Beijing: Forbidden City & Tian'anmen Square Walking Tour Tickets

Walk Beijing’s palace halls and city square with stories and secrets

You’ll feel the weight of centuries as you cross Tian’anmen Square and wander Beijing’s Forbidden City with a local guide sharing palace secrets. Expect quiet moments in ancient courtyards, close-up views of imperial treasures, and stories that linger long after you leave through the north gate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Tiananmen Square30m · entry included
2. Forbidden City3h · entry included
3. Treasure Gallery40m · entry included

Explore Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City

• Visit Tiananmen Square for 30 minutes
• Meet guide near Forbidden City at 08:30
• Take 3.5-hour guided Forbidden City tour
• End tour at Forbidden City north gate

The experience

I’ll admit, I was nervous about the crowds at the Forbidden City. You always hear it’s packed. But stepping out onto Tian’anmen Square early that morning, it was just this big sweep of stone and sky, people moving quietly in little groups. Our guide, Li, waved us over with a grin and pointed out the Great Hall of the People across the way. He joked that if we tried to cross the whole square in a sprint, we’d probably need water halfway through. It really is that huge.

The walk up to the palace gates felt almost ceremonial. Everyone craning their necks at those red walls and golden roofs. Li told us a story about how emperors used to process through here, but honestly what got me was the smell of old pine trees near the entrance (I didn’t expect that). Once inside, it’s all shifting light on stone floors and these bursts of color from painted beams. There were moments when it felt oddly peaceful despite all the history pressing in from every side.

I kept lagging behind to look at tiny details: a dragon carved into a stair rail, or some faded paint under an eave. The Treasure Gallery was quieter than I thought it would be. You could hear shoes squeaking on polished floors as Li explained which jade pieces were for luck and which for power. He laughed when I tried to repeat one of the artifact names in Mandarin, definitely butchered it. By noon my feet hurt but I didn’t really want to leave yet. The last thing I saw before we exited at the north gate was sunlight catching on a roof tile, just for a second.

What’s included

Your day covers prebooked entry tickets to both Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City (including Treasure Gallery), plus a guided small-group walking tour starting near the palace gates, so you skip ticket lines and get straight into stories with your local guide before finishing at the north gate by lunchtime.

Options for this experience

4 options

Entry to the Forbidden CityGuide in English or Spanish · Available from 1 Nov · 09:30 and 13:30Pricing covers only Forbidden City admission. A guide is not included, nor is Tian'anmen Square, and there is no need to meet anyone: just enter with your passport. Information needed: Please give the correct passport number and valid contact details. Save our contact number before the trip in case you need it. Starting point: Meridian Gate, 4 Jing Shan Qian Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, China, 100006

Forbidden City, English-language (excludes the Square)08:30 and 12:30Special note: this tour does not cover Tian'anmen Square. Chinese citizens (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents) must book at least 7 days in advance. Meeting point: Subway Line 8, Exit C at JinYu Hutong Station (taxi address: 地铁金鱼胡同站C口). Options include entry tickets to the Forbidden City and the Royal Treasure Museum, plus an English-speaking guide (without T-Square). Duration: 4 hours. Starting point: Bank of China Donganmen Branch, 19 Dong An Men Da Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100006

T-Square and Forbidden City with English guide08:00, 09:30 and 11:30Pricing includes admission to Tian'anmen Square (group checkpoint), the Forbidden City and Treasure Museum, and an English-speaking guide. Meeting point: Laoshe Tea House (Qianmen Branch). By subway, take Metro Line 2 to Hepingmen station, exit at C2 and walk 750 meters east. By taxi: 请带我去老舍茶馆（前门店）（Please take me Laoshe Tea House (Qianmen Branch)）. Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes. Chinese citizens (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents) must book at least 7 days in advance. Starting point: Lao She's Teahouse, China, Bei Jing Shi, Xi Cheng Qu, Qian Men Xi Da Jie, 正阳市场3号楼, postal code 100031

T-Square+ForbidCity(Spanish)11:30Special note: designed for Spanish-speaking travelers, with admission to Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Treasure Gallery. Meeting point: Laoshe Tea House (Qianmen Branch). By subway, take Metro Line 2 to Hepingmen station, exit at C2 and walk 750 meters east. By taxi: 请带我去老舍茶馆（前门店）（Please take me Laoshe Tea House (Qianmen Branch)）. Duration: 11 days 6 hours. Chinese citizens (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents) must book at least 7 days in advance. Starting point: Lao She's Teahouse, China, Bei Jing Shi, Xi Cheng Qu, Qian Men Xi Da Jie, 正阳市场3号楼, postal code 100031

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to Sunday6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (7 to 90 years) · Infant (1 to 6 years): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by BEIJING BOTRIP TOUR HOLIDAY COMPANY CO., LTD.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

In English, with 6 departure times. In Spanish, at 09:30, 11:30 and 13:30.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (1 to 6 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the Forbidden City tour last?

The guided tour lasts about 3.5 hours after meeting near the Forbidden City at 8:30 AM.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included. You meet your guide near the Forbidden City.

Are tickets to both Tian’anmen Square and Forbidden City included?

Yes, all admission-related options include entry tickets. Check your option for specifics.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The site is generally wheelchair accessible but not recommended for travelers with limited mobility.

Can infants join this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What time does the tour start?

You meet your guide at 8:30 AM nearby Forbidden City. Main tour begins shortly after.

Do I need to provide passport details when booking?

Yes, full name, nationality, and passport number are required upon booking for ticketing purposes.