. The hotel staff is well trained, very polite, and most importantly, helpful, especially the front desk staff, 嘉鑫, who helped us solve many problems with professionalism and efficiency. Big shout-out to her! The luggage storage service is also very convenient. We used it after check-out so we could still explore around Beijing before heading to the airport. The process was smooth and hassle-free. However, there is one area that could be improved to make the hotel even better: dining. Every day when we went to the dining hall for lunch around 11 a.m., we were told to wait in line for at least an hour. Because of this, we ended up relying on ******* delivery for most of our lunches. The delivery locker system was very helpful, since the restaurant clearly has limited capacity and cannot accommodate all hotel guests during peak time. Overall, it was a very pleasant stay with great facilities and service. Totally worth the price.
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Sunworld Beijing Wangfujing Hotel (The Forbidden City)

9.2/10Very Good3511 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.62km from city centre
Why did I come to Beijing? Because I managed to snag a ticket to Mayday's concert on the evening of May 16th. Originally, I was thinking of doing a whirlwind trip, arriving Saturday morning and leaving Sunday night. But since I was already here, shouldn't I visit places like the National Museum and the Forbidden City? So, I ended up booking for three nights. Although the hotel is a bit old, the overall cleanliness was good, and the staff were very friendly and efficient. The hotel's location is pretty central, making it super convenient for getting around, and there are plenty of food options nearby. There's a 7-Eleven right across the street, and a Starbucks and McDonald's just a short walk away. My overall stay was really pleasant. The room even had an air purifier. The only downside was that the air conditioning was a bit noisy. I booked a room in the annex, and coming out of the elevator, I noticed the carpet colors were different on each side, which made me wonder if the other side was the main building. All in all, it offered great value for money.
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Crystal Orange Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Wangfujing

9.4/10Outstanding11305 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.25km from city centre
I was extremely disappointed in this hotel due to my room smelling like smoke / cigarettes, poor sound proofing, and the front desk staff soliciting good reviews and asking me not to leave a negative review during checkout. I picked this hotel based on the good reviews and the fact that they are trying to stifle bad reviews makes one completely lose faith in the review system. Details below: I booked the jiangnan room (room 8531) and when I first got into the room it smelled like smoke and cigarettes. I requested for them to clean it and was surprised when they were done cleaning an hour later… which tells me that they most likely don’t have a proper procedure to clean after smoke (they just sprayed perfume it seems). I requested they do a more thorough clean of my room and they sent me to a new room, which also smelled like cigarettes and smoke. This was troubling because the second room was the themed room and was supposed to be for little kids. After one night, I returned back to my original room.. and unfortunately it still smelled like cigarettes and did so for the 5 nights that I stayed there. I realized that ventilation is most likely shared across rooms because every day, my room smelled like cigarettes. So if someone smokes in their room, it affects the rooms around them. Another thing was that sound proofing is not good as you can hear if someone else is showering or flushing their toilet. The second night there, I heard the water run for hours and I finally went to the lobby to get earplugs because I could not sleep. Lastly, during checkout, I was highly discouraged from leaving a negative review. They asked several times to rate them highly and if I could not do so, to not leave a review. They asked to see my order from trip.com and when I asked why, they said they were going to take the survey… it seemed like they were going to give themselves a good review on my behalf. They then offered a small discount so that I would not leave a negative review, which I didn’t consent to. They told me that bad reviews would cause trouble for the front desk…. Shame on the owners because these issues are not going to be solved without major renovations and are not due to the staff. The front desk staff and cleaning staff for the most part, were lovely and doing their jobs. But they cannot do anything if the structure of the hotel itself is fundamentally flawed. I would absolutely not stay in this hotel again.
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Beijing New World Centre Tongpai Hotel

