Beijing Forbidden City Ticket: Fast Passport Entry & Flexible Times

Summary

Wander imperial halls in Beijing’s Forbidden City at your own pace

You’ll walk straight into Beijing’s Forbidden City with just your passport—no lines for paper tickets or extra steps. Pause under massive gates, listen to stories from your local guide (if you want one), and wander ancient courtyards at your own pace. It’s easy, flexible, and lets you focus on what matters: soaking in centuries of palace secrets.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel small walking up to the Meridian Gate—maybe it was the way the morning haze clung to those red walls, or just knowing how many emperors passed through here before me. We’d booked our Forbidden City ticket online, so when we got there, all I had to do was hand over my passport at one of those numbered lanes on the right (5 through 8, if you’re facing the gate). No paper tickets, no confusion—just a quick scan and we were in. The guard barely glanced up before waving us through. I still remember the faint smell of old stone and something sweet from a vendor nearby.

Inside, it’s quieter than I thought it would be for such a famous place—just the shuffle of feet on ancient bricks and someone’s little kid giggling as they tried to count all the roof animals. Our guide Li told us there are over 9,000 rooms here. I tried to picture that many doors but gave up after a while. She pointed out little details—the golden roof tiles glinting under the April sun (it was already warm), and how each corner animal meant something different. I asked her about life for those old emperors; she just smiled and said, “Lonely, probably.”

The whole thing took maybe two hours, but honestly you could wander much longer if you wanted—there are shady spots where you can just sit and watch people taking selfies or older locals tracing characters in water on the pavement. Leaving was easy too; no need to keep track of any tickets or paperwork. I kept thinking about those first steps through the gate—how simple it all felt despite being somewhere so layered with history. Sometimes travel surprises you like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit the Forbidden City palace

• Arrive at Meridian Gate entrance
• Queue at passages 5 to 8
• Scan passport for entry
• Explore the Forbidden City palace

Top questions

Do I need a paper ticket for the Forbidden City?

No, you only need your passport for entry after booking online.

Where is the entrance to the Forbidden City?

The only entrance is at Meridian Gate (the south gate).

What are the entry times for Forbidden City tickets?

You can enter in the morning (08:30–12:00) or afternoon (11:00–15:30).

Is wheelchair access available at the Forbidden City?

Yes, wheelchair access is available throughout the site.

Are children free at the Forbidden City?

Children under 1.2 meters tall or younger than 6 years old enter free.

Do I need to exchange my online ticket for a physical one?

No exchange needed—just scan your passport at entry.

How long should I plan to spend inside?

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring but you can stay longer.

What’s included

Your day includes pre-booked entrance ticket with direct passport scan access at Meridian Gate—no paper ticket required—and flexibility to choose morning or afternoon entry according to your plans.