Forbidden City Tour: Understand China’s Imperial Palace

Note 

Small group · Maximum 6 guests 

I can help reserve your tickets free of charge. Booking at least 7 days in advance is recommended, as tickets can sell out quickly.

Why this route? 

The Forbidden City is one of the most famous historical sites in the world. However, many visitors walk through the palace without truly understanding what they are seeing. 

As a Beijinger, I hope to use my local knowledge and passion for history to help you understand the logic behind China’s imperial palace. 

While walking through the Forbidden City, we will explore how emperors ruled the empire, how daily life unfolded inside the palace walls, and how imperial architecture was designed and built. 

Instead of just sightseeing, this tour invites you to see the Forbidden City as a living system of power, culture, and architecture. 

What you’ll experience 

We’ll begin at a hidden gem where you can actually step inside a magnificent imperial hall—something that’s no longer possible inside the Forbidden City itself. It’s the perfect place to experience the scale and craftsmanship of traditional imperial architecture. 

Then, as the nearly 40-meter-tall the main gate of the Forbidden City comes into view, you’ll immediately feel the grandeur and authority of China’s imperial palace. Even after more than 600 years, its presence is still breathtaking. 

Inside the Forbidden City, we’ll go beyond simply looking at beautiful buildings. Using historical photos, visual reconstructions, traditional building materials, and objects preserved inside the palace, I’ll explain how this enormous complex was designed, built, and used. By connecting what we see today with the history behind it, you’ll begin to understand the logic of imperial architecture instead of just walking through it. 

Please note that this tour does not include Tiananmen Square, the Treasure Gallery, or the Clock Gallery.

Additional costs (not included)

* Taimiao (Imperial Ancestral Temple): 17 RMB (2 RMB entrance + 15 RMB Main Hall)

* Forbidden City: 60 RMB

Weather notice

The tour may be adjusted or canceled in case of heavy rain or extreme weather conditions.

Continue Exploring Beijing

After the history and depth of the Forbidden City, ready for something more relaxed and fun? Join my Evening Cycling Tour around the Tiananmen area, ending with sunset views of the Forbidden City and Beijing’s Central Axis from Jingshan Park.

A perfect way to have fun and experience another side of Beijing on your first day!
You can book the tour here: Beijing by Bike: Tiananmen, Old City & Central Axis

After the Tour
Several popular areas are within 1–2 km:
Shichahai (Houhai)
Lakes, hutongs, cafés, restaurants, and Beijing’s famous bar street.
Nanluoguxiang
Beijing’s most famous hutong area, perfect for food, shopping, and exploring side alleys.
Wangfujing
Beijing’s most famous shopping street, with local snacks, souvenirs, and modern malls.