9.1/10Good6758 Reviews
Qianmen, The Temple Of Heaven and Chongwenmen Beijing|1.02km from city centre
The hygiene and overall environment were decent, and the view was okay. However, two things happened during my stay that were quite frustrating… The hotel's humidifier suddenly started leaking severely, like a waterfall cascading down the edge of the table. I called the front desk, and they said they would send someone to fix it. I waited for about seven or eight minutes, but no one showed up. During this time, the floor got completely soaked (p5p6). Finally, I called again to follow up, and the front desk sent a cleaning lady. She said it was because the person who filled it earlier didn't do it properly, and then the hotel just dropped the matter. Sunday, around 6 PM: The hotel and the convenience store are connected, and the door was open. After buying some things, I thought I'd enter the hotel through there, but found it blocked off by a cloth strip. Just then, a plump male staff member came over and told us off, saying we couldn't pass through there and hotel guests couldn't enter from that side, and we had to use another door and go around. We asked which door, and he sarcastically replied, “Don’t you know which door you came in from?” His whole demeanor was contemptuous, with that kind of expression “😒”! If we can't enter, couldn't he just say so nicely? For a five-star hotel, is this the kind of staff quality you have? And isn't he in the service industry? Why did he have to ask us if we knew, with that extremely sarcastic tone the whole time 🙄 It truly felt like I paid to suffer. I won't be staying here again…
FromKRW 109,017

Peace Hotel Beijing(Forbidden city)

8.5/101739 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.47km from city centre
For a two-night stay during the Children's Day holiday in Beijing, we chose the Peace Hotel in Jinyu Hutong. It perfectly fit our itinerary, offering views of the Forbidden City from the hotel, and incredible value for money! 📍 Location The hotel is situated at Jinyu Hutong No. 3, right next to Wangfujing Pedestrian Street and the Jinyu Hutong subway station on Line 8, next to a Lego store – super convenient! The next morning, it was easy to bike to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. In terms of price, among the many luxury hotels in the vicinity, this one was remarkably affordable and offered excellent value. Seriously, there are so many high-end hotels nearby, like the Waldorf Astoria, The Peninsula Beijing, and The Regent, among others. We even got an upgrade to a room one floor below the executive lounge. Food, Drinks & Shopping Being so close to the Wangfujing commercial district and various major hotels, shopping was a breeze. Directly opposite the lobby bar on the ground floor is Chanel at The Peninsula Beijing. Further south, you'll find a cluster of luxury car dealerships like Rolls-Royce. One block north are Intime in88 and APM, where you can find trendy spots like Zhuye Bubble Tea and well-known chain restaurants. We ordered Heytea delivery two nights in a row and had lunch at APM both days! Across the street at Macau Center, there's a Peet's Coffee and McDonald's. On a side note, let me mention some clear drawbacks: the hotel is visibly old. If this is a concern for you, consider it carefully. A prime example is the air conditioning, which has yellowed manual dial controls [facepalm emoji], giving it a rather retro feel. However, the location and views are truly unbeatable! The lobby is very bright and well-lit, making it quite comfortable.
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Manxin Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Wangfujing

9.5/10Outstanding7126 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.28km from city centre
Excellent location! You can walk to the Forbidden City and the National Art Museum of China. Next door is Siji Minfu Roast Duck (delicious!) and Tong Ren Tang, where I bought some skincare products. The room was clean, the service was great, and the front desk staff were very friendly. Before I left, they even gave me some Daohuacun snacks. Thank you all!
FromKRW 116,420

Livefortuna Hotel

9.6/10Excellent5394 Reviews
East Second Ring Workers' Stadium Area Beijing|2.95km from city centre
The room was spotless, and most importantly, the two staff members pictured provided excellent service. They even gave us a small gift when we left. Facilities: The pool is fantastic; swimming in the outdoor pool during summer was wonderful. Service: I forgot to return the pool key after using it. The customer service reminded me and then personally came to pick it up, which was very thoughtful.
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Kerry Hotel, Beijing

9.2/10Very Good2542 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|4.46km from city centre
The concierge in the lobby was very professional and the front desk processed check-in quickly. Although some of the room facilities are a bit dated, the bedding was very comfortable. The bathroom amenities were nice to use. For an executive room, it would have been even better if the bottled water provided was mineral water. The food and drink selection at the executive lounge was good, and the service staff were very warm and attentive. It takes a bit of time to get to the subway from the hotel, so if you have luggage, I'd recommend taking a taxi for more comfort. Despite being an older hotel, the overall service details totally live up to a five-star standard. Most importantly, the view from the room is truly amazing, directly facing the CCTV tower – a truly unique experience!
FromKRW 212,203

