How to Get Forbidden City Tickets
Forbidden City tickets are online only, with your real name and passport, released 7 days ahead at 8 pm Beijing time, and popular dates sell out in minutes. Tickets cost 60 yuan (April to October) or 40 yuan (November to March). It's closed on Mondays, except public holidays. Bring the same passport you booked with, and enter at 8:30 am opening.
- Peak season (Apr-Oct)
- 60 yuan
- Off season (Nov-Mar)
- 40 yuan
- Treasure and Clock galleries
- 10 yuan each
- Booking
- Online, 7 days ahead at 8 pm Beijing time
- ID
- Passport used to book
- Closed
- Mondays (except public holidays)
- Daily limit
- 40,000 visitors
- Time to allow
- 3-4 hours
How busy is the Forbidden City?
Even with a 40,000-a-day cap, the central axis through the great halls is packed, especially during Chinese holidays like Golden Week (early October) and summer. The side palaces to the east and west are much quieter.
Before you go, check how busy the Forbidden City is likely to be. BeatTheCrowd shows the live crowd level and an hourly forecast for any date, adjusted for Chinese holidays, school breaks and weather.
Check today’s crowds at Forbidden City →Best (and worst) times to go
- 8:30 am opening: the main halls before the tour groups.
- Weekdays in November to March: the quietest season.
- Worst: Golden Week, May Day and summer weekends.
Our hourly forecast for the Forbidden City shows how busy each hour is expected to be on your date.
Check today’s crowds at Forbidden City →