Beijing Tiananmen & Forbidden City + Summer Palace Tour (Korean-speaking Guide)
- Beijing City Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square
- The Forbidden City, the world's largest palace.. Hear the stories of the Forbidden City where 24 emperors resided for about 600 years..
- The Summer Palace, the imperial summer retreat beloved by Empress Dowager Cixi!
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | City walking tour, Historic site tour |
| Transport | Walking |
Product Info
▶︎City Tour: Tiananmen & Forbidden City, Summer Palace
City Tour
Schedule
Purchase Notice
- Closed every Monday.
- Tickets for the Forbidden City will automatically close when sold out. (Sales begin 7 days prior to departure.)
- The order of the Forbidden City and the Ihwa Garden may be changed.
- During peak season, you can also tour Tiananmen Square by car (7-seater).
- We will provide time for lunch near Ihwa Garden or inside the Forbidden City.
Reminders
A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 7 day(s) before the departure date
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Admission tickets will not be included for travelers under the age of 5 and are required to be purchased on-site
FAQ
1. Why is the Forbidden City in Beijing referred to as 'Forbidden'?
The Forbidden City earned its name because it was inaccessible to ordinary citizens. For nearly 500 years, only the emperor, imperial family, eunuchs, and officials were permitted entry. It served as the imperial palace for two dynasties, symbolizing supreme power and a highly restricted realm.
2. What is the historical significance of the number of rooms in the Forbidden City?
The Forbidden City is traditionally said to have 9,999 rooms, or bays. This number is strategically close to 10,000, which in ancient China represented perfection and infinity, reserved only for the divine. The number was intentionally kept slightly less than 10,000 to show respect for the Jade Emperor, who was believed to reside in a celestial palace with 10,000 rooms.
3. Does anyone currently reside within the Forbidden City complex?
No, no one resides within the Forbidden City complex today. After the last emperor, Puyi, was expelled in 1924, the site was gradually transformed into the Palace Museum. It now functions as a vast museum and cultural heritage site, open to visitors for educational and historical exploration.
4. What are the general visiting hours for the Forbidden City?
The Forbidden City generally operates from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM during peak season (April to October) and 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM during off-peak season (November to March). It is typically closed on Mondays, except for public holidays. Visitors should check the official schedule for exact timings, as last entry is usually an hour before closing.
5. How can visitors walk from Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City entrance?
Visitors can easily walk from Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City. After passing through Tiananmen Gate, you simply cross the street and proceed north to the Meridian Gate (Wumen), which serves as the main entrance to the Forbidden City. The walk is straightforward and takes only a few minutes, offering views of the historical surroundings.
6. What are the public transportation options, including metro lines, to reach the Forbidden City?
The Forbidden City is highly accessible by public transport. The most common method is taking the Beijing Metro. Take Line 1 to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West Station, then walk north towards Tiananmen Gate and the Meridian Gate entrance. Several bus routes also serve the area, with stops conveniently located near Tiananmen Square.
7. What is the recommended duration to explore the Forbidden City comprehensively?
To explore the Forbidden City comprehensively, a visit duration of at least 3 to 4 hours is recommended. This allows ample time to walk through the main halls, courtyards, and exhibition areas, absorbing the historical atmosphere and scale of the imperial palace. For a more detailed experience, including the side halls and gardens, a full day might be preferable.
8. How does one purchase admission tickets for the Forbidden City?
Admission tickets for the Forbidden City are primarily purchased online in advance. It is highly recommended to book tickets through official channels or trusted travel platforms like KKday. Booking through KKday offers the convenience of pre-arranging your entry, often as part of a tour package that includes transportation and a guide, ensuring a smoother visit to this popular historical site.