Grand Kingtown Hotel BeijingBeijing West Railway (Station Lize Business District)

9.6/10Excellent6751 Reviews
Beijing West Railway Station Area Beijing|7.17km from city centre
I came to Beijing by high-speed train for a concert, and since Beijing's public transportation is so developed, I booked a hotel near West Station. It's a 10-minute walk from West Station to the hotel, and then a 5-minute walk from the hotel to the subway station, which is very convenient. The room was clean and tidy, and the breakfast was plentiful. Kids under 1.2 meters eat for free, and you can register as a member to get an extra breakfast. The mini-fridge wasn't cooling, so I called and they replaced it. The only downside was that even with the air conditioning set to the lowest 16 degrees, the room temperature stayed at 25 degrees and wouldn't go down. I called three times about the A/C over three days, and each time they said they'd send someone to check it, but the issue was never resolved. This is my only regret.
FromKRW 81,651

Bai Fu Yi Hotel

9.3/10Very Good3077 Reviews
East Second Ring Workers' Stadium Area Beijing|5.33km from city centre
First off, every staff member we encountered at the hotel was incredibly warm and welcoming, from the front desk to the housekeeping team. They were all very polite and proactive in helping resolve any issues, which was fantastic! However, we did encounter quite a few minor problems during our stay. 1. Check-in time: We arrived at 1:30 PM to check in, only to be told our room wasn't ready and we'd have to wait about an hour. We waited at the front desk until 2:30 PM without any notification. After we prompted them, the front desk called housekeeping, and it wasn't until 3:00 PM that a staff member finally took us to our room. 2. Upon reaching the room, the staff member informed us we'd have to wait for the room key. This was the first time I've ever encountered this situation. We waited two or three minutes before another staff member brought the key over. 3. We booked a two-bedroom suite. Both bedrooms and the living room had TVs, but only the TV in one bedroom worked. The TVs in the other bedroom and the living room had no signal, meaning if our family wanted to watch TV, we all had to squeeze into one room. 4. When we took a shower in the evening, we realized that perhaps the room was cleaned too hastily. The entire suite only had two sets of toothbrushes, and there was no shampoo or shower gel. It made me wonder if the room was properly inspected after cleaning. 5. The toilet paper in the bathroom was placed too close to the trash can, making it easy for the toilet paper to touch the bin. The towels were placed directly above the toilet, which could easily lead to contamination from toilet bacteria. 6. The next morning, we went down for breakfast and asked a staff member at the lobby bar where breakfast was served, and they didn't even know there was breakfast! That was quite surprising. Overall, the hotel offers good value for money, and the staff are great, but there were simply too many small issues. Perhaps training needs to be strengthened or management processes need to be optimized.
FromKRW 116,644

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Beijing Marriott Hotel Changping

9.1/10Good2874 Reviews
Changping Town/Shisanling Resort Beijing|40.96km from city centre
Our stay at the Marriott Beijing Changping was fantastic! From the moment we arrived, the staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. The buffet breakfast was a highlight, featuring a delicious variety of both Western and Asian options that satisfied everyone's tastes. The Kids Club was a hit with our family, providing a fun and engaging space for our children. We also thoroughly enjoyed the hot springs, which were the perfect way to unwind. While there are two restaurants within the hotel, we appreciated the convenience of a mall just across the street, offering even more dining (and a game arcade) options. Overall, our experience was wonderful, and we can't wait to return!
FromKRW 155,675

COMMUNE BY THE GREAT WALL , IN THE UNBOUND COLLECTION BY HYATT

9.2/10Very Good1240 Reviews
Badaling Great Wall/Badaling Wildlife Park Beijing|56.95km from city centre
We stayed 2 nights and the service was great. They helped us get to the Great Wall, recommended activities for the children and helped us with reservations for the tourist spots back in Beijing City. The staffs Olivier, Kathy, Ella and Coco were so kind to our children and helped them with their Mandarin. The hotel is convenient place if you want to visit the Great Wall and a perfect getaway to enjoy the nature. Many kids facilities including the sports hall where we enjoyed badminton.
FromKRW 198,071

