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

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

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.

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.