When we planned our short trip to China, I knew we’d see some incredible things. But I didn’t expect the Forbidden Cityto leave such a lasting impression—especially on my son. For him, it was one of the 4 experiences in our whole China trip and top 3 in Beijing he was excited for and had on his list. Standing on those vast, ancient palace grounds—ones he’d only seen on TV—left him wide-eyed, quiet, and reverent. It was one of those travel moments you never forget.
If you’re planning your own visit, especially with kids, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Forbidden City?
The Forbidden City (also called the Palace Museum) was home to 24 emperors over nearly 500 years, from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. Completed in 1420, this massive imperial complex was literally forbidden to ordinary people for centuries—it was the center of Chinese power and mystery.
It’s the world’s largest palace complex, with over 980 buildings and covering 180 acres. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, it offers a mind-blowing look at imperial architecture, traditional symbolism, and Chinese history you can feel under your feet.
How to Buy Tickets
You must book tickets in advance. You cannot just walk up and buy them at the gate.
Here’s how:
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Purchase online through the official Palace Museum website, but this site is in Chinese and requires a local payment method.
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For travelers, it’s much easier to:
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Book tickets via Trip.com, Klook, or WeChat/Alipay mini programs.
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Or ask your hotel concierge or a local guide to help with booking.
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Important Tips:
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Tickets open 7 days in advance and sell out quickly, especially during weekends or holidays.
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Bring your passport—it serves as your ticket.
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Select a specific entry time when booking (usually between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm). We did morning entry and had until 11:30 Am to enter.
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Tickets cost around 60 CNY (~$8 USD), with discounts for kids and seniors.
We used WeChat to book, and it was smooth once we figured it out.
How to Get There
There are two main ways to get to the Forbidden City if you're staying in central Beijing:
1. By Metro (Subway) – Recommended
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Take Line 1 to Tian’anmen East or Tian’anmen West Station.
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Follow signs to Exit A or Exit B for Tian’anmen Square.
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From the metro, walk through security (yes, even for pedestrians) before entering the Forbidden City’s south gate, Meridian Gate (Wumen).
We found the metro fast, clean, and easy with kids. Just avoid rush hour if possible.
2. By Didi (Ride-hailing app)
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Didi (China’s Uber) is cheap and reliable, but traffic around Tian’anmen can get crazy.
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Have the driver drop you at East Chang’an Avenue, then walk the last 5–10 minutes.
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Always show the destination in Chinese: "故宫博物院 南门" (Palace Museum South Gate).
Visiting Tips
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Enter from the South (Meridian Gate) and exit from the North Gate (Gate of Divine Might)—the Forbidden City is one-way only.
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Allocate at least 2–3 hours, though you could spend a full day here.
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Rent an audio guide at the gate or use a self-guided app if you’re not with a tour.
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Bring snacks and water—there are options inside, but can get pricy.
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The complex is stroller-friendly in some areas but has many stone steps and uneven ground.
Kid Tip: You can create a mini scavenger hunt. Let your chid spot dragon motifs, giant cauldrons, and the gold-tiled rooftops. It will keep them engaged and make the history come alive.
What You’ll See Inside
Some major highlights include:
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Meridian Gate (Wumen): Towering and majestic, it sets the tone right away.
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Hall of Supreme Harmony: The largest and most important building—it’s where emperors were crowned.
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Palace of Heavenly Purity: The emperor’s main living quarters.
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Imperial Garden: A serene space with ancient cypress trees, rockeries, and beautiful pavilions.
It’s easy to get “palace fatigue,” so pace yourself and pick a few areas to focus on deeply.
My son, who is a movie buff, stood in the center courtyard and whispered, “This is where Karate Kid was filmed, this is where emperors once walked” That sense of awe, of stepping into something so grand and ancient, is exactly what travel is about for us. We didn’t rush. We sat on a stone ledge, had a snack as we watched people whizz by, and soaked in the atmosphere.
He later said it was one of his favorite places in China, and honestly, I felt the same.
Final Tips Before You Go
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Bring your passport (you’ll need it to enter).
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Download a VPN before your trip so you can access Google/Instagram etc.
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Use offline maps or Gaode/AMap in English to navigate.
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Get there early (ideally before 9:30 am) to beat the crowds.
Visiting the Forbidden City is not just a history lesson—it’s an immersive experience that humbles you. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a history buff, or a parent traveling with kids, this is a must-see in Beijing.
And for us, it was a travel memory etched in stone, gold, and awe.