Grand Bay Hotel Beijing

9.7/10Excellent4922 Reviews
Miyun reservoir Beijing|70.35km from city centre
Overall very nice Hotel in a remote but scenic place. The view from the hot pools was fantastic, and the regular pool had a pleasant temperature. The service was fantastic, special thanks to Luna who took care of us! The Kids club had a huge indoor playground, bigger than I have ever seen in a Hotel! The yoga and meditation classed offered have also very experienced and nice teachers.
FromKRW 310,453

Grand Metropark Longxi Conference Center Beijing

9.3/10Very Good1270 Reviews
Daxing Airpot Beijing|32.32km from city centre
Hotel room was great with ample space even for 3.Directly Connected to the hot spring which we can enjoy all day. Hence, you don't have to worry about cold weather. This hotel is near Daxing airport. Cost around 50 to 60 RMB by Didi app. Hotel breakfast has good selections, esp. The 煎饼 is nice. I also like the Chinese 小菜。Service is excellent , esp the waitress 杨丽彤 wo served our table. Good hotel choice for those who want to stay near airport but away from the buzzling city
FromKRW 120,233

Hyatt Regency Beijing Shiyuan

9.4/10Outstanding2307 Reviews
Alpine Skiing Centre/Horticultural Exposition Park Beijing|70.55km from city centre
Lovely pet friendly hotel in Yanqing. Good for access to the park and Longqing gorge.
FromKRW 155,451

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Gym

Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

9.5/10Outstanding3685 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.72km from city centre
Very comfortable rooms n love the location. Hotel staffs especially the concierge guy was very helpful with our requests.
FromKRW 169,358

Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center

9.3/10Very Good6043 Reviews
Yansha Commercial Area Beijing|7.02km from city centre
I will never forget the pure relief I felt when I finally saw the Kempinski Hotel Beijing. Choosing to stay here for our family trip in December was hands down the best decision we made. From the top-tier rooms to the mind-blowing Christmas decorations, the hotel creates a magical atmosphere that never fails to surprise . ☆☆The Food: A Total Game-Changer The Breakfast: Giving it a 100/10 might sound like an exaggeration, but it is truly that worth it! Kempinski Deli: Do not leave without trying the pastries! Their croissants, fresh juices, and hot chocolate are absolute must-haves. ☆☆World-Class Staff What really makes this hotel special is the people. A huge thank you to Daisy at reception for the warm welcome. Shoutout to every staff member from lobby to security team to concierge team to cleaning team who went above and beyond helping us with our stay. Thank you, Kempinski Beijing, for making our family stay nothing short of wonderful. We can't wait to come back ❤️!
FromKRW 188,650

Nuo Hotel Beijing

9.1/10Good2551 Reviews
Wangjing Area Beijing|10.16km from city centre
I had a fantastic experience. From the moment I checked in, the staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive. The room was spotless, spacious, and featured a very comfortable bed which made for a great night's sleep. Clean rooms, friendly staff, and a great location. Everything was exactly as described. The Wi-Fi was fast, and the check-in process was seamless. Highly recommend.
FromKRW 180,126

Grand Hyatt Beijing at Oriental Plaza

9.4/10Outstanding9668 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.86km from city centre
Grand Hyatt Beijing in Dongcheng is an excellent choice for travelers seeking both comfort and convenience. Its prime location near two metro stations and within walking distance to Wangfujing makes it easy to explore the city. The views from the rooms are appealing, offering glimpses of the bustling main street, though some traffic noise can be heard. A highlight of the hotel is the impressive swimming pool, which boasts excellent facilities, making it a must-visit. The rooms are clean and feature soft, comfortable bedding, even if they show a bit of age. Breakfast options are decent, providing a wide range of food, although the menu could benefit from more frequent updates. While WiFi access is limited by China's Great Firewall, preventing some websites from being accessed, the overall experience at Grand Hyatt Beijing is highly enjoyable, making it a great option for visitors to the city.
FromKRW 370,121

