First Time Visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing

### **Travel Guide to the Palace Museum in Beijing** **I. Introduction to the Palace Museum** The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With over 600 years of history, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. As the residence and workplace of 24 emperors, it houses a rich collection of cultural relics and magnificent buildings, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity, and Imperial Garden, making it the perfect place to explore ancient Chinese imperial culture. **Opening Hours**: - Peak season (April 1-October 31) 8:30-17:00 (Last entry at 16:10) - Off-peak season (November 1-March 31) 8:30-16:30 (Last entry at 15:40) - **Closed on Mondays** (except public holidays) **Tickets**: - Peak season CNY 60, off-peak season CNY 40 (Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery CNY 10 each) - **Advance booking required through Palace Museum mini program or official website** (No on-site ticket sales!) --- **II. Transportation** **1. Subway** (Recommended): - Take **Line 1** to **Tiananmen East Station** (Exit B), walk to **Meridian Gate** (main entrance) - Take **Line 8** to **Jinyu Hutong Station** (Exit C), walk to **East Prosperity Gate**, then along the moat to Meridian Gate **2. Bus**: - Take **Bus 1, 2, 52, 82, or 120** to "Tiananmen East" stop **3. Taxi/Self-driving**: - No parking near the Palace Museum. Take a taxi to **East Prosperity Gate** or **Beichizi Street**, then walk --- **III. Recommended Route (3-4 hours highlights tour)** 1. **Meridian Gate** (entrance) → **Hall of Supreme Harmony** (emperors' coronation site) → **Hall of Central Harmony** → **Hall of Preserving Harmony** 2. **Palace of Heavenly Purity** (emperors' quarters) → **Hall of Union** → **Palace of Earthly Tranquility** (empresses' quarters) 3. **Imperial Garden** (royal garden, great for photos) 4. **Eastern Six Palaces** (Palace of Eternal Spring, Palace of Kind Favor, etc.) or **Western Six Palaces** (Palace of Accumulated Purity, Palace of Assisting the Imperial Virtue, etc.) 5. **Treasure Gallery** (must-see! Nine Dragon Screen, Consort Zhen's Well) → **Clock Gallery** (exquisite Western timepieces) 6. **Gate of Divine Might** (exit, panoramic view spot) **Tips**: - Rent an **audio guide** (CNY 20) or hire a tour guide to better understand the history - After exiting through Gate of Divine Might, visit **Jingshan Park** (CNY 2) for a panoramic view --- **IV. What to Bring?** ✅ **ID**: ID card (mandatory! Real-name registration required) ✅ **Comfortable shoes**: The palace complex is vast! ✅ **Sun/weather protection**: Summer - sun hat, sunglasses; Winter - warm clothes (palace is open and windy) ✅ **Power bank**: Photo-taking drains battery, no rental points inside ✅ **Snacks and water**: Food inside is expensive, bring your own (but don't litter) --- **V. Recommended Restaurants Nearby** 1. **Siji Minfu (Palace Museum Branch)**: Must-try Peking duck! Views of East Prosperity Gate 2. **Heyan Meat Pie (Donghuamen Branch)**: Traditional Beijing meat pies and noodles, good value 3. **Palace Museum Ice House Restaurant**: Inside the palace, royal dining atmosphere 4. **Wangfujing Snack Street**: Near the palace, try tripe, candied hawthorns, and pea cakes --- **VI. Budget Accommodation** 1. **Beijing Nanshu Caotang Hotel (Qianmen Branch)**: Near subway, CNY 200-300/night 2. **Home Inn (Tiananmen Square Branch)**: Walking distance to palace, CNY 250-350/night 3. **Beijing International Youth Hostel**: Perfect for backpackers, CNY 80-150/bed, great atmosphere **Tips**: Stay near **Qianmen/Wangfujing/Dongsi** for convenient transport and dining options --- **VII. Additional Tips** - Wear comfortable shoes - the palace is huge! - Visit early (8:30 opening) to avoid crowds - After exiting, consider visiting **Jingshan Park** or **Beihai Park** - Only book through official channels! Avoid scalpers Enjoy your visit to the Forbidden City and experience the grandeur of imperial history! 🏯✨