A Day Trip to Beijing's Forbidden City for Gen Z! Ultimate Guide

📸Essential Tips for Palace Visit 1. Tickets: ¥40 during off-peak season, ¥60 during peak season. Book 3 days ahead through the "Palace Museum" mini program (quick fingers needed, be ready to click fast!) 2. Hours: 8:30-17:00 (Closed on Mondays, don't waste your trip) 3. Pro tip: Rent an audio guide for ¥20 - the juicy tales about Emperor Qianlong are more addictive than binge-watching dramas 🚶‍♂️Recommended Routes Express Central Axis Tour: Meridian Gate → Hall of Supreme Harmony (Emperor's office photo spot) → Palace of Heavenly Purity (see the "Justice and Honor" plaque) → Palace of Earthly Tranquility (Imperial couple's chamber) → Imperial Garden (where empresses enjoyed their afternoon tea) Art Lover's Route: Six Eastern Palaces → Treasure Gallery (Empress Cixi's jewelry box) → Clock Exhibition Hall (showcase of ancient high-tech wonders) 🍜Food Map Around the Forbidden City · Siji Minfu (Palace Museum Branch): ¥150/person, serving the "Yang Guifei" of Peking duck, get Instagram-worthy shots of "duck with palace views" · Heyan Meat Pie: ¥40/person, locals' hidden gem, warning: juicy beef pies ahead! · Corner Tower Cafe: ¥35/person, must-try latte art featuring "A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains" · San Yuan Ice Cream: ¥15/person, classic Beijing yogurt + double-skin milk pudding, perfect sweet treats after walking 🎁Souvenirs to Take Home · Palace Museum Cultural Products: Palace Cat figurines (better than petting real cats), Imperial Court Bead Earphones (perfect for multitasking) · Daoxiangcun: Look for the Sanhe logo! Snow flower crisp and date paste pastries so good you'll want to thank the imperial chef 🏨Accommodation Tips · Qiuguo Hotel (Beijing Qianmen Branch): ¥400+/night, 15-min walk to the Palace Museum, features musical smart toilets · Beijing International Youth Hostel: ¥100+/bed, converted traditional courtyard, perfect for meeting fellow travelers 💡Fun Facts 1. Don't take a taxi from Shenwu Gate! Try shared bikes instead (experience Beijing uncles' cycling speed) 2. Jingshan Park entrance fee is ¥2, 10-minute climb for a panoramic view of the palace