Four Seasons Hotel Beijing

9.2/10Very Good2076 Reviews
Yansha Commercial Area Beijing|7.18km from city centre
Though it is a hotel over 12 years, the room conditions and facilities are surprisingly good maintained With its convenient location (especially only 30 mins to the PEK airport), it is one of the best choices if you come to Beijing for business Services also attentive and responsive
FromKRW 343,203

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Swimming pool

Jen Beijing by Shangri-La

9.4/10Outstanding5192 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|4.7km from city centre
We stayed here during the May Day holiday, and it was quite busy. There was a minor hiccup initially: I had requested a room with a good view when booking, but upon arrival, the designated 13th-floor room with a view wasn't ready. They offered a 11th-floor room with a fire door instead. The front desk staff was very accommodating, saying I could change rooms anytime if I wasn't satisfied. The 11th-floor room did offer a view of the CCTV Tower, but having an internal door made me feel a bit uneasy, so I asked to switch again. They then arranged a quiet room on the 19th floor. The staff throughout this process were incredibly friendly, and their service was prompt and excellent. The room itself was simply decorated but had great facilities, and the water pressure was strong. Even with the May Day crowds, food deliveries were quite timely. The only downside was the exorbitant parking fee. It's 10 yuan an hour for underground parking with no cap. After one night, my parking bill came to 225 yuan. Compared to the room rate of over a thousand, the parking fee was quite painful. Those who need parking should be prepared!
FromKRW 235,532

Rosewood Beijing

9.2/10Very Good3941 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|4.88km from city centre
After a wonderful stay at Rosewood Guangzhou, my experience at Rosewood Beijing was quite disappointing. First, let's talk about the positives: the design of the public areas and rooms is stunning, and the club lounge, gym, and pool facilities are excellent, meeting the standards of a luxury five-star hotel. The maintenance of these facilities is also quite good. Now for the areas that need improvement, primarily the service. It's the worst service I've ever encountered in a hotel costing over 1500+ RMB per night. The overall impression is one of aloofness and bureaucracy. The butler's pre-arrival communication was unhelpful, and it seemed like different departments within the hotel didn't communicate with each other. There was incorrect information regarding club lounge benefits. The butler claimed the room type I wanted to upgrade to was fully booked, but the front desk said there was one available for a paid upgrade. Despite informing them beforehand that I was traveling with a child, extra slippers and toothbrushes weren't provided promptly. This experience falls far short of what I've had at some Marriott and Crowne Plaza hotels costing 500+ RMB per night. Considering Rosewood's 5000+ RMB room rate, this aspect is truly subpar. The executive lounge's service and food were also very disappointing. It was the first time in my life I was asked for my room number three times in the lounge. During happy hour, it was often difficult to find the bartender and noodle chef. The slightly pale, somewhat red-faced male bartender provided poor service; he seemed unwilling to speak much and would simply walk away even when guests were right in front of him. While the afternoon tea in the lounge was decent quality, the variety was too limited. The happy hour food was also overly Westernized, consisting mostly of cold dishes. This is China, after all. There was only one hot dish, beef cheek, and a bowl of Chaoshan beef kway teow, which was too cold and not very suitable for families with children. For drinks, there were three white wines, two red wines, and one sparkling wine, all of average taste. For spirits, only two types of whiskey used for cocktails were complimentary; others required an additional charge. Overall, the lounge food felt like a higher-end Andaz, but Andaz is free, while Rosewood's lounge prices are even more expensive than the Ritz, yet the food is nowhere near as good as the Ritz. Perhaps every hotel defines its lounge differently, but they should still strive to satisfy a wider range of guests. The front desk staff also lacked smiles, and the concierge wouldn't even look at you when speaking. The elevator attendant, however, was quite good. The breakfast on the first floor was also overly specialized and disappointing. The variety was the worst I've encountered in a hotel costing over 1500+ RMB per night. It was quite Western-biased; the bread was excellent, just like at Rosewood Guangzhou, but the Chinese options were far inferior to Rosewood Guangzhou, with too little variety – only the congee was decent. Furthermore, I forgot my child's swimming goggles and cap in the bathrobe pocket. After checking out, I contacted the hotel to help locate them. I was told they were in the bathrobe in the room, but then they replied that the pool staff couldn't find them. I reiterated my request, and they said the laundry also couldn't find them. This could have been a chance for them to earn some brownie points, but it further highlighted Rosewood Beijing's shortcomings in service.
FromKRW 470,839

