Beijing Forbidden City: Fast Entry Ticket with Passport

Summary

Pre-booked entry to Beijing’s Forbidden City lets you skip lines and wander freely

You’ll skip long ticket lines at Beijing’s Forbidden City by booking ahead — just show your passport for fast entry. Wander through ancient halls at your own pace, guided by local tips or on your own schedule, morning or afternoon. Feel the history underfoot and catch small moments most visitors miss — it’s an experience that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost gave up when I saw the line outside the Forbidden City. It was one of those mornings in Beijing where the air felt thick, and everyone seemed to have the same idea. But since we’d booked our tickets online, we just walked right past the crowd (felt a bit smug, not gonna lie). All we had to do was show our passports at the Meridian Gate — no paper tickets or cash needed. The guard barely glanced at us before waving us through.

The first thing that hit me inside was this faint smell of old wood and stone dust, mixed with something floral from a nearby vendor. Our local guide, Mrs. Zhang, pointed out how every roof tile had its own story — she even laughed when I tried repeating “Zijin Cheng” in Mandarin (I definitely butchered it). We wandered slowly, sometimes just standing still while tour groups rushed by. There’s this echo under your feet in some courtyards that makes you want to whisper instead of talk.

We took our time — nobody hurried us. At one point I lost track of which hall we were in because the names started blending together, but Mrs. Zhang didn’t mind my confusion. She said most locals haven’t seen half these corners either. By noon, sunlight made everything look gold and dusty. If you go for a day trip to the Forbidden City from central Beijing, just remember there’s a 15-minute walk from the East Gate to get in (I nearly missed that detail). Honestly, I still think about how quiet it felt behind those massive red walls.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit the Forbidden City

• Arrive at Forbidden City East Gate
• Show passport and enter at Meridian Gate
• Exit from North Gate (Gate of Divine and Prowess)

Top questions

How do I enter the Forbidden City with a pre-booked ticket?

Show your passport at the Meridian Gate (South Gate) entrance; no paper ticket is needed.

Can I visit the Forbidden City in the morning or afternoon?

You can choose either a morning or afternoon slot when booking; morning tickets expire after 12:00pm.

Is transportation included with this ticket?

No, you need to make your own way to the Forbidden City East Gate.

What documents are required for entry?

You must provide your overseas passport front page and a valid WhatsApp number after booking.

Where do I exit after visiting?

You exit through the North Gate (Gate of Divine and Prowess).

Are Chinese citizens allowed to use this ticket?

No, only overseas passport holders are accepted; Chinese passports/IDs are not eligible.

How far is it from East Gate to the entry checkpoint?

It’s about a 15-minute walk from East Gate to Meridian Gate (entry checkpoint).

Is English spoken by staff at entry?

Basic English may be spoken; if you can’t speak English, booking is not recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes pre-booked entrance tickets for overseas visitors (using your passport as your ticket), flexible timing for either morning or afternoon visits, and all necessary instructions sent via WhatsApp before travel—just make your own way to the East Gate and enjoy exploring at your own pace once inside.