10 Useful Tips for Visiting the Forbidden City

There are many obstacles to face when you visit the Forbidden City, such as the huge crowds, getting lost, or missing the highlights of the imperial palace. In order to help you have a wonderful trip in the Forbidden City, here are 10 tips to help you.

1. Preview the History and Culture of the Forbidden City

It seems simple to go sightseeing in the Forbidden City: take photos, visit along the central axis, and admire the majestic Chinese-style wooden architectures. But is this the best way to understand this classic example of precious artwork and to get close to Chinese history and culture? The simple answer is no. If you don't expand your knowledge of the Forbidden City before your trip, you will just observe it without being able to fully experience the strong historic atmosphere there. Other than that, you can watch videos or learn more about Chinese architecture and the history of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1912).

2. Book Your Tickets in Advance

Booking your tickets in advance will help you save time (at least half an hour) and you can skip the long queue in the morning. You can book your tickets on the Forbidden City’s official website or via a credible travel agency, such as TripAdvisor or Ctrip.

3. Have a Good Rest Before Your Trip

The Forbidden City is the largest and best-preserved collection of wooden architecture in the world. It spans across approximately 150,000 square meters and has over 9,000 palaces. Exploring the Forbidden City is a challenge, which takes at least 3 hours. If you want to have a deeper insight into the imperial palace, you can visit it for an entire day or even 2 days. Having a good rest before your trip will help you to have full energy levels when you experience this huge man-made heritage.

4. Be Well-Prepared and Travel Light

Make sure that you can travel easily with your backpack. If not, you will be very uncomfortable with the long time spent walking and visiting the area. Simplify the contents of your bag and just take the necessary items, such as food, a bottle of water, and a camera if you are serious about taking photos.

5. Try to Choose the Ideal Visiting Time to Escape from the Crowds

Going to the Forbidden City early in the morning or late in the afternoon will help you to escape from the crowds. Most tour groups visit it in the morning, so it will be quieter with fewer tourists in the afternoon. Sprinting for a distance when you first enter the Forbidden City is also a good way to get ahead of the crowds, but you have to run quickly and be in good health. Here is a practical article to tell you how to escape from the crowds step by step.

6. Remember to Plan a Suitable Visiting Order

The central axis is the most popular line in the Forbidden City and most visitors are concentrated along it. By contrast, on both sides of the central axis, there are plenty of palaces but nobody visits them. Why don't you spend more time there instead of being crowded by lots of tourists? Changing the regular visiting order is a good idea — visit other palaces and exhibitions first, and then walk along the central axis. There are fewer visitors in the afternoon, so arrange to see this highlight at the end of your tour.

7. Photography Tips for the Forbidden City

Crowds of people often ruin your wonderful photos. How can you avoid this issue? We have two suggestions for you. One is to choose a place that’s far away from most of the visitors, such as the palaces on either side of the central axis. The other is to hold your camera up high and shoot the photos above the crowds.

8. Don't Miss the Precious Exhibitions in the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is not only representative of traditional Chinese architecture but it is also a precious exhibition, which displays the most rare and valuable historic and cultural artworks. Exploring the ancient Chinese culture is a must-do experience in the Forbidden City. Here are three exhibit halls you shouldn't miss.

Hall of Clocks and Watches

Location: Hall for Ancestry Worship
Show times: 11am to 2pm
Ticket price: 10 yuan

China has a very long history of "timers", from water clocks to sundials, which continued until European mechanical watches began to be introduced into China in the late Ming Dynasty. Although hundreds of years have passed by, these delicate and precious clocks from England, France, and Switzerland are still in good working condition today. These clocks are not only examples of practical tools used throughout history but are also regarded today as exquisite craftsmanship artworks.

Treasures Hall

Location: Palace of Peace and Longevity
Ticket price: 10 yuan

Most of the collections in the Forbidden City were made by the royal workshop (Zaobanchu), and some of the treasures were tributes by local officials on festivals. These collections were not only valuable because of the luxurious materials, such as gold, silver, jade, pearl, and gems, but also because of the high levels of design and craftsmanship. You can experience the superior power and dignity held by each emperor, the royal families' luxurious and elegant lifestyles, and the features of that time by admiring the contents of the Treasures Hall.

Ceramic Pavilion

Location: Hall of Literary Glory

China is one of the most ancient countries to make and use pottery. The history of ceramics can be dated back to the middle of the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC). In the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–200), Chinese pottery developed from single colors into various tinctures, such as red, gray, black, white, blue, and multicolored. Since then, Chinese pottery became more and more popular and famous in the world. The Forbidden City is regarded as the largest home to ancient Chinese artworks. There are 400 well-chosen boutiques displayed in the Hall of Literary Glory. It's a good choice to satiate your eyes.

9. Enjoy the Panoramic View of the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park

As well as exploring the Forbidden City by visiting the luxurious palaces, going to Jingshan Park to see the panoramic view of the Forbidden City is a wonderful way to end your trip. You will be greatly surprised by the splendid view across the Imperial City. Its regular layout will be displayed in front of you even though you can't completely go through it yourself. The soft and warm sunset is a lovely way to remember this city.

10. Hire a Guide or Join Our Mini Tour Group

As well as understanding Chinese architecture, history, and culture before your trip, hiring a guide is a must to experience the Forbidden City. However, it might be difficult to find a good guide. Join ourBeijing mini group tour with excellent guides who speak English fluently and understand Chinese history and culture well.This ensures you don't have to worry about your trip and can fully enjoy your Forbidden City tour.