Crowne Plaza BEIJING LIDO by IHG

9.7/10Excellent7853 Reviews
Wangjing Area Beijing|10.21km from city centre
This time I came to Beijing for a business trip to a foreign company. Since it was near Jiuxianqiao, I stayed at the Lido Crowne Plaza, which was the closest to my client's office. After booking the room, on the day of my check-in, Jennifer, a hotel staff member, proactively called to ask about my room preferences and requirements, and even upgraded my room. Her service attitude was exceptionally good. Previously when I visited Beijing, I mostly chose The Rosewood or Conrad, and the service was just standard. This time at Lido Crowne Plaza, I was pleasantly surprised by Jennifer's excellent service. I've traveled to many countries and stayed in numerous high-end hotels, but this is the first time I've developed a fondness for a hotel because of one staff member. I absolutely had to write a genuine positive review. Next time I'm in Beijing for business, this will definitely be my first choice.
FromKRW 127,411

Regent Beijing

9.5/10Outstanding6903 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.66km from city centre
I've stayed at many InterContinental properties, but this was my first time at a Regent, and it was a fantastic experience. It perfectly blends an old-world, understated luxury with Eastern charm and Western light luxury. Located in Beijing's bustling Wangfujing area, where many established luxury hotels show their age a bit, the Regent stands out with its modern exterior, looking remarkably 'fresh' next to neighbors like the Peninsula and Waldorf Astoria, which you can see from your room. Transportation is convenient, right next to Dengshikou subway station on Line 5. Just a heads-up, Exit C doesn't have an escalator. Despite being in a busy area, traffic wasn't bad, and most popular attractions are easily accessible by subway. It's quite close to the Forbidden City, which explains why I saw foreign tour groups staying here. The price-to-value ratio, even during holidays, is excellent. The room layout is straightforward and spacious, with no awkward angles, making it feel very open and never cramped. While it lacks superfluous, winding designs, the attention to detail and artistic touches are exceptional. I particularly loved the toiletries – they have a lovely, subtle woody scent. Breakfast: Offers Beijing specialties like Zhajiangmian (fried sauce noodles), local desserts, and stewed offal. The Chinese selection also includes some Cantonese dim sum, and there's a wider variety of Western options. The whole wheat croissants were delicious and guilt-free. Gym and Swimming Pool: Located on the 5th floor, open until 10 PM. There's a wide range of equipment, and I was impressed by the availability of disinfectant spray, a thoughtful detail that ensures user hygiene. Overall, my stay was excellent. I've already recommended it to friends, whether they're visiting Beijing for leisure or business, this place is definitely a top choice.
FromKRW 233,961

NUO Resort Hotel-Universal Beijing Resort

9.6/10Excellent8051 Reviews
Universal Beijing Resort and Sorrounding Beijing|24.16km from city centre
This trip to Beijing was mainly to take my child to Universal Studios. To facilitate our visit, we specifically booked this hotel because our room package included three admission tickets and allowed us to enter an hour earlier than others. However, to our surprise, when we entered promptly at 8:30 AM that day, we discovered my husband didn't have a ticket, while my son and I did. Both the hotel and Ctrip tried to help figure out what went wrong. It took 1.5 hours to finally get my husband's ticket sorted so he could enter. By then, people who entered at 9:30 AM (when it officially opened to the public) had already gone in before us. The hotel never contacted me to discuss this issue. My discussions with Ctrip about compensation felt like haggling at a market, going back and forth, and although they eventually offered some compensation (not what I ideally wanted), I felt the whole experience was really bad. A lot of time was wasted queuing. I hope next time the hotel will contact me personally to communicate about such issues. The hotel room itself was very good, but I still wanted to share our Universal experience.
FromKRW 441,454

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Breakfast

Scitech Hotel

9.5/10Outstanding4312 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|2.93km from city centre
The hotel's location is excellent, making it easy to get to all the major attractions in the city center. There are all sorts of restaurants nearby, so dining is super convenient, and McDonald's is very close. They have a free laundry room with a dryer, which is handy. Breakfast was good, although it did get quite crowded. What was really annoying was that they had a loudspeaker blaring out reminders, which nobody paid attention to anyway. With so many people already there, this just made everyone talk even louder, making the dining area really noisy and feel a bit cheap. I strongly recommend they stop playing those announcements.
FromKRW 96,904

Yingxiangcheng Hotel (Beijing Canal CBD Luhe Hospital Branch)

9.5/10Outstanding2398 Reviews
The Grand Canal CBD Beijing|21.34km from city centre
The room was spacious, clean, and tidy. What I liked most was the TV, which offered a wide variety of free TV series. Ordering takeout was also incredibly convenient (watching 'Dream of the Red Chamber' while enjoying bubble tea and braised dishes was just bliss). Although the hotel was a bit far from tourist attractions, it actually allowed us to take less popular routes, avoiding the crowds. This meant we had a good chance of getting a seat for the entire journey instead of standing, which was a huge relief (I honestly couldn't handle the crowded Beijing subway anymore during the last few days). Finally, a big shout-out to the front desk staff! The two ladies working on the evening of Jan 2nd and the afternoon of Jan 3rd were both gentle and enthusiastic. The hotel also provided excellent luggage storage service. Five stars! 💓💓💓💓💓
FromKRW 40,825

Gu bei yu shang du jia bie shu(gubeikoushuizhenjingqudian)

9.6/10Excellent14 Reviews
Beijing Wtown/The Simatai Great Wall Beijing|109.66km from city centre
Very satisfied, the kids had a great time Hygiene: Hygienic conditions are also very good Environment: Full score for the environment Service: Nothing except the phone at the front desk couldn't get through, and I also helped to make coffee
FromKRW 197,398

Waldorf Astoria Hutong Courtyard

9.6/10Excellent359 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.47km from city centre
To experience the authentic courtyard atmosphere, I specifically chose the hotel's Hutong Suite. Outside, Beijing was freezing, but as soon as I entered the room, I was instantly warmed. The bedding was incredibly comfortable, and in the evening, they even provided a complimentary wellness tea and special small snacks, which was a very thoughtful touch! In the morning, I also enjoyed the hotel's breakfast in-room dining service, recharging for the day in the ancient-style room. A special shout-out to Chloe and Willow, thank you for your warm and attentive service. I will definitely choose to stay here again next season!
FromKRW 1,760,431

Youfang Hotel

9.4/10Outstanding886 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.12km from city centre
Youfang Hotel has an antique and charming decor, excellent hygiene, and clean, comfortable bedding. It's a safe and secure place to stay with children. The location is very convenient, close to Beijing's city center and JinYu Hutong subway station, making it easy to get around with elderly family members and kids. The hotel service deserves a perfect 10 out of 10; the staff are patient with children and attentive to guests. I'd definitely stay here again if I have the chance!
FromKRW 86,362

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FAQs about Forbidden City Tickets

  • Can I buy Forbidden City tickets on-site?

    No. All tickets must be reserved online at least one day in advance via the official WeChat Mini-Program or website. There is no physical ticket office at the entrance for same-day sales.

  • Why is the Forbidden City closed on Mondays?

    The museum closes every Monday (except for public holidays) to allow for routine maintenance, restoration of the ancient wooden structures, and staff training.

  • How long does it take to walk through the Forbidden City?

    A quick walk through the central axis takes about 2 hours. A thorough visit including the Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery takes 4 to 5 hours.

  • Are there places to eat inside Forbidden City?

    Yes. There are several cafes, a bookstore with a snack bar, and the "Icehouse" (Bingku) restaurant. However, options are limited and can be pricey, so many visitors bring their own water and light snacks.

  • Is the Forbidden City wheelchair accessible?

    Mostly, yes. While there are many stairs, the museum has installed ramps along the main central axis. Most of the primary halls can be viewed from a wheelchair, though some smaller side courtyards may still have high door sills.
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