Respect rules|What are not Allowed in Forbidden City?
This travel guide tells you some respect rules and what are not allowed in Forbidden City in your Beijing tour. It’s not only for security and crowd management but also for the preservation of this priceless historical and cultural legacy.
Notice for Tourists
- No Touching Artifacts: Visitors must maintain a safe distance from all historical items and exhibits. Touching can cause damage from oils, dirt, or accidental impacts.
- No Smoking or Vaping: Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited throughout the entire museum complex, both indoors and outdoors, to protect the structures and ensure visitor health.
- Prohibited Activities: Camping, defacing surfaces, carving graffiti, climbing on balustrades, staging unauthorized performances, or flying kites/balloons are all forbidden. Disobeying staff instructions can lead to ejection.
What are not Allowed to be Taken in Forbidden City?
There are four kinds of items are prohibited being brought in. The security check at the entrance is very strict to ensure the preservation of its ancient artifacts.
Dangerous Objects and Flammable Materials
You must not bring any items that could pose a risk to the structures, artifacts, or other visitors. This includes:
- Weapons and Sharp Objects: Knives, multi-tools, firearms, ammunition, explosives, and even imitation or toy weapons are strictly prohibited.
- Fire-Starting Items: Lighters, matches, flammable liquids, and aerosols are banned to prevent fire hazards in the wooden palace structures.
- Corrosive Chemicals and Illegal Substances: These are also not allowed under any circumstances.
Photo Restrictions
While personal photography is generally allowed in outdoor areas, specific equipment is banned to protect historical environment. Commercial photography isn’t allowed.
- Tripods and Selfie Sticks Over 1.3 meter: Small phone stands and selfie sticks not exceeding 1.3 meters are generally allowed. But large tripods over 1.3 meters are prohibited. Those will obstruct pathways, damage the site, or disturb other visitors.
- Flash Photography Indoors: Using flash inside any halls or palaces is strictly prohibited, as the light can cause irreversible damage to sensitive artifacts and murals.
(Pro Advice: The strictness against placing your devices on the historical surfaces in the Forbidden City.)
Food, Drinks, and Pets
Food and Drinks: Water bottles and snack are acceptable, but don’t bring food with strong odour, such as Durian, self-heating hotpot.
Pets: The only admitted is certified guide dogs accompanying visually impaired visitors. The other animals, including emotional support animals, are not allowed into the Forbidden City.
Large Baggage
Large bags(typically larger than 40 × 30 cm) are not permitted inside the Forbidden City complex. Camping equipment, luggage cases, trolleys, are also strictly prohibited. And you can deposit them at bag check.
Is there a Place to Keep my Baggage?
Yes. It’s free to check baggage in the Palace Museum.
Where can I Keep my Baggage?
You can check your large bags near the Meridian Gate (午门 in Chinese). Bag Claim is on the east side of Gate of Godly Prowess(神武门 in Chinese) or north side of East Prosperity Gate(东华门 in Chinese), and you can choose them according your travel route. Don’t miss your luggage card.
Baggage Claim Time:
- Apr. 1st to Oct. 31st:
Storage(Meridian Gate): 08:30a.m.-16:00p.m.
Pick up(Gate of Godly Prowess): 09:30a.m.-17:10p.m. - Nov. 1st to Mar. 31st
Storage(Meridian Gate): 08:30a.m.-15:30p.m.
Pick up(Gate of Godly Prowess): 09:30a.m.-16:40p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Forbidden City tour
Is there a Place to Smoke in Forbidden City?
No. Smoking is prohibited in all Forbidden City. The nearest smoking spot is outside.
Are Drones Allowed in the Forbidden City?
No. Drones is strictly prohibited throughout the entire Forbidden City complex. If you want to take a panoramic view of the Forbidden City, you can go to Jingshan Park.
What’s Meaning of Walking over the Threshold in the Forbidden City?
It’s about respect and tradition. In ancient China, thresholds were sacred barriers believed to block evil spirits and protect the home. Stepping on them showed disrespect to the spirits, the imperial family, and the palace itself. For the emperor, crossing the threshold symbolized humility and reverence.
Why is the Bronze Lion in front of Gate of Supreme Harmony enclosed?
It’s aim to avoid touching. These 600-year-old guardians aren’t just decorations, but they’re irreplaceable cultural treasures. Touching them transfers oils and acids from your skin, slowly damaging the delicate bronze patina. In Chinese tradition, lions symbolize protection and power; rubbing them for “luck” disrespects their sacred role.
