Forbidden City (Palace Museum) Admission Ticket

No trip to Beijing is complete without entry into the Forbidden City. Experience one of China's national treasures when you step inside this expansive palace complex. Home to two dynasties of imperial rule, this was the center of administration until the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty in 1911. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Forbidden City is one of the world’s best-preserved ancient palaces.

While mere mortals would have faced severe punishment for stepping inside the palace gates during dynastic rule, entry to the Forbidden City is enjoyed by more than 15 million visitors per year. Step inside to explore over 700 years of history and uncover a sprawling, intricate maze of pathways, courtyards and buildings. With almost 9,000 rooms, its sheer size is simply incredible.

Explore the grounds and see the luxurious life led by the imperial families of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The palace is composed of the inner court, where the families handled daily affairs and kept their living quarters; and the outer court, where the emperors held banquets, important events, and imperial examinations. Aside from the courts, you’ll stumble upon elegant and ornate gardens where family members would have strolled to pass the time.

You can choose from a range of tickets for Forbidden City entry on Trip.com, including admission to the Treasure Gallery and the Hall of Clocks and Watches. You can find the Treasure Gallery in the north-east part of the grounds and see where the Ming Dynasty Empress Dowager Cixi and the imperial concubines once inhabited. The living quarters have now been transformed into a gallery of precious items, including pearls, jade, gold, silver, and furnishings that would have been seen as commonplace to an emperor!

The Hall of Clocks and Watches can be found in the east of the grounds. Here you'll find an impressive array of time-telling devices, including many that were gifts to the imperial family from overseas during the Qing Dynasty. There are over 200 pieces on display from Japan, France, Switzerland, England, and also China. Upgrade your Forbidden City tickets to add on these awesome galleries and make your exploration even more magical.

Since the palace grounds are situated next to several of Beijing’s famous cultural attractions, it’s easy to spend the whole day immersed in the magic of ancient China. Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China, and Mao’s Mausoleum are all a short walk away, so get ready for an unforgettable day of discovery that’s essential to any China trip.