What is Not Included In the Forbidden City Ticket?
Gallery of Clocks and Treasure Gallery in Forbidden City need separate tickets. And nearby attractions like Tiananmen Square and Jingshan Park are not part of Forbidden City ticket.
Is there any Halls not included in Forbidden City Ticket?
These two highly popular and historically significant exhibition halls(Gallery of Clocks and Treasure Gallery) are not covered by your standard Forbidden City entrance ticket.
How to book these 2 exhibitions?
You can book these 2 tickets when you purchase Forbidden City. If you didn’t book them in time, you can scan the QR code in front of the two galleries’ gate in Forbidden City.
Ticket Price
¥ 10 (per person) for each gallery.
What to See in Gallery of Clocks and Treasure Gallery?
The Gallery of Clocks showcases a remarkable collection of intricate timepieces, reflecting centuries of mechanical artistry and technological innovation. From ornate clocks gifted to emperors to elaborate automata, this gallery offers a unique glimpse into the imperial court’s fascination with horology.
The Treasure Gallery is a must-see for anyone interested in the opulent lifestyle of Chinese emperors. It features a dazzling array of royal artifacts, including priceless jewelry, gold, silver, jade, and, significantly, magnificent examples of Chinese ceramics. These ceramic pieces, some dating back centuries, highlight the extraordinary craftsmanship and artistic legacy of China’s pottery traditions, showcasing a spectrum of glazes, forms, and decorative techniques.
What else can I Expect from Forbidden City Tour？
Forbidden City sometimes has current exhibition and showcases rare artifacts such as exquisite jewelry and paintings.
How can I Know the current exhibition?
Search the Forbidden City’ official website (www.dpm.org.cn) on Google, ➡ top menu bar “WHAT’S ON”➡ find “Current Exhibitions” (and click “More”)
In this website, you can check “Current Exhibitions” and “Previous Exhibitions”. You can know the dates:, content, and location of the exhibition.
How to Book the Ticket of Current Exhibition?
Many exhibitions are free (You can check ticket price on the website). But the admission requires a separate reservation (It can be made together with the ticket to the Palace Museum. If you can’t get it, you need to make sure your ticket of Forbidden City. The exhibition tickets may be reserved on-site).
What visitor services will I pay extraly in Forbidden?
Forbidden City ticket does not include services designed to enhance your visit, like tour guide, nor does it cover personal expenses like food and souvenirs.
Does Forbidden City Ticket Include a Guided Tour or Transportation?
No, the standard Forbidden City ticket does not bundle any travel services.
You can pay for a separate guided tour service for delve deeper into the rich history of Forbidden City. These can be booked through official channels, private tour operators, or local agencies. Alternatively, for independent exploration, audio guides are available for rent at an additional fee around 40 yuan, plus a refundable deposit. These audio guides offer narration and context as you navigate the vast complex.
Furthermore, Forbidden City ticket does not include any transportation to or from the Forbidden City. You are responsible for your own arrangements, whether you choose to use Beijing’s efficient subway system, local buses, taxis, or a private car service.
What about Forbidden City Restaurant or Souvenirs?
You can take snack into Forbidden City, but any personal purchases made within the Forbidden City complex are at your own expense.
Forbidden City Restaurant:
There are cafes, snack stands, and small eateries in the Forbidden City, but these need extra payment.
Souvenirs:
Gift shops offer a wide range of memorabilia, from replicas of imperial artifacts to books on Chinese history and, of course, items featuring traditional Chinese ceramics designs. All souvenir purchases are separate.
What can I Expect Beyond the Forbidden City’s Walls?
Visitors are usually advised to visit Forbidden City together with Tiananmen Square and Jingshan Park. While Exploring the surrounding attractions requires separate additional tickets.
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is located south of the Forbidden City’s Meridian Gate. While access to the square itself is free, Tiananmen Rostrum’ ticket price is ¥ 10 yuan(per person).
(Pro tips: Tiananmen Square must be reserved in advance to enter.)
Jingshan Park
Jingshan Park, located directly across from the Forbidden City’s northern gate (Gate of Divine Prowess), offers a fantastic panoramic view of the entire imperial palace complex.
You can buy the ticket on the spot at the park entrance for only ¥ 2(one person).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Forbidden City Tour
Can I visit the Forbidden City without Purchasing any Additional Tickets?
Yes, you can visit the main areas of the Forbidden City with just the standard admission ticket. However, you will not be able to enter the Watches and Clocks Exhibition Hall or the Treasure Gallery, nor will your ticket cover external attractions, guided tours, or personal expenses.
What can I See with Forbidden City Ticket?
The standard Forbidden City ticket grants access to the main palace complex, including its major halls, courtyards, and exhibition areas that are part of the general admission. It allows you to explore the vast historical site that once served as the imperial palace of China.
