Step into China’s Crown Jewel
Dominating the heart of Beijing along its ancient central axis stands the Forbidden City (故宫, Gùgōng), known historically as the Purple Forbidden City (紫禁城, Zǐjìnchéng). Built over 14 years starting in 1406, this imperial palace served 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly five centuries. In 1925, it transformed into the Palace Museum, opening its once-secretive gates to the world. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site—a 720,000 sq m complex with 8,707 wooden rooms—remains the world’s largest and best-preserved imperial palace.

Must-See Treasures: Where History Lives

The Three Great Halls: Experience imperial power at its peak.

Hall of Supreme Harmony (Throne Hall): Witness where emperors were crowned. Marvel at its 72 giant pillars and unique golden dragon columns supporting a 2,377 sq m space. Don’t miss the 10 mythical roof guardians—the only complete set surviving in China.
Hall of Central Harmony: The emperor’s preparation chamber before rituals. Its unique square design embodies ancient Chinese cosmic beliefs.
Hall of Preserving Harmony: Qing Dynasty’s imperial exam hall. Admire the massive 250-ton Marble Ramp with dragon carvings—a feat of ancient engineering.
Imperial Living Quarters: Peek into royal domestic life.

Palace of Heavenly Purity: The emperor’s former bedroom. Discover the “secret edict box” behind the “Upright and Honest” plaque, where Qing succession plans were hidden.
Hall of Union: Empress’ ceremonial space, displaying 25 Imperial Seals.
Palace of Compassion and Tranquility: Home to empress dowagers, featuring a theater and Buddhist hall built by Emperor Qianlong for his mother.
Stunning Collections:

Treasure Gallery: See legendary artifacts like the “Gold Cup of Eternal Stability” and the monumental “Jade Mountain of Yu the Great.”
Clock Gallery: Be mesmerized by intricate 18th-century European automaton clocks gifted to Chinese emperors.
Architectural Gems:

Imperial Garden: A peaceful oasis with ancient trees, pavilions, and year-round blooms.
Corner Towers: Especially the Southeast Tower—renowned as the palace’s most beautiful structure with its complex wooden framework.
Experience the Palace Like a Local

Special Exhibitions: Travel through time at shows like “The Forbidden City & Versailles,” exploring 17th-century cultural exchanges between China and France.
Digital Exploration: View 1.86 million artifacts online, including the famous scroll painting “A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains.”
Unique Activities:
Attend the magical Lantern Festival Night when the palace glows with lights.
Join a workshop to try traditional wood restoration techniques (mortise-and-tenon joints).
Photographer’s Tips:
Capture the empty grandeur of Throne Hall Square 30 minutes before closing.
Shoot the illuminated Southeast Corner Tower reflecting in the moat near Donghua Gate at 7 PM—a favorite Instagram spot.
Your Essential Visit Guide

Tickets & Booking:
Prices: Apr-Oct: ¥60 | Nov-Mar: ¥40. Treasure/Clock Galleries: ¥10 each.
Book Early! Reserve tickets 7 days in advance at 8 PM Beijing time via the official “Palace Museum” WeChat mini-program. Discounts for students/seniors.
Opening Hours:
Apr-Oct: 8:30 AM – 5 PM (last entry 4 PM)
Nov-Mar: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry 3:30 PM)
Closed Mondays (except national holidays).
Smart Routes:
Quick Visit (2 hrs): Meridian Gate → Throne Hall → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Imperial Garden → North Gate.
Half-Day Deep Dive: Meridian Gate → Hall of Literary Brilliance → Three Great Halls → Clock Gallery → Treasure Gallery → Eastern Palaces → Imperial Garden.
Avoid Crowds: Enter via Donghua (East) Gate, walk the wall to quieter areas, or explore galleries in reverse order.
Key Tips:
Bring: Passport/ID (mandatory), power bank (under 20,000 mAh).
Leave Behind: Lighters, tripods, selfie sticks.
Dining: Book online for popular spots like the Icehouse Restaurant or Kunning Palace Afternoon Tea.
Help Preserve This Treasure
Every brick and artifact here whispers stories of China’s past. Please:

Never touch displays or climb structures.
Use designated bins for trash.
Together, we protect this heritage for future generations.
More Than a Palace—A Living History
The Forbidden City isn’t just architecture; it’s a journey through China’s soul. Feel history’s pulse, marvel at artistic genius, and connect with centuries of culture. In 2025, the Palace Museum welcomes you anew. Whether framed by spring blossoms, summer’s lush greenery, golden autumn ginkgos, or winter’s serene snowscape, there’s always a perfect season to explore.

Begin your conversation across six centuries—plan your visit today!

Key adaptations for international readers:

Simplified Structure: Removed rigid numbering, using clear subheadings.
Natural Flow: Rephrased formal/prose-heavy Chinese into concise, engaging English.
Cultural Translation: Explained concepts like “天圆地方” (cosmic beliefs), “孝道” (filial devotion) functionally.
Prioritized Relevance: Focused on what visitors see/experience rather than exhaustive historical data.
Active Voice & Imperatives: “Marvel at,” “Discover,” “Book Early!”
Practical Emphasis: Highlighted booking times, crowd-avoidance tips, photo spots.
Western Terminology: Used “Throne Hall” for 太和殿 (more intuitive than “Supreme Harmony”).
Reduced Proper Nouns: Used “Imperial Garden” more than “御花园 (Yù Huāyuán)” after first mention.
Visual Language: “whispers stories,” “glows with lights,” “golden autumn ginkgos.”
Clear Calls to Action: “Plan your visit